BERBICE BAR AND RESTAURANT

SCORE: 30 POINTS

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Address
173-06 JAMAICA AVENUE
Queens, NY 11432
Cuisine
Caribbean
Inspection Type
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
Violations
7 total
⚠ 6 critical
Facility History
6 inspections

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 06A

Personal cleanliness inadequate

Personal cleanliness is inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn where required. Jewelry is worn on hands or arms. Fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Poor hygiene transfers pathogens; contaminated clothing spreads bacteria throughout facility

📋 Code Requirements

Clean outer garments; hair restraints; no jewelry; short, clean fingernails; no nail polish

CDC Risk Factor: Poor Personal Hygiene
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.13
⚠ CRITICAL 04K

Evidence of Rats Present in Facility

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

⚠️ Why This Matters

SEVERE BIOHAZARD: Rats carry 35+ diseases including Leptospirosis (kidney/liver failure), Hantavirus (38% mortality), Salmonella, and plague. One rat produces 40-50 droppings daily containing millions of pathogens. Urine aerosols spread disease throughout facility.

📋 Code Requirements

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED: Close affected areas, Professional extermination within 24 hours, Clean/sanitize with 10% bleach solution, Discard ALL contaminated food, Seal holes over 1/2 inch, Remove food/water sources, Install bait stations, May require closure.

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Environmental
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.17
⚠ 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 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
⚠ 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 08C

Pesticide not properly used or stored

Pesticide not properly labeled or used by unlicensed individual. Pesticide, other toxic chemical improperly used/stored. Unprotected, unlocked bait station used.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Improper pesticide use causes chemical contamination and acute poisoning

📋 Code Requirements

Licensed applicator only; follow label directions; store away from food; use approved chemicals

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Protection from Contamination
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.31
• MAJOR 16-02

NYC Health Code Violation 16-02

The original nutrition fact labels or ingredient label for a cooking oil, shortening or margarine or food item sold in bulk, or acceptable manufacturer’s documentation not maintained on site.

⚠️ Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RISK: This violation supports conditions allowing bacterial growth and pest activity. NYC Health Code Violation 16-02 violations associated with 25% increase in illness risk. Correction required within 24-48 hours.

📋 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).

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