New York City, NY - An inspection on 07/21/2025 at Chen Express uncovered significant health code violations.
The restaurant is located at 223 East 14 Street in New York City's East Village district, serving local residents and visitors.
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Inspectors documented: "08a. Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests. (critical: not critical). 10b. Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where." This finding indicates a need for compliance with established food safety protocols.
The inspection found infractions involving pest control, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Pest control violations represent some of the most significant infractions in food service inspections According to FDA Pest Control Guidelines, Federal food safety regulations require all food service establishments to maintain comprehensive pest exclusion programs. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.
The inspection identified violations related to sanitation, an important area of food safety.
Industry best practices require establishments to maintain rigorous cleaning schedules and equipment maintenance Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that The FDA Food Code establishes comprehensive sanitation requirements that form the foundation of safe food service operations. Per Food Safety Modernization Act, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.
Such infractions require attention for the business to maintain compliance with community safety standards. Public health officials note that addressing these violations helps maintain trust in dining establishments.
Regulatory authorities have scheduled an extensive follow-up review to confirm that every infraction has been adequately corrected. Management are required to show complete correction before these violations will be deemed closed.
This incident highlights the critical importance of rigorous food safety protocols in commercial food service. Local residents are encouraged to review public inspection records when making dining decisions.
📋 Complete Inspection Data
| BIN | 1019504 |
| PHONE | 2129828966 |
| STREET | EAST 14 STREET |
| Latitude | 40.733002754159 |
| DBA | Chen Express |
| BUILDING | 223 |
| RECORD DATE | 08/15/2025 |
| BORO | Manhattan |
| BBL | 1008960011 |
| CUISINE DESCRIPTION | Chinese |
| ACTION | Violations were cited in the following area(s). |
| Council District | 02 |
| SCORE | 24 |
| INSPECTION DATE | 07/21/2025 |
| INSPECTION TYPE | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection |
| ZIPCODE | 10003 |
| NTA | MN21 |
| CAMIS | 50144964 |
| Longitude | -73.986487095919 |
| Census Tract | 004800 |
| Community Board | 106 |
| VIOLATION CODES | 08A; 10B; 10F; 09C; 06E; 04N |
| ALL VIOLATIONS | 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents; insects or other pests. || 10B: Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. Condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of. || 10F: 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. || 09C: Design; construction; materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. Surface not easily cleanable; sanitized and maintained. || 06E: Sanitized equipment or utensil; including in-use food dispensing utensil; improperly used or stored. || 04N: 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was this inspection conducted?
This inspection was conducted on July 21, 2025.
Who conducted this inspection?
Chicago Department of Public Health
What violations were found during this inspection?
The following violations were found: 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests. | 10B: Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. Condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of. | 10F: 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. | 09C: Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. Surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained. | 06E: Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored. | 04N: 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..
Why are these violations concerning?
Health code violations can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Common concerns include improper food temperatures (which can allow bacteria growth), inadequate handwashing facilities (which can spread germs), pest activity (which can contaminate food), and cross-contamination risks. These violations are monitored by health departments to ensure public safety and prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.