Did READING ROOM pass their NYC health inspection on August 18, 2023?

READING ROOM received a B grade on August 18, 2023 with a score of 15 points. The inspection found 2 violation(s).

What critical violations did READING ROOM have?

READING ROOM 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.

READING ROOM

GRADE B

Friday, August 18, 2023

Overview

READING ROOM in Midtown Times Square received a Grade B on their NYC health inspection on August 18, 2023 with a score of 15 points. The inspection found 2 violations, including 2 critical.

Address

16 EAST 46 STREET

Manhattan, NY 10017

Cuisine

American

Inspection Type

Pre-permit (Operational) / Re-inspection

Violations

2 total

⚠ 2 critical

Facility History

5 inspections

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 04H

Food Contaminated or Cross-Contaminated

Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.

⚠️ Why This Matters

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.

📋 Code Requirements

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.

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Cross-Contamination

NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.07

📖 NYC Health Code 📚 FDA Food Code 🎓 CDC Info

⚠ CRITICAL 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.

⚠️ Why This Matters

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.

📋 Code Requirements

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).

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Environmental

NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.17

📖 NYC Health Code 📚 FDA Food Code 🎓 CDC Info

Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

View Facility Profile →

READING ROOM — Inspection Questions

Did READING ROOM pass their NYC health inspection on August 18, 2023?: READING ROOM received a B grade on August 18, 2023 with a score of 15 points. The inspection found 2 violation(s).
What critical violations did READING ROOM have?: READING ROOM 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 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 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.