LILCAFE in New York, NY Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/09/25

New York, NY - Health department officials identified compliance issues at LILCAFE in an inspection dated 04/09/2025.

Situated at 4021 22ND ST, the establishment is part of Chelsea's active food service sector. The Chelsea area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 3 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.

The first violation involved temperature control. Inspectors documented: 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.. 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. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.

The second violation concerned pest prevention. Inspectors documented: Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.. 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. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces.

The third violation concerned food temperatures. Inspectors documented: Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) food not cooked to required minimum internal temperature. • Poultry, poultry parts, ground and comminuted poultry, all stuffing containing poultry, meats, fish or ratites to or above 165 °F for 15 seconds with no interruption of the cooking process • Ground meat, and food containing ground and comminuted meat, to or above 158 °F for 15 seconds with no interruption of the cooking process, except per individual customer request • Pork, any food containing pork to or above 150 °F for 15 seconds • Mechanically tenderized or injected meats to or above 155 °F. . 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. Improper temperature control can lead to bacterial growth including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

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 04/09/2025 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.