BLUE MOUNTAIN HEIGHTS CAFE & BAR

GRADE A

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Overview

BLUE MOUNTAIN HEIGHTS CAFE & BAR in Washington Heights (South) received a Grade A on their NYC health inspection on April 6, 2023, scoring 12 points. The inspection found 4 violations, including 3 critical.

Address
499 WEST 158 STREET
Manhattan, NY 10032
Cuisine
Caribbean
Inspection Type
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
Violations
4 total
⚠ 3 critical
Facility History
6 inspections

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 02B

Hot TCS Food Not Held at 140°F or Above

Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.

⚠️ Why This Matters

BACTERIAL MULTIPLICATION: At 120°F, Clostridium perfringens doubles every 10 minutes. Can reach illness-causing levels within 1 hour. This bacteria causes 1 million US cases annually with severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea lasting 24 hours. Hot holding violations responsible for 40% of restaurant outbreaks.

📋 Code Requirements

Maintain ALL hot foods at 140°F minimum. Check temperatures every 30 minutes for problem foods, every 2 hours otherwise. Use calibrated thermometers. Adjust equipment immediately if below 140°F. Reheat to 165°F if below temp for under 2 hours. DISCARD if below 140°F for over 2 hours.

CDC Risk Factor: Improper Holding/Time & Temperature - CDC Risk Factor #3
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.09(a)
⚠ CRITICAL 10G

Dishwashing facilities inadequate

Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Inadequate dishwashing spreads bacteria across all utensils and tableware

📋 Code Requirements

Three-compartment sink or approved dishwasher; proper wash, rinse, sanitize procedures

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Protection from Contamination
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.21
⚠ CRITICAL 20-04

NYC Health Code Violation 20-04

“Choking first aid” poster not posted. “Alcohol and Pregnancy” warning sign not posted. Resuscitation equipment: exhaled air resuscitation masks (adult & pediatric), latex gloves, sign not posted.

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 20-04 to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.

📋 Code Requirements

Follow NYC Health Code Article 81 requirements. Implement corrective action immediately. Document all corrections. Train staff on proper procedures. Schedule follow-up inspection if critical.

• MAJOR 16-02

NYC Health Code Violation 16-02

The original nutrition fact labels or ingredient label for a cooking oil, shortening or margarine or food item sold in bulk, or acceptable manufacturer’s documentation not maintained on site.

⚠️ Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RISK: This violation supports conditions allowing bacterial growth and pest activity. NYC Health Code Violation 16-02 violations associated with 25% increase in illness risk. Correction required within 24-48 hours.

📋 Code Requirements

Follow NYC Health Code Article 81 requirements. Implement corrective action immediately. Document all corrections. Train staff on proper procedures. Schedule follow-up inspection if critical.

Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

View Facility Profile →

BLUE MOUNTAIN HEIGHTS CAFE & BAR — Inspection Questions

Did BLUE MOUNTAIN HEIGHTS CAFE & BAR pass their NYC health inspection on April 6, 2023?
BLUE MOUNTAIN HEIGHTS CAFE & BAR passed with an A grade on April 6, 2023 with a score of 12 points. The inspection found 4 violation(s).
What critical violations did BLUE MOUNTAIN HEIGHTS CAFE & BAR have?
BLUE MOUNTAIN HEIGHTS CAFE & BAR had 3 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 02B mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 02B (Hot TCS Food Not Held at 140°F or Above) is a critical violation. Hot potentially hazardous foods must be maintained at 140°F or above to prevent rapid bacterial growth in the danger zone (41-140°F). BACTERIAL MULTIPLICATION: At 120°F, Clostridium perfringens doubles every 10 minutes. Can reach illness-causing levels within 1 hour. This bacteria causes 1 million US cases annually with severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea lasting 24 hours. Hot holding violations responsible for 40% of restaurant outbreaks.
What does violation code 10G mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 10G (Dishwashing facilities inadequate) is a major violation. Proper warewashing facilities and procedures required to sanitize equipment Inadequate dishwashing spreads bacteria across all utensils and tableware
What does violation code 20-04 mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 20-04 (NYC Health Code Violation 20-04) is a critical violation. Violation of NYC Health Code requirements HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 20-04 to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.
What does violation code 16-02 mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 16-02 (NYC Health Code Violation 16-02) is a major violation. Violation of NYC Health Code requirements CONTAMINATION RISK: This violation supports conditions allowing bacterial growth and pest activity. NYC Health Code Violation 16-02 violations associated with 25% increase in illness risk. Correction required within 24-48 hours.