COURT SQUARE PIZZERIA

SCORE: 51 POINTS

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Overview

COURT SQUARE PIZZERIA in Long Island City Hunters Point underwent a NYC health inspection on August 5, 2025 and scored 51 points. The inspection found 8 violations, including 8 critical.

Address
45-02 23 STREET
Queens, NY 11101
Cuisine
Pizza
Inspection Type
Pre-permit (Operational) / Initial Inspection
Violations
8 total
⚠ 8 critical
Facility History
2 inspections
1 failures

Violations Cited

⚠ 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

📋 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 05C

NYC Health Code Violation 05C

Food contact surface, refillable, reusable containers, or equipment improperly constructed, placed or maintained. Unacceptable material used. Culinary sink or other acceptable method not provided for washing food.

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 05C 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.

⚠ 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.

📋 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 09A

NYC Health Code Violation 09A

Swollen, leaking, rusted or otherwise damaged canned food to be returned to distributor not segregated from intact product and clearly labeled DO NOT USE

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 09A 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.

⚠ CRITICAL 04A

Food Protection Certificate Not Held by Supervisor

Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.

⚠️ Why This Matters

KNOWLEDGE GAP: Establishments without certified managers have 2.5x more critical violations. Lack of food safety knowledge directly correlates with foodborne illness outbreaks. Certified managers reduce outbreak risk by 60% through proper training and oversight.

📋 Code Requirements

Obtain Food Protection Certificate immediately through NYC-approved course. Certificate holder must be present ALL operating hours. Post certificate conspicuously. Maintain valid certification (renew every 5 years). Train all staff on food safety basics.

CDC Risk Factor: Poor Personal Hygiene - Knowledge Factor
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.15
⚠ 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 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 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.

📋 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
Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

View Facility Profile →

COURT SQUARE PIZZERIA — Inspection Questions

Did COURT SQUARE PIZZERIA pass their NYC health inspection on August 5, 2025?
COURT SQUARE PIZZERIA underwent inspection on August 5, 2025 with a score of 51 points. The inspection found 8 violation(s).
What critical violations did COURT SQUARE PIZZERIA have?
COURT SQUARE PIZZERIA had 8 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 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 05C mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 05C (NYC Health Code Violation 05C) 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 05C to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.
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 09A mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 09A (NYC Health Code Violation 09A) 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 09A to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.
What does violation code 04A mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 04A (Food Protection Certificate Not Held by Supervisor) is a critical violation. At least one supervisor with NYC Food Protection Certificate must be present during all hours of operation. KNOWLEDGE GAP: Establishments without certified managers have 2.5x more critical violations. Lack of food safety knowledge directly correlates with foodborne illness outbreaks. Certified managers reduce outbreak risk by 60% through proper training and oversight.
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 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 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.