LUPE'S EAST L.A. KITCHEN
SCORE: 27 POINTSWednesday, March 8, 2023
LUPE'S EAST L.A. KITCHEN in SoHo Little Italy Hudson Square underwent a NYC health inspection on March 8, 2023 and scored 27 points. The inspection found 7 violations, including 7 critical.
Violations Cited
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unprotected food exposed to bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and physical contaminants
Cover all food; store 6 inches off floor; protect from customer contamination; use sneeze guards
04N
Filth Flies Present in Food Areas
Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage associated with (FRSA) flies or other nuisance pests in establishment’s food and/or non-food areas. FRSA flies include house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, drain flies, Phorid flies and fruit flies.
RAPID CONTAMINATION: Flies carry 100+ pathogens on feet and bodies. One fly transfers 2 million bacteria per landing. Feed by vomiting on food. Can contaminate entire prep area in minutes. Major vector for E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella transmission.
Eliminate breeding sites: Clean drains daily, Remove standing water, Empty garbage frequently, Install air curtains/screens, Use fly lights away from food, Clean up spills immediately, Locate and eliminate larval breeding sites (drains, garbage, produce).
Violations were cited in the following area(s).
LUPE'S EAST L.A. KITCHEN — Inspection Questions
- Did LUPE'S EAST L.A. KITCHEN pass their NYC health inspection on March 8, 2023?
- LUPE'S EAST L.A. KITCHEN underwent inspection on March 8, 2023 with a score of 27 points. The inspection found 7 violation(s).
- What critical violations did LUPE'S EAST L.A. KITCHEN have?
- LUPE'S EAST L.A. KITCHEN 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 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 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 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 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 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 04N mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
- NYC violation 04N (Filth Flies Present in Food Areas) is a critical violation. House flies, fruit flies, drain flies, or other filth flies present in establishment. RAPID CONTAMINATION: Flies carry 100+ pathogens on feet and bodies. One fly transfers 2 million bacteria per landing. Feed by vomiting on food. Can contaminate entire prep area in minutes. Major vector for E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella transmission.