PHO VIETNAM RESTAURANT

GRADE B

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Overview

PHO VIETNAM RESTAURANT in Gravesend (East) Homecrest received a Grade B on their NYC health inspection on January 16, 2025 with a score of 23 points. The inspection found 5 violations, including 5 critical.

Address
1243 AVENUE U
Brooklyn, NY 11229
Cuisine
Southeast Asian
Inspection Type
Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
Violations
5 total
⚠ 5 critical
Facility History
5 inspections

Violations Cited

⚠ 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 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)
⚠ 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
⚠ CRITICAL 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.

⚠️ Why This Matters

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.

📋 Code Requirements

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.

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
Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

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PHO VIETNAM RESTAURANT — Inspection Questions

Did PHO VIETNAM RESTAURANT pass their NYC health inspection on January 16, 2025?
PHO VIETNAM RESTAURANT received a B grade on January 16, 2025 with a score of 23 points. The inspection found 5 violation(s).
What critical violations did PHO VIETNAM RESTAURANT have?
PHO VIETNAM RESTAURANT had 5 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 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 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 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.
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 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.