TAMAL EXPRESS

SCORE: 47 POINTS

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Overview

TAMAL EXPRESS in University Heights (South) Morris Heights underwent a NYC health inspection on May 27, 2025 and scored 47 points. The inspection found 4 violations, including 4 critical.

Address
70 WEST 183 STREET
Bronx, NY 10453
Cuisine
Mexican
Inspection Type
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
Violations
4 total
⚠ 4 critical
Facility History
3 inspections

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 02B

Hot TCS Food Not Held at 140°F or Above

Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.

⚠️ Why This Matters

BACTERIAL MULTIPLICATION: At 120°F, Clostridium perfringens doubles every 10 minutes. Can reach illness-causing levels within 1 hour. This bacteria causes 1 million US cases annually with severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea lasting 24 hours. Hot holding violations responsible for 40% of restaurant outbreaks.

📋 Code Requirements

Maintain ALL hot foods at 140°F minimum. Check temperatures every 30 minutes for problem foods, every 2 hours otherwise. Use calibrated thermometers. Adjust equipment immediately if below 140°F. Reheat to 165°F if below temp for under 2 hours. DISCARD if below 140°F for over 2 hours.

CDC Risk Factor: Improper Holding/Time & Temperature - CDC Risk Factor #3
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.09(a)
⚠ CRITICAL 05A

NYC Health Code Violation 05A

Sewage disposal system is not provided, improper, inadequate or unapproved.

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 05A 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 09C

Food contact surface improperly constructed

Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. Surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Improper surfaces harbor bacteria in cracks and cannot be properly sanitized

📋 Code Requirements

Use stainless steel, approved plastics; no wood except cutting boards; smooth, intact surfaces

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Protection from Contamination
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.21
⚠ CRITICAL 04F

NYC Health Code Violation 04F

Food preparation area, food storage area, or other area used by employees or patrons, contaminated by sewage or liquid waste.

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 04F 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.

Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

View Facility Profile →

TAMAL EXPRESS — Inspection Questions

Did TAMAL EXPRESS pass their NYC health inspection on May 27, 2025?
TAMAL EXPRESS underwent inspection on May 27, 2025 with a score of 47 points. The inspection found 4 violation(s).
What critical violations did TAMAL EXPRESS have?
TAMAL EXPRESS had 4 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 02B mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 02B (Hot TCS Food Not Held at 140°F or Above) is a critical violation. Hot potentially hazardous foods must be maintained at 140°F or above to prevent rapid bacterial growth in the danger zone (41-140°F). BACTERIAL MULTIPLICATION: At 120°F, Clostridium perfringens doubles every 10 minutes. Can reach illness-causing levels within 1 hour. This bacteria causes 1 million US cases annually with severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea lasting 24 hours. Hot holding violations responsible for 40% of restaurant outbreaks.
What does violation code 05A mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 05A (NYC Health Code Violation 05A) 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 05A to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.
What does violation code 09C mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 09C (Food contact surface improperly constructed) is a major violation. Food contact surfaces must be smooth, non-porous, and easily cleanable Improper surfaces harbor bacteria in cracks and cannot be properly sanitized
What does violation code 04F mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 04F (NYC Health Code Violation 04F) 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 04F to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.