MELBA'S

SCORE: 0 POINTS

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Address
300 WEST 114 STREET
Manhattan, NY 10026
Cuisine
American
Inspection Type
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
Violations
6 total
⚠ 6 critical
Facility History
3 inspections

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 06A

Personal cleanliness inadequate

Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.

⚠️ 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 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.

⚠️ 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 20F

NYC Health Code Violation 20F

Current letter grade sign not posted.

⚠️ Why This Matters

HEALTH HAZARD: This critical violation creates immediate risk of foodborne illness. Studies link NYC Health Code Violation 20F 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.

⚠ 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.

⚠️ 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)
⚠ CRITICAL 10H

Sanitization not provided for utensil washing

Proper sanitization not provided for utensil ware washing operation.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Unsanitized utensils transfer bacteria directly to customers' food and mouths

📋 Code Requirements

Use approved sanitizer at correct concentration; test strips required; proper contact time

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Protection from Contamination
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.21
⚠ 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.

⚠️ 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
Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

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