A mock inspection is an unannounced inspection simulated to recreate a Department of Health (DOHMH) Inspection. Why is it important for restaurants and all food service establishments to get independent mock inspections every month? We get asked this question all the time… Besides the fact that they are the key to that coveted “A” letter grade […]
Read more →Considered a critical violation by the NYC Health Code, flies found during an inspection by the Department of Health carry many points, can cost thousands of dollars in fines, and may possibly jeopardize the “A” on your door. Besides causing compliance issues with the letter grade system, the bacteria transmitted by flies could potentially contaminate food […]
Read more →A modified version of the system responsible for lowering instances of food borne illness, increasing hygiene practices and making restaurants safer could be coming to a salon near you. Bronx Borough President Rubin Diaz Jr. introduced a bill creating a Letter Grade System for cosmetology businesses. Regulated by the NY State division of licensing Services, […]
Read more →It seems as if the focus is always on preventing food borne illness in the back of the house. However, food service establishments must not forget that food borne illness from cross contamination can easily occur in the front of the house. The following are 5 ways to practice food safety in the front of […]
Read more →Accepting a settlement in order to pay a reduced fine for a violation received during a DOH Inspection is the same as pleading guilty. Restaurant operators accepting a settlement, cannot request a hearing. Even if a settlement offer was not received by mail, you may still be able to settle without having to see a Settlement Officer, by […]
Read more →Preventing cross contamination is critical in preventing food borne illness . The Following are five ways to keep your restaurants free of violations and your patrons safe: 1. Any surface that comes into contact with food must be cleaned. In order to properly clean food contact surfaces remember to: wash sanitize dry 2. All wiping […]
Read more →1. Fines for violations are now fixed: All violations have set fines listed in the NYC DOH Penalty Schedule. 2. Hearing examiners will no longer determine fines at hearings. 3. The hearing examiner at the (OATH ) Health Tribunal, will only decide whether to uphold a certain violation. 4. Fine Waiver – If ALL of the following conditions […]
Read more →In the event that an inspection leads to violations, you will get a letter in the mail offering a settlement for a smaller amount. DO NOT automatically accept settlements. Although there are some violations that cannot be fought, based on our experience, defending the violations at a hearing will often result in a reduction of […]
Read more →These simple steps will prevent potential violations, save money, prevent foodborne illness and help you receive and maintain the “A” letter grade on your door. 1. Keep the following logs daily: sweeping logs (at least 4 times a day) Check food temperature and keep logs (recommended at least every hour) 2. Check the following daily: […]
Read more →It has been almost a year since Yelp made an announcement about incorporating Health Department Letter Grades into their customer reviews. Although Yelp has this feature available in other cities, letter grades have not yet made it to Yelp’s NY review pages. Why letter grades haven’t made their debut yet is anyone’s guess. However, thanks […]
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