CHINA GOURMET

🚫 CLOSED BY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Address
245-15 FRANCIS LEWIS BOULEVARD
Queens, NY 11422
Cuisine
Chinese
Inspection Type
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
Violations
14 total
⚠ 14 critical
Facility History
5 inspections

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 09C

Food contact surface improperly constructed

Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. Surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Improper surfaces harbor bacteria in cracks and cannot be properly sanitized

πŸ“‹ Code Requirements

Use stainless steel, approved plastics; no wood except cutting boards; smooth, intact surfaces

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Protection from Contamination
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.21
⚠ 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.

πŸ“‹ 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 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.

πŸ“‹ 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
⚠ CRITICAL 02G

Cold TCS Food Held Above 41Β°F

Cold TCS food item held above 41 Β°F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 Β°F; intact raw eggs held above 45 Β°F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.

⚠️ Why This Matters

DANGER ZONE GROWTH: Between 41-70Β°F, E. coli doubles every 30 minutes. Salmonella doubles every 20 minutes at 70-90Β°F. After just 4 hours above 41Β°F, bacteria levels can cause severe illness including bloody diarrhea, kidney failure (E. coli), and typhoid fever (Salmonella).

πŸ“‹ Code Requirements

Keep all cold TCS foods at 41Β°F or below (smoked fish 38Β°F, shell eggs 45Β°F). Monitor with calibrated thermometer every 2-4 hours. Ice baths must surround container to food level. Repair refrigeration immediately. DISCARD foods above 41Β°F for over 4 hours.

CDC Risk Factor: Improper Holding/Time & Temperature
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.09(c)
⚠ CRITICAL 10A

NYC Health Code Violation 10A

Toilet facility not maintained or provided with toilet paper, waste receptacle or self-closing door.

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 10A to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.

πŸ“‹ 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.

⚠ 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

πŸ“‹ 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 28-06

NYC Health Code Violation 28-06

Contract with a pest management professional not in place. Record of extermination activities not kept on premises.

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 28-06 to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.

πŸ“‹ 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.

⚠ CRITICAL 28-01

Nuisance created or allowed to exist. Facility not free from unsafe, hazardous, offensive or annoying condition.

Nuisance created or allowed to exist. Facility not free from unsafe, hazardous, offensive or annoying condition.

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link Nuisance created or allowed to exist. Fa to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.

πŸ“‹ 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.

⚠ CRITICAL 04O

NYC Health Code Violation 04O

Live animal other than fish in tank or service animal present in facility’s food or non-food area.

⚠️ Why This Matters

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

πŸ“‹ 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.

⚠ CRITICAL 04L

Evidence of Mice Present in Facility

Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.

⚠️ Why This Matters

WIDESPREAD CONTAMINATION: Mice produce 50-75 droppings daily, each containing Salmonella, Hantavirus. One mouse contaminates 10x more food than it eats through droppings and urine. Mouse allergens trigger asthma. Can infest entire facility in weeks.

πŸ“‹ Code Requirements

Eliminate immediately: Clean all droppings with bleach solution, Seal ALL holes over 1/4 inch, Remove nesting materials, Professional treatment if >10 droppings found, Discard contaminated foods, Install traps/bait stations, Deep clean entire facility.

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Environmental
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.17
⚠ CRITICAL 02B

Hot TCS Food Not Held at 140Β°F or Above

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

⚠️ Why This Matters

BACTERIAL MULTIPLICATION: At 120Β°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.

πŸ“‹ Code Requirements

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

πŸ“‹ Code Requirements

Provide immediately at ALL handwash sinks: Hot water (100-120Β°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 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.

πŸ“‹ 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 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

πŸ“‹ 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:

Establishment Closed by DOHMH. Violations were cited in the following area(s) and those requiring im

View Facility Profile β†’ View All Closures