El PUNTO RESRAURANT & BAKERY

GRADE A

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Overview

El PUNTO RESRAURANT & BAKERY in College Point received a Grade A on their NYC health inspection on August 14, 2024, scoring 12 points. The inspection found 2 violations, including 2 critical.

Address
18-27 COLLEGE POINT BOULEVARD
Queens, NY 11356
Cuisine
Spanish
Inspection Type
Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
Violations
2 total
⚠ 2 critical
Facility History
8 inspections

Violations Cited

⚠ 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.

📋 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 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.

⚠️ Why This Matters

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.

📋 Code Requirements

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.

CDC Risk Factor: Improper Cooling - Leading Cause of Outbreaks
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.09(d)
Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

View Facility Profile →

El PUNTO RESRAURANT & BAKERY — Inspection Questions

Did El PUNTO RESRAURANT & BAKERY pass their NYC health inspection on August 14, 2024?
El PUNTO RESRAURANT & BAKERY passed with an A grade on August 14, 2024 with a score of 12 points. The inspection found 2 violation(s).
What critical violations did El PUNTO RESRAURANT & BAKERY have?
El PUNTO RESRAURANT & BAKERY had 2 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 04O mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 04O (NYC Health Code Violation 04O) 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 04O to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.
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.