New York City, NY - A health department inspection at Zoma Express on 07/21/2025 revealed multiple health code violations.
Zoma Express is positioned at 973 Columbus Avenue Manhattan Ny in the Upper West Side area, drawing neighborhood patrons and tourists.
Health department documentation states: "06. Contract with a pest management professional not in place. 08. Failure to post or conspicuously post healthy eating information (critical: not critical). 04k." Such infractions require correction to meet regulatory standards.
The inspection identified violations related to temperature control, an important area of food safety.
Professional food safety experts consider temperature monitoring essential for preventing foodborne illness Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that Temperature abuse remains the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurant settings. The FDA Temperature Safety Guidelines provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
Among the findings were infractions involving pest control, a key component of food safety protocols.
Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive pest control practices. Studies from public health organizations show that Effective pest control is considered a critical control point in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. The FDA Pest Control Guidelines offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.
Health department officials noted violations related to sanitation, which require attention for public health compliance.
Sanitation violations encompass a broad spectrum of cleanliness and maintenance issues that affect food safety According to Food Safety Modernization Act, Proper sanitation practices prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food preparation environments. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.
The implications extend to broader community food safety standards. Health department data shows that correction of violations helps maintain community health standards.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has mandated that Zoma Express immediately address all identified violations before resuming normal operations. A follow-up inspection has been scheduled to verify compliance.
These findings underscore the essential nature of comprehensive health compliance in restaurant operations. Community members should feel empowered to examine health department findings when choosing restaurants.
| STREET | COLUMBUS AVENUE |
| Latitude | 40.800342627985 |
| Community Board | 107 |
| NTA | MN09 |
| Council District | 07 |
| RECORD DATE | 08/15/2025 |
| CAMIS | 50170694 |
| BORO | Manhattan |
| ACTION | Violations were cited in the following area(s). |
| Longitude | -73.962045982133 |
| INSPECTION DATE | 07/21/2025 |
| SCORE | 47 |
| BUILDING | 973 |
| BBL | 1018430062 |
| INSPECTION TYPE | Pre-permit (Non-operational) / Re-inspection |
| CUISINE DESCRIPTION | Ethiopian |
| PHONE | 6466433860 |
| BIN | 1055705 |
| ZIPCODE | 10025 |
| Census Tract | 019300 |
| DBA | ZOMA EXPRESS |
| VIOLATION CODES | 28-06; 20-08; 04K; 08A; 05H; 10F; 10E |
| ALL VIOLATIONS | 28-06: Contract with a pest management professional not in place. Record of extermination activities not kept on premises. || 20-08: Failure to post or conspicuously post healthy eating information || 04K: Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas. || 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents; insects or other pests. || 05H: No approved written standard operating procedure for avoiding contamination by refillable returnable containers. || 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. || 10E: Accurate thermometer not provided or properly located in refrigerated; cold storage or hot holding equipment |
This inspection was conducted on July 21, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: 28-06: Contract with a pest management professional not in place. Record of extermination activities not kept on premises. | 20-08: Failure to post or conspicuously post healthy eating information | 04K: Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas. | 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests. | 05H: No approved written standard operating procedure for avoiding contamination by refillable returnable containers. | 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. | 10E: Accurate thermometer not provided or properly located in refrigerated, cold storage or hot holding equipment.
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.
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 .
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.
