UNION GROUNDS

SCORE: 35 POINTS

Friday, February 20, 2026

Overview

UNION GROUNDS in Carroll Gardens Cobble Hill Gowanus Red Hook underwent a NYC health inspection on February 20, 2026 and scored 35 points. The inspection found 3 violations, including 3 critical.

Read the full story: Union Grounds Cited for Critical Violations - Brooklyn →
Address
270 SMITH STREET
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Cuisine
American
Inspection Type
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
Violations
3 total
⚠ 3 critical
Facility History
4 inspections

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 02A

Food not cooked to required minimum temperature

Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) food not cooked to required minimum internal temperature. • Poultry, poultry parts, ground and comminuted poultry, all stuffing containing poultry, meats, fish or ratites to or above 165 °F for 15 seconds with no interruption of the cooking process • Ground meat, and food containing ground and comminuted meat, to or above 158 °F for 15 seconds with no interruption of the cooking process, except per individual customer request • Pork, any food containing pork to or above 150 °F for 15 seconds • Mechanically tenderized or injected meats to or above 155 °F. • Whole meat roasts and beef steak to or above required temperature and time except per individual customer request • Raw animal foods cooked in microwave to or above165 °F, covered, rotated or stirred • All other foods to or above 140 °F for 15 seconds; shell eggs to or above 145 °F for 15 seconds except per individual customer request.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Undercooked food is a leading cause of foodborne illness, potentially causing severe illness or death

📋 Code Requirements

Cook to minimum temps: Poultry 165°F, Ground meat 158°F, Pork/Beef/Lamb 145°F, Eggs 145°F, Fish 145°F

CDC Risk Factor: Inadequate Cooking
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.09
⚠ 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 06C

Food not protected from contamination

Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Unprotected food exposed to bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and physical contaminants

📋 Code Requirements

Cover all food; store 6 inches off floor; protect from customer contamination; use sneeze guards

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Protection from Contamination
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.09
Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

View Facility Profile →

UNION GROUNDS — Inspection Questions

Did UNION GROUNDS pass their NYC health inspection on February 20, 2026?
UNION GROUNDS underwent inspection on February 20, 2026 with a score of 35 points. The inspection found 3 violation(s).
What critical violations did UNION GROUNDS have?
UNION GROUNDS had 3 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 02A mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 02A (Food not cooked to required minimum temperature) is a critical violation. All potentially hazardous foods must be cooked to proper internal temperatures to kill harmful bacteria Undercooked food is a leading cause of foodborne illness, potentially causing severe illness or death
What does violation code 04L mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 04L (Evidence of Mice Present in Facility) is a critical violation. Mouse droppings, gnaw marks, nesting materials, or live mice observed. 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.
What does violation code 06C mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 06C (Food not protected from contamination) is a critical violation. All food must be protected from contamination during storage, prep, display and service Unprotected food exposed to bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and physical contaminants