EL NUEVO SABOR
SCORE: 37 POINTSThursday, April 21, 2022
Violations Cited
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.
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.
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.
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
02B
Hot TCS Food Not Held at 140°F or Above
Hot food item not held at or above 140º 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.
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.
04N
Filth Flies Present in Food Areas
Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies include house flies, little house flies, blow flies, bottle flies and flesh flies. Food/refuse/sewage-associated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies.
RAPID CONTAMINATION: Flies carry 100+ pathogens on feet and bodies. One fly transfers 2 million bacteria per landing. Feed by vomiting on food. Can contaminate entire prep area in minutes. Major vector for E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella transmission.
Eliminate breeding sites: Clean drains daily, Remove standing water, Empty garbage frequently, Install air curtains/screens, Use fly lights away from food, Clean up spills immediately, Locate and eliminate larval breeding sites (drains, garbage, produce).
09C
Food contact surface improperly constructed
Food contact surface not properly maintained.
Improper surfaces harbor bacteria in cracks and cannot be properly sanitized
Use stainless steel, approved plastics; no wood except cutting boards; smooth, intact surfaces
06E
NYC Health Code Violation 06E
Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.
HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 06E 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.
02H
Food Not Cooled by Approved Method
Food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal product temperature is reduced from 140º F to 70º F or less within 2 hours, and from 70º F to 41º F or less within 4 additional hours.
TOXIN PRODUCTION: Slow cooling is the #1 cause of foodborne outbreaks. Clostridium perfringens spores survive cooking and germinate during slow cooling, producing heat-stable toxin. Causes 'buffet illness' affecting hundreds at events. Staph aureus produces toxin that CANNOT be destroyed by reheating.
Cool using approved methods: Shallow pans (2 inches max depth), Ice baths with frequent stirring, Ice paddles, Blast chillers, Cut large items into portions. NEVER cool at room temperature. NEVER stack hot containers. Document cooling times and temperatures.
Violations were cited in the following area(s).