Bronx, NY — La Salle Grocery at 1232 Randall Avenue received a Grade C rating after health inspectors documented critical violations during an inspection conducted on August 28, 2007. The establishment received a score of 49 points, placing it in the Grade C category requiring corrective action.

What Inspectors Found

Health department inspectors identified a critical violation during their inspection of the Randall Avenue location. The establishment lacked proper hand washing facilities in or near the food preparation area and toilet room, a fundamental requirement for food service operations.

Inspectors documented that hot and cold running water at adequate pressure was not provided at the facility. Additionally, soap and an acceptable hand-drying device were not available, creating conditions that prevent proper hand hygiene practices essential for food safety.

This violation falls under NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.13, which establishes mandatory standards for hand washing facilities in food service establishments. The regulation requires that hand washing sinks be conveniently located, properly equipped, and accessible to food workers at all times during operations.

Food Safety Context

Hand washing facilities serve as a primary defense against foodborne illness transmission in food service settings. The FDA Food Code identifies hand washing as one of five key risk factors that contribute to foodborne illness outbreaks. Without adequate facilities, food workers cannot maintain proper hand hygiene between tasks, after using restrooms, or when switching from handling raw to ready-to-eat foods.

NYC Health Code Article 81 requires that hand washing sinks be equipped with hot and cold running water under pressure, supplied with soap, and provided with single-use paper towels or approved hand-drying devices. These facilities must be located within or immediately adjacent to food preparation areas and toilet rooms to ensure accessibility when needed.

The critical violation documented at this inspection indicates conditions that health officials consider a direct threat to public health, requiring immediate correction to prevent potential contamination of food products.

Inspection History

La Salle Grocery has been subject to regular health department oversight, with inspection records showing variable compliance over time:

  • July 8, 2008: Score 27 (Grade N - Not Yet Graded)
  • June 9, 2008: Score 5, reopened following previous closure
  • May 7, 2008: Score 85, closed by DOHMH
  • October 31, 2007: Score 11
  • October 12, 2007: Score 28
  • September 18, 2007: Score 29

The inspection history shows the establishment was closed in May 2008 after receiving a score of 85 points, then reopened in June 2008 with a substantially improved score of 5 points. The current inspection on August 28, 2007, with a score of 49 points, occurred prior to that closure period.

Note that this inspection was conducted on August 28, 2007, with data released by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on March 13, 2026. The historical nature of this data means current conditions at this location may differ significantly from those documented in this inspection report.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on points accumulated during inspections:

  • Grade A: 0-13 points (excellent compliance)
  • Grade B: 14-27 points (needs improvement)
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (requires corrective action)

Scores of 28 points or higher, like the 49 points documented at this inspection, fall into the Grade C category. Critical violations can carry point values ranging from 5 to 7 points each, depending on the specific nature of the violation and its potential impact on public health.

Establishments receiving Grade C ratings must correct violations and typically undergo re-inspection to demonstrate compliance with health code requirements.

Public Health Resources

New York City residents can access current restaurant inspection data through the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website at nyc.gov/health. The department maintains a searchable database of all inspections conducted at food service establishments throughout the five boroughs.

Consumers with questions about food safety or concerns about specific establishments can contact 311 to file reports or request information about restaurant inspection records.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for La Salle Grocery including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.