New York City, NY - Health department officials identified compliance problems at Tropical Smoothie Cafe during an inspection on 07/24/2025.
The establishment operates from 3149 Steinway Street Queens Ny in Steinway, a busy area of New York City known for its dining scene.
Inspectors documented: "06. Current letter grade or grade pending card not posted (critical: not critical). 08b." This finding indicates a need for compliance with established food safety protocols.
The inspection identified violations related to pest control, an important area of food safety.
Health experts emphasize that pest activity can rapidly contaminate food preparation surfaces and stored ingredients 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.
Inspectors documented deficiencies involving sanitation, an essential component of restaurant operations.
Food safety professionals regularly stress the essential nature of adequate sanitation procedures. As outlined in FDA Sanitation Standards, The FDA Food Code establishes comprehensive sanitation requirements that form the foundation of safe food service operations. These federal guidelines guarantee that restaurants adhere to strict health requirements.
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.
Health department officials will conduct a comprehensive re-inspection to ensure that all violations have been properly addressed. The establishment must demonstrate full compliance before the matter can be considered resolved.
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.
| GRADE | N |
| BORO | Queens |
| DBA | TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE |
| Latitude | 40.743974994083 |
| SCORE | 20 |
| INSPECTION DATE | 07/10/2025 |
| RECORD DATE | 08/15/2025 |
| ACTION | Violations were cited in the following area(s). |
| CAMIS | 50166631 |
| STREET | QUEENS BLVD |
| Longitude | -73.925668536129 |
| Community Board | 402 |
| NTA | QN31 |
| CUISINE DESCRIPTION | Other |
| ZIPCODE | 11104 |
| Census Tract | 017900 |
| Council District | 26 |
| BBL | 4001910044 |
| BIN | 4000000 |
| PHONE | 3476798940 |
| INSPECTION TYPE | Pre-permit (Operational) / Initial Inspection |
| BUILDING | 3911 |
| VIOLATION CODES | 06A; 06E; 02B; 10F |
| ALL VIOLATIONS | 06A: Personal cleanliness is inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn where required. Jewelry worn on hands or arms. Fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed. || 06E: Sanitized equipment or utensil; including in-use food dispensing utensil; improperly used or stored. || 02B: Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F. || 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. |
This inspection was conducted on July 24, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: 06A: Personal cleanliness is inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn where required. Jewelry worn on hands or arms. Fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed. | 06E: Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored. | 02B: Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F. | 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..
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.
