TLAXCALITA LA BELLA
GRADE CWednesday, September 22, 2021
Violations Cited
06C
Food not protected from contamination
Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.
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
08A
Facility Not Free from Harborage Conditions
Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
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.
04L
Evidence of Mice Present in Facility
Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/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.
10G
Dishwashing facilities inadequate
Food service operation occurring in room used as living or sleeping quarters.
Inadequate dishwashing spreads bacteria across all utensils and tableware
Three-compartment sink or approved dishwasher; proper wash, rinse, sanitize procedures
04J
NYC Health Code Violation 04J
Appropriately scaled metal stem-type thermometer or thermocouple not provided or used to evaluate temperatures of potentially hazardous foods during cooking, cooling, reheating and holding.
HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 04J to bacterial contamination and outbreak events. Must be corrected immediately to protect public health.
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.
10F
Non-food Contact Surfaces Not Clean
Non-food contact surface improperly constructed. Unacceptable material used. Non-food contact surface or equipment improperly maintained and/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.
05D
Hand Washing Facility Not Properly Equipped
Hand washing facility not provided in or near food preparation area and toilet room. Hot and cold running water at adequate pressure to enable cleanliness of employees not provided at facility. Soap and an acceptable hand-drying device not provided.
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.
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.
04H
Food Contaminated or Cross-Contaminated
Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.
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.
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.
Violations were cited in the following area(s).