According to Voactiv.com, four of New York City’s Michelin-starred restaurants have received C grades from the Department of Health this year. The scoring of restaurants is based on whether there is a public health hazard, critical violations, or general violations of food safety and cleanliness rules.
Some violations include failing to keep food at a safe temperature (under 40 degrees or over 140 degrees F), serving raw produce without washing it first, or not properly sanitizing cooking utensils. The letter grades are given according to the number of violations in each public health inspection visit. Restaurants with a score between 0 and 13 points get an A; 14 to 27 points earns a B; and those with 28 or more points have a C grade.
The restaurants that received a C grade include Torishin in Manhattan. They received a score of 44 points, with violations ranging from evidence of live mice, live roaches, food held above 41 degrees F, and food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized.
Another restaurant with a C grade is Dovetail, with 35 violation points. Those violations include raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, cross-contaminated, or contaminated, along with food contact surface not properly washed.
The third Michelin-starred restaurant is ALDEA, with 30 violation points. They had four critical violations, including inadequate personal cleanliness, improperly used utensils, and food not labeled in according with an HACCP plan.
Finally, Sushi Azabu had 30 violation points. They also held cold food above 41 degrees F, with evidence of rats or live rats present in the facility’s food areas. The facility was not vermin proof.
Before you go out to eat, wherever you live, check to see if your city or state posts restaurant inspection reports online. Many municipalities do, including Washington state. And when you do spend money in a restaurant, learn how to spot problems and protect yourself and your family from foodborne illness.
“Evidence of rat infestation and possible live rats?” Can you say “imminent public health threat and therefore closure!”