EL FOGON KITCHEN
GRADE CThursday, January 12, 2023
EL FOGON KITCHEN in Westchester Square received a Grade C on their NYC health inspection on January 12, 2023 with a score of 71 points. The inspection found 14 violations, including 14 critical.
Violations Cited
04M
Live Roaches Present in Facility
Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area.
DISEASE VECTORS: Roaches carry 33 types of bacteria, 6 parasitic worms, 7 human pathogens. Travel from sewers/garbage to food surfaces. Spread Salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus. Trigger severe asthma and allergies. One roach = likely infestation of hundreds.
Immediate elimination required: Professional extermination ASAP, Find and eliminate water sources (roaches need water daily), Seal all cracks/crevices, Deep clean with degreaser, Remove cardboard/clutter, Apply gel baits in non-food areas, Follow-up treatment in 2 weeks.
10D
NYC Health Code Violation 10D
Mechanical or natural ventilation not provided, inadequate, improperly installed, in disrepair or fails to prevent and control excessive build-up of grease, heat, steam condensation, vapors, odors, smoke or fumes.
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.
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.
04K
Evidence of Rats Present in Facility
Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas.
SEVERE BIOHAZARD: Rats carry 35+ diseases including Leptospirosis (kidney/liver failure), Hantavirus (38% mortality), Salmonella, and plague. One rat produces 40-50 droppings daily containing millions of pathogens. Urine aerosols spread disease throughout facility.
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED: Close affected areas, Professional extermination within 24 hours, Clean/sanitize with 10% bleach solution, Discard ALL contaminated food, Seal holes over 1/2 inch, Remove food/water sources, Install bait stations, May require closure.
06A
Personal cleanliness inadequate
Personal cleanliness is inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn where required. Jewelry is worn on hands or arms. Fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed.
Poor hygiene transfers pathogens; contaminated clothing spreads bacteria throughout facility
Clean outer garments; hair restraints; no jewelry; short, clean fingernails; no nail polish
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.
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.
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.
04A
Food Protection Certificate Not Held by Supervisor
Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.
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.
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.
02G
Cold TCS Food Held Above 41°F
Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.
DANGER ZONE GROWTH: Between 41-70°F, E. coli doubles every 30 minutes. Salmonella doubles every 20 minutes at 70-90°F. After just 4 hours above 41°F, bacteria levels can cause severe illness including bloody diarrhea, kidney failure (E. coli), and typhoid fever (Salmonella).
Keep all cold TCS foods at 41°F or below (smoked fish 38°F, shell eggs 45°F). Monitor with calibrated thermometer every 2-4 hours. Ice baths must surround container to food level. Repair refrigeration immediately. DISCARD foods above 41°F for over 4 hours.
10G
Dishwashing facilities inadequate
Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
Inadequate dishwashing spreads bacteria across all utensils and tableware
Three-compartment sink or approved dishwasher; proper wash, rinse, sanitize procedures
04H
Food Contaminated or Cross-Contaminated
Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.
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.
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.
04L
Evidence of Mice Present in Facility
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
08A
Facility Not Free from Harborage Conditions
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
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.
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.
10B
Plumbing Not Properly Installed or Maintained
Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. Condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of.
WATER CONTAMINATION: Backflow can siphon sewage into water supply, contaminating entire facility. Cross-connections spread pathogens throughout plumbing. Sewage backups create immediate health hazard. Can affect hundreds through contaminated water.
Install backflow preventers on ALL required fixtures. Maintain air gaps (2x pipe diameter minimum). Fix all leaks immediately. Ensure proper drainage - no standing water. Regular plumbing inspection. No direct connections between sewage and water supply.
06F
Wiping Cloths Not Stored in Sanitizer
Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a 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.
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.
Violations were cited in the following area(s).
EL FOGON KITCHEN — Inspection Questions
- Did EL FOGON KITCHEN pass their NYC health inspection on January 12, 2023?
- EL FOGON KITCHEN failed with a C grade on January 12, 2023 with a score of 71 points. The inspection found 14 violation(s).
- What critical violations did EL FOGON KITCHEN have?
- EL FOGON KITCHEN had 14 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 04M mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
- NYC violation 04M (Live Roaches Present in Facility) is a critical violation. Live cockroaches observed in food or non-food areas of establishment. DISEASE VECTORS: Roaches carry 33 types of bacteria, 6 parasitic worms, 7 human pathogens. Travel from sewers/garbage to food surfaces. Spread Salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus. Trigger severe asthma and allergies. One roach = likely infestation of hundreds.
- 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.
- What does violation code 04K mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
- NYC violation 04K (Evidence of Rats Present in Facility) is a critical violation. Rat droppings, gnaw marks, burrows, or live rats observed in facility. SEVERE BIOHAZARD: Rats carry 35+ diseases including Leptospirosis (kidney/liver failure), Hantavirus (38% mortality), Salmonella, and plague. One rat produces 40-50 droppings daily containing millions of pathogens. Urine aerosols spread disease throughout facility.
- What does violation code 06A mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
- NYC violation 06A (Personal cleanliness inadequate) is a critical violation. Food workers must maintain high standards of personal cleanliness Poor hygiene transfers pathogens; contaminated clothing spreads bacteria throughout facility
- 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 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 02G mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
- NYC violation 02G (Cold TCS Food Held Above 41°F) is a critical violation. Cold potentially hazardous foods must be kept at 41°F or below (38°F for smoked fish) to prevent bacterial growth. DANGER ZONE GROWTH: Between 41-70°F, E. coli doubles every 30 minutes. Salmonella doubles every 20 minutes at 70-90°F. After just 4 hours above 41°F, bacteria levels can cause severe illness including bloody diarrhea, kidney failure (E. coli), and typhoid fever (Salmonella).
- What does violation code 10G mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
- NYC violation 10G (Dishwashing facilities inadequate) is a major violation. Proper warewashing facilities and procedures required to sanitize equipment Inadequate dishwashing spreads bacteria across all utensils and tableware
- 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.
- 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 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 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 10B mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
- NYC violation 10B (Plumbing Not Properly Installed or Maintained) is a major violation. Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided. Sewage disposal system in disrepair. WATER CONTAMINATION: Backflow can siphon sewage into water supply, contaminating entire facility. Cross-connections spread pathogens throughout plumbing. Sewage backups create immediate health hazard. Can affect hundreds through contaminated water.
- 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.