INTRIGUE BAR AND RESTAURANT

SCORE: 29 POINTS

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Address
222-18 MERRICK BOULEVARD
Queens, NY 11413
Cuisine
Caribbean
Inspection Type
Pre-permit (Operational) / Initial Inspection
Violations
7 total
⚠ 5 critical
Facility History
5 inspections
1 failures

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 02H

Food Not Cooled by Approved Method

After cooking or removal from hot holding, TCS food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal temperature is reduced from 140 °F to 70 °F or less within 2 hours, and from 70 °F to 41 °F or less within 4 additional hours.

⚠️ Why This Matters

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.

📋 Code Requirements

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.

CDC Risk Factor: Improper Cooling - Leading Cause of Outbreaks
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.09(d)
• MAJOR 15-21

NYC Health Code Violation 15-21

Flavored tobacco products sold, offered for sale

⚠️ Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RISK: This violation supports conditions allowing bacterial growth and pest activity. NYC Health Code Violation 15-21 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.

⚠ 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
⚠ CRITICAL 10F

Non-food Contact Surfaces Not Clean

Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.

⚠️ Why This Matters

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.

📋 Code Requirements

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.

CDC Risk Factor: Environmental Contamination
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.23
⚠ 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 06E

NYC Health Code Violation 06E

Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.

⚠️ Why This Matters

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.

📋 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.

• MAJOR 15-42

NYC Health Code Violation 15-42

Failure to make a good faith effort to inform smokers or electronic cigarette users of Smoke-Free Air Act ("SFAA") prohibitions

⚠️ Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RISK: This violation supports conditions allowing bacterial growth and pest activity. NYC Health Code Violation 15-42 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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