TAVERNA KYCLADES

GRADE C

Monday, March 10, 2025

Address
36-01 DITMARS BOULEVARD
Queens, NY 11105
Cuisine
Greek
Inspection Type
Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
Violations
7 total
⚠ 7 critical
Facility History
4 inspections
1 failures

Violations Cited

⚠ 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 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 05D

Hand Washing Facility Not Properly Equipped

No hand washing facility in or adjacent to toilet room or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service or ware washing area. Hand washing facility not accessible, obstructed or used for non-hand washing purposes. No hot and cold running water or water at inadequate pressure. No soap or acceptable hand-drying device.

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link Hand Washing Facility Not Properly Equip to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.

📋 Code Requirements

Provide immediately at ALL handwash sinks: Hot water (100-120°F), Soap in dispensers, Paper towels or air dryers, Trash receptacles, Signage, Keep accessible at all times. Check supplies hourly. Assign staff to monitor and restock.

CDC Risk Factor: Poor Personal Hygiene - #1 CDC Risk Factor
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.19
⚠ 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 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 04L

Evidence of Mice Present in Facility

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

⚠️ Why This Matters

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.

📋 Code Requirements

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.

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Environmental
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.17
⚠ CRITICAL 09B

Thawing procedure improper

Thawing procedure improper.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Improper thawing allows surface bacteria to multiply while interior remains frozen

📋 Code Requirements

Thaw under refrigeration, under cold running water, in microwave, or as part of cooking

CDC Risk Factor: Improper Holding/Time & Temperature
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.09
Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

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