CITY CAFE

🚫 CLOSED BY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Overview

CITY CAFE was ordered closed by the NYC Health Department on March 24, 2022 following a health inspection. The inspection found 12 violations, including 12 critical.

Address
4919 18 AVENUE
Brooklyn, NY 11204
Cuisine
Jewish/Kosher
Inspection Type
Pre-permit (Operational) / Initial Inspection
Violations
12 total
⚠ 12 critical
Facility History
6 inspections
1 failures

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 10H

Sanitization not provided for utensil washing

Proper sanitization not provided for utensil ware washing operation.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Unsanitized utensils transfer bacteria directly to customers' food and mouths

πŸ“‹ Code Requirements

Use approved sanitizer at correct concentration; test strips required; proper contact time

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Protection from Contamination
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.21
⚠ CRITICAL 05D

Hand Washing Facility Not Properly Equipped

Hand washing facility not provided in or near food preparation area and toilet room. Hot and cold running water at adequate pressure to enable cleanliness of employees not provided at facility. Soap and an acceptable hand-drying device not provided.

⚠️ 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 08A

Facility Not Free from Harborage Conditions

Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.

⚠️ 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 06C

Food not protected from contamination

Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.

⚠️ 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
⚠ CRITICAL 06E

NYC Health Code Violation 06E

Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 06E 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 02G

Cold TCS Food Held Above 41Β°F

Cold food item held above 41ΒΊ F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ΒΊF) except during 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 10E

Accurate thermometer not provided or properly located in refrigerated, cold storage or hot holding equipment 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.

Accurate thermometer not provided in refrigerated or hot holding equipment.

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link Accurate thermometer not provided or pro 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 06D

Food Contact Surfaces Not Properly Sanitized

Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.

⚠️ Why This Matters

BACTERIAL BUILDUP: Unsanitized surfaces harbor millions of bacteria within hours. Cross-contamination affects all food prepared on surface. Major cause of multi-victim outbreaks. Cutting boards can contain 200x more bacteria than toilet seats.

πŸ“‹ Code Requirements

Clean and sanitize ALL food contact surfaces: After each use, Between different food types, Every 4 hours in continuous use, When contaminated. Use proper concentration sanitizer (50-100ppm chlorine, 200-400ppm quat). Air dry. Test sanitizer every 2 hours.

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment - CDC Risk Factor #5
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.21
⚠ CRITICAL 10F

Non-food Contact Surfaces Not Clean

Non-food contact surface improperly constructed. Unacceptable material used. Non-food contact surface or equipment improperly maintained and/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 09C

Food contact surface improperly constructed

Food contact surface not properly 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 04L

Evidence of Mice Present in Facility

Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/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 10D

NYC Health Code Violation 10D

Mechanical or natural ventilation system not provided, improperly installed, in disrepair and/or fails to prevent excessive build-up of grease, heat, steam condensation vapors, odors, smoke, and fumes.

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 10D 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.

Inspector's Action:

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

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CITY CAFE β€” Inspection Questions

Did CITY CAFE pass their NYC health inspection on March 24, 2022?
CITY CAFE was closed by the health department on March 24, 2022 with a score of 78 points. The facility was ordered closed due to serious health violations.
What critical violations did CITY CAFE have?
CITY CAFE had 12 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 10H mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 10H (Sanitization not provided for utensil washing) is a major violation. Utensils must be properly sanitized after washing to kill remaining bacteria Unsanitized utensils transfer bacteria directly to customers' food and mouths
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 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 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
What does violation code 06E mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 06E (NYC Health Code Violation 06E) 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 06E to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.
What does violation code 02G mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 02G (Cold TCS Food Held Above 41Β°F) is a critical violation. Cold potentially hazardous foods must be kept at 41Β°F or below (38Β°F for smoked fish) to prevent bacterial growth. 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).
What does violation code 10E mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 10E (Accurate thermometer not provided or properly located in refrigerated, cold storage or hot holding equipment 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.) is a critical violation. Accurate thermometer not provided or properly located in refrigerated, cold storage or hot holding equipment 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. HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link Accurate thermometer not provided or pro to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.
What does violation code 06D mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 06D (Food Contact Surfaces Not Properly Sanitized) is a critical violation. Food contact surfaces not washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use and following contamination. BACTERIAL BUILDUP: Unsanitized surfaces harbor millions of bacteria within hours. Cross-contamination affects all food prepared on surface. Major cause of multi-victim outbreaks. Cutting boards can contain 200x more bacteria than toilet seats.
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 09C mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 09C (Food contact surface improperly constructed) is a major violation. Food contact surfaces must be smooth, non-porous, and easily cleanable Improper surfaces harbor bacteria in cracks and cannot be properly sanitized
What does violation code 04L mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 04L (Evidence of Mice Present in Facility) is a critical violation. Mouse droppings, gnaw marks, nesting materials, or live mice observed. 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.
What does violation code 10D mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 10D (NYC Health Code Violation 10D) 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 10D to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.