BLU REAL ESTATE CAFE

SCORE: 31 POINTS

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Overview

BLU REAL ESTATE CAFE in Upper West Side Lincoln Square underwent a NYC health inspection on November 15, 2023 and scored 31 points. The inspection found 4 violations, including 4 critical.

Address
120 RIVERSIDE BOULEVARD
Manhattan, NY 10069
Cuisine
Coffee/Tea
Inspection Type
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
Violations
4 total
⚠ 4 critical
Facility History
3 inspections

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 06A

Personal cleanliness inadequate

Personal cleanliness is inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn where required. Jewelry worn on hands or arms. Fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Poor hygiene transfers pathogens; contaminated clothing spreads bacteria throughout facility

📋 Code Requirements

Clean outer garments; hair restraints; no jewelry; short, clean fingernails; no nail polish

CDC Risk Factor: Poor Personal Hygiene
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.13
⚠ CRITICAL 04A

Food Protection Certificate Not Held by Supervisor

Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.

⚠️ Why This Matters

KNOWLEDGE GAP: Establishments without certified managers have 2.5x more critical violations. Lack of food safety knowledge directly correlates with foodborne illness outbreaks. Certified managers reduce outbreak risk by 60% through proper training and oversight.

📋 Code Requirements

Obtain Food Protection Certificate immediately through NYC-approved course. Certificate holder must be present ALL operating hours. Post certificate conspicuously. Maintain valid certification (renew every 5 years). Train all staff on food safety basics.

CDC Risk Factor: Poor Personal Hygiene - Knowledge Factor
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.15
⚠ CRITICAL 04H

Food Contaminated or Cross-Contaminated

Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.

⚠️ Why This Matters

PATHOGEN SPREAD: Cross-contamination spreads deadly bacteria throughout facility. One contaminated cutting board can transfer Salmonella to 20+ food items. Causes multi-victim outbreaks. E. coli O157:H7 from raw beef can cause kidney failure in children.

📋 Code Requirements

Prevent ALL cross-contamination: Separate equipment for raw and ready-to-eat, Color-coded cutting boards, Proper storage order (raw below ready-to-eat), Clean and sanitize between different foods, Cover all foods, Change gloves between tasks.

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Cross-Contamination
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.07
⚠ CRITICAL 06C

Food not protected from contamination

Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Unprotected food exposed to bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and physical contaminants

📋 Code Requirements

Cover all food; store 6 inches off floor; protect from customer contamination; use sneeze guards

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Protection from Contamination
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.09
Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

View Facility Profile →

BLU REAL ESTATE CAFE — Inspection Questions

Did BLU REAL ESTATE CAFE pass their NYC health inspection on November 15, 2023?
BLU REAL ESTATE CAFE underwent inspection on November 15, 2023 with a score of 31 points. The inspection found 4 violation(s).
What critical violations did BLU REAL ESTATE CAFE have?
BLU REAL ESTATE CAFE had 4 critical violation(s) during their inspection. Critical violations directly contribute to foodborne illness and must be corrected immediately. These include issues with temperature control, hand washing, cross-contamination, and pest infestations.
What does violation code 06A mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 06A (Personal cleanliness inadequate) is a critical violation. Food workers must maintain high standards of personal cleanliness Poor hygiene transfers pathogens; contaminated clothing spreads bacteria throughout facility
What does violation code 04A mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 04A (Food Protection Certificate Not Held by Supervisor) is a critical violation. At least one supervisor with NYC Food Protection Certificate must be present during all hours of operation. KNOWLEDGE GAP: Establishments without certified managers have 2.5x more critical violations. Lack of food safety knowledge directly correlates with foodborne illness outbreaks. Certified managers reduce outbreak risk by 60% through proper training and oversight.
What does violation code 04H mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 04H (Food Contaminated or Cross-Contaminated) is a critical violation. Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, or cross-contaminated during storage, preparation, or service. PATHOGEN SPREAD: Cross-contamination spreads deadly bacteria throughout facility. One contaminated cutting board can transfer Salmonella to 20+ food items. Causes multi-victim outbreaks. E. coli O157:H7 from raw beef can cause kidney failure in children.
What does violation code 06C mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 06C (Food not protected from contamination) is a critical violation. All food must be protected from contamination during storage, prep, display and service Unprotected food exposed to bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and physical contaminants