LENOX FAST FOOD

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Overview

LENOX FAST FOOD in Harlem (North) underwent a NYC health inspection on May 8, 2025. The inspection found 7 violations, including 7 critical.

Address
657 LENOX AVENUE
Manhattan, NY 10037
Cuisine
American
Inspection Type
Administrative Miscellaneous / Initial Inspection
Violations
7 total
⚠ 7 critical
Facility History
7 inspections
1 failures

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 20-06

NYC Health Code Violation 20-06

Current letter grade or Grade Pending card not posted

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 20-06 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 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.

⚠️ Why This Matters

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).

📋 Code Requirements

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.

CDC Risk Factor: Improper Holding/Time & Temperature
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.09(c)
⚠ CRITICAL 04K

Evidence of Rats Present in Facility

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

⚠️ Why This Matters

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.

📋 Code Requirements

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.

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

📋 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 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.

⚠️ Why This Matters

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.

📋 Code Requirements

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.

CDC Risk Factor: Environmental Contamination
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.23
⚠ CRITICAL 04M

Live Roaches Present in Facility

Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area.

⚠️ Why This Matters

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.

📋 Code Requirements

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.

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Environmental
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.17
⚠ 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
Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

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LENOX FAST FOOD — Inspection Questions

Did LENOX FAST FOOD pass their NYC health inspection on May 8, 2025?
LENOX FAST FOOD underwent inspection on May 8, 2025. The inspection found 7 violation(s).
What critical violations did LENOX FAST FOOD have?
LENOX FAST FOOD had 7 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 20-06 mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 20-06 (NYC Health Code Violation 20-06) 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 20-06 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.