BUSHWICK TACO COMPANY

SCORE: 29 POINTS

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Overview

BUSHWICK TACO COMPANY in Bushwick (East) underwent a NYC health inspection on December 7, 2022 and scored 29 points. The inspection found 4 violations, including 4 critical.

Address
839 KNICKERBOCKER AVENUE
Brooklyn, NY 11207
Cuisine
Tex-Mex
Inspection Type
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
Violations
4 total
⚠ 4 critical
Facility History
4 inspections

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 10F

Non-food Contact Surfaces Not Clean

Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.

⚠️ Why This Matters

INDIRECT CONTAMINATION: Dirty non-food surfaces harbor pests and bacteria. Employees touch these surfaces then food. Accumulation attracts roaches and rodents. Creates reservoir of contamination that spreads throughout facility.

📋 Code Requirements

Clean all non-food surfaces regularly: Walls, ceilings, floors daily in food areas, Equipment exteriors, Storage shelves, Light fixtures monthly. Seal cracks. Repair damaged surfaces. Maintain cleaning schedule. Assign responsibilities.

CDC Risk Factor: Environmental Contamination
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.23
⚠ CRITICAL 02H

Food Not Cooled by Approved Method

After cooking or removal from hot holding, TCS food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal temperature is reduced from 140 °F to 70 °F or less within 2 hours, and from 70 °F to 41 °F or less within 4 additional hours.

⚠️ Why This Matters

TOXIN PRODUCTION: Slow cooling is the #1 cause of foodborne outbreaks. Clostridium perfringens spores survive cooking and germinate during slow cooling, producing heat-stable toxin. Causes 'buffet illness' affecting hundreds at events. Staph aureus produces toxin that CANNOT be destroyed by reheating.

📋 Code Requirements

Cool using approved methods: Shallow pans (2 inches max depth), Ice baths with frequent stirring, Ice paddles, Blast chillers, Cut large items into portions. NEVER cool at room temperature. NEVER stack hot containers. Document cooling times and temperatures.

CDC Risk Factor: Improper Cooling - Leading Cause of Outbreaks
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.09(d)
⚠ CRITICAL 05D

Hand Washing Facility Not Properly Equipped

No hand washing facility in or adjacent to toilet room or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service or ware washing area. Hand washing facility not accessible, obstructed or used for non-hand washing purposes. No hot and cold running water or water at inadequate pressure. No soap or acceptable hand-drying device.

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link Hand Washing Facility Not Properly Equip to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.

📋 Code Requirements

Provide immediately at ALL handwash sinks: Hot water (100-120°F), Soap in dispensers, Paper towels or air dryers, Trash receptacles, Signage, Keep accessible at all times. Check supplies hourly. Assign staff to monitor and restock.

CDC Risk Factor: Poor Personal Hygiene - #1 CDC Risk Factor
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.19
⚠ CRITICAL 06F

Wiping Cloths Not Stored in Sanitizer

Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.

⚠️ Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION SPREAD: Dirty wiping cloths spread millions of bacteria across every surface wiped. Bacteria double every 20 minutes on damp cloths. One contaminated cloth can spread pathogens to 30+ surfaces, causing facility-wide contamination.

📋 Code Requirements

Store wiping cloths in sanitizer AT ALL TIMES between uses: 50-100ppm chlorine or 200-400ppm quaternary ammonium. Change solution when visibly dirty or every 4 hours. Use separate cloths for food contact vs non-food contact. Test sanitizer concentration every 2 hours.

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.21
Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

View Facility Profile →

BUSHWICK TACO COMPANY — Inspection Questions

Did BUSHWICK TACO COMPANY pass their NYC health inspection on December 7, 2022?
BUSHWICK TACO COMPANY underwent inspection on December 7, 2022 with a score of 29 points. The inspection found 4 violation(s).
What critical violations did BUSHWICK TACO COMPANY have?
BUSHWICK TACO COMPANY 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 10F mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 10F (Non-food Contact Surfaces Not Clean) is a minor violation. Non-food contact surfaces or equipment not kept clean, not properly sealed, or not properly maintained. INDIRECT CONTAMINATION: Dirty non-food surfaces harbor pests and bacteria. Employees touch these surfaces then food. Accumulation attracts roaches and rodents. Creates reservoir of contamination that spreads throughout facility.
What does violation code 02H mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 02H (Food Not Cooled by Approved Method) is a critical violation. Cooked foods must be rapidly cooled from 140°F to 70°F within 2 hours, then to 41°F within 4 additional hours. TOXIN PRODUCTION: Slow cooling is the #1 cause of foodborne outbreaks. Clostridium perfringens spores survive cooking and germinate during slow cooling, producing heat-stable toxin. Causes 'buffet illness' affecting hundreds at events. Staph aureus produces toxin that CANNOT be destroyed by reheating.
What does violation code 05D mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 05D (Hand Washing Facility Not Properly Equipped) is a critical violation. No hot water, soap, or paper towels at hand washing sink. Sink blocked or not accessible. HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link Hand Washing Facility Not Properly Equip to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.
What does violation code 06F mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 06F (Wiping Cloths Not Stored in Sanitizer) is a critical violation. Wiping cloths used on food contact surfaces not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. CONTAMINATION SPREAD: Dirty wiping cloths spread millions of bacteria across every surface wiped. Bacteria double every 20 minutes on damp cloths. One contaminated cloth can spread pathogens to 30+ surfaces, causing facility-wide contamination.