CANTINA 138

GRADE C

Friday, July 21, 2023

Overview

CANTINA 138 in Williamsburg received a Grade C on their NYC health inspection on July 21, 2023 with a score of 40 points. The inspection found 3 violations, including 3 critical.

Address
138 HAVEMEYER STREET
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Cuisine
Mexican
Inspection Type
Pre-permit (Operational) / Re-inspection
Violations
3 total
⚠ 3 critical
Facility History
6 inspections
2 failures

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 04N

Filth Flies Present in Food Areas

Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage associated with (FRSA) flies or other nuisance pests in establishment’s food and/or non-food areas. FRSA flies include house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, drain flies, Phorid flies and fruit flies.

⚠️ Why This Matters

RAPID CONTAMINATION: Flies carry 100+ pathogens on feet and bodies. One fly transfers 2 million bacteria per landing. Feed by vomiting on food. Can contaminate entire prep area in minutes. Major vector for E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella transmission.

📋 Code Requirements

Eliminate breeding sites: Clean drains daily, Remove standing water, Empty garbage frequently, Install air curtains/screens, Use fly lights away from food, Clean up spills immediately, Locate and eliminate larval breeding sites (drains, garbage, produce).

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Environmental
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.17
⚠ CRITICAL 08A

Facility Not Free from Harborage Conditions

Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.

⚠️ Why This Matters

PEST ATTRACTION: Harborage conditions support pest infestations. Gaps allow entry of rodents carrying 35+ diseases. Standing water breeds flies that spread 100+ pathogens. Clutter provides nesting for pests. Creates ongoing contamination risk.

📋 Code Requirements

Eliminate ALL harborage conditions: Seal cracks/holes (1/4 inch for mice, 1/2 inch for rats), Fix leaking pipes, Remove clutter/unused equipment, Eliminate standing water, Clean grease accumulation, Maintain 6 inches clearance from walls, Remove cardboard storage.

CDC Risk Factor: Environmental Contamination
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.17
⚠ 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
Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

View Facility Profile →

CANTINA 138 — Inspection Questions

Did CANTINA 138 pass their NYC health inspection on July 21, 2023?
CANTINA 138 failed with a C grade on July 21, 2023 with a score of 40 points. The inspection found 3 violation(s).
What critical violations did CANTINA 138 have?
CANTINA 138 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 04N mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 04N (Filth Flies Present in Food Areas) is a critical violation. House flies, fruit flies, drain flies, or other filth flies present in establishment. RAPID CONTAMINATION: Flies carry 100+ pathogens on feet and bodies. One fly transfers 2 million bacteria per landing. Feed by vomiting on food. Can contaminate entire prep area in minutes. Major vector for E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella transmission.
What does violation code 08A mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 08A (Facility Not Free from Harborage Conditions) is a major violation. Conditions exist that attract or allow pests to harbor in establishment. PEST ATTRACTION: Harborage conditions support pest infestations. Gaps allow entry of rodents carrying 35+ diseases. Standing water breeds flies that spread 100+ pathogens. Clutter provides nesting for pests. Creates ongoing contamination risk.
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.