ZARO'S BREAD BASKET in New York, NY Failed Its Health Inspection on 03/12/24

New York, NY - Health inspectors documented violations at ZARO'S BREAD BASKET during a routine inspection conducted on 03/12/2024.

The facility operates from 89 EAST 42 STREET in Midtown, an area known for its diverse dining options. Health inspections in this district help ensure consistent food safety standards.

The inspection identified 5 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation related to pest prevention. Inspectors documented: Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage associated with (FRSA) flies or other nuisance pests in establishment’s food and/or non-food areas. FRSA flies include house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, drain flies, Phorid flies and fruit flies.. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas.

The second violation concerned sanitization. Inspectors documented: 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.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces.

The third violation involved thermal management. Inspectors documented: Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus can produce toxins in improperly stored food that are not destroyed by reheating.

The fourth violation related to pest control. Inspectors documented: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas.

The fifth violation concerned hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.

The correction of health violations is monitored through follow-up inspections and documentation requirements. Establishments must demonstrate that they have addressed the root causes of violations, not just the immediate symptoms.

This inspection data is provided by NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The establishment had violations identified during the 03/12/2024 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the New York City Health Code. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.