Initial Tea in Clinton Hill Fails Health Inspection

INITIAL TEA restaurant inspection

New York City, NY - A health department inspection at Initial Tea on 07/21/2025 revealed multiple health code violations.

The restaurant is located at 467 Dekalb Avenue Brooklyn Ny in New York City's Clinton Hill district, serving local residents and visitors.

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The inspection details: "06d. Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. (critical: critical). 04l. Evidence of mice or live." These circumstances require correction according to industry standards.

Inspectors documented deficiencies involving pest control, an essential component of restaurant operations.

Pest control violations represent some of the most significant infractions in food service inspections According to HACCP Prevention 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.

Health department officials noted violations related to sanitation, which require attention for public health compliance.

Food safety experts emphasize that consistent sanitation practices prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria 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 FDA Sanitation Standards, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.

The implications extend to broader community food safety standards. Health department data shows that correction of violations helps maintain community health standards.

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.

The broader restaurant industry can learn valuable lessons from such cases, emphasizing the need for continuous vigilance to food safety standards. Consumer awareness remains a crucial component in maintaining community food safety.

📋 Complete Inspection Data

INSPECTION TYPE Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
PHONE 6469320599
BORO Brooklyn
Longitude -73.958448676673
Council District 33
Census Tract 023500
Latitude 40.690561888071
RECORD DATE 08/15/2025
SCORE 23
Community Board 303
ACTION Violations were cited in the following area(s).
DBA INITIAL TEA
BIN 3055177
STREET DEKALB AVENUE
INSPECTION DATE 07/21/2025
ZIPCODE 11205
BBL 3019260079
BUILDING 467
GRADE DATE 07/21/2025
CUISINE DESCRIPTION Juice; Smoothies; Fruit Salads
GRADE Z
NTA BK69
CAMIS 50091707
VIOLATION CODES 06D; 04L; 08A; 10F
ALL VIOLATIONS 06D: Food contact surface not properly washed; rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. || 04L: Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas. || 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents; insects or other pests. || 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.

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: 06D: Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. | 04L: Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas. | 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests. | 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..

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.

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📋 Data Sources & Health Guidelines

Inspection Data Source

All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene . View the original data source .

Federal Health Guidelines

Food safety standards referenced in this report are based on:

Important Note: This article is based on official inspection reports at the time of inspection. Current conditions may differ. Always check the most recent inspection results before dining. Establishments have the opportunity to correct violations and request re-inspection.