Cafe Claro in Jackson Heights Fails Health Inspection

CAFE CLARO restaurant inspection

New York City, NY - Health inspectors discovered violations during an inspection of Cafe Claro on 07/31/2025.

The dining establishment functions from 3313 108Th Street Queens Ny in Jackson Heights, a well-trafficked section of New York City recognized for its restaurant culture.

Advertisement

Health department documentation states: "04. “choking first aid” poster not posted." Such infractions require correction to meet regulatory standards.

Among the findings were infractions involving temperature control, a key component of food safety protocols.

Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper temperature control protocols. The HACCP Temperature Monitoring clearly states that Temperature abuse remains the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurant settings.

The examination revealed violations related to hand washing, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.

Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive hand washing practices. Studies from public health organizations show that Federal guidelines require food service workers to wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and warm water. The CDC Hand Hygiene Guidelines offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.

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

Health experts emphasize that pest activity can rapidly contaminate food preparation surfaces and stored ingredients Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that The FDA Food Code mandates that food storage areas remain free from pest contamination at all times. Per HACCP Prevention Guidelines, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.

Among the findings were infractions involving sanitation, a key component of food safety protocols.

Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper sanitation protocols. The Food Safety Modernization Act clearly states that Federal regulators use FDA sanitation guidelines as the benchmark for evaluating food service establishment compliance.

These types of violations require attention to maintain compliance standards for the establishment and its customers. Health officials note that addressing such conditions helps maintain public confidence in food service 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.

📋 Complete Inspection Data

ZIPCODE 11368
GRADE N
BORO Queens
Council District 21
STREET 108TH ST
NTA QN26
Latitude 40.757465679027
PHONE 9293659016
INSPECTION DATE 07/31/2025
RECORD DATE 08/15/2025
CUISINE DESCRIPTION Latin American
ACTION Violations were cited in the following area(s).
DBA CAFE CLARO
Community Board 403
INSPECTION TYPE Pre-permit (Operational) / Initial Inspection
BUILDING 3313
Longitude -73.860922733446
Census Tract 038100
CAMIS 50170198
BIN 4042808
SCORE 45
BBL 4017230047
VIOLATION CODES 04M; 10F; 04H; 08A; 10E; 10B; 02G; 20-04; 02H
ALL VIOLATIONS 04M: Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area. || 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. || 04H: Raw; cooked or prepared food is adulterated; contaminated; cross-contaminated; or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan. || 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents; insects or other pests. || 10E: Accurate thermometer not provided or properly located in refrigerated; cold storage or hot holding equipment || 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. || 02G: Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation. || 20-04: “Choking first aid” poster not posted. “Alcohol and Pregnancy” warning sign not posted. Resuscitation equipment: exhaled air resuscitation masks (adult & pediatric); latex gloves; sign not posted. || 02H: After cooking or removal from hot holding; TCS food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal temperature is reduced from 140 °F to 70 °F or less within 2 hours; and from 70 °F to 41 °F or less within 4 additional hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was this inspection conducted?

This inspection was conducted on July 31, 2025.

Who conducted this inspection?

Chicago Department of Public Health

What violations were found during this inspection?

The following violations were found: 04M: Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area. | 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. | 04H: Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan. | 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests. | 10E: Accurate thermometer not provided or properly located in refrigerated, cold storage or hot holding equipment | 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. | 02G: Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation. | 20-04: “Choking first aid” poster not posted. “Alcohol and Pregnancy” warning sign not posted. Resuscitation equipment: exhaled air resuscitation masks (adult & pediatric), latex gloves, sign not posted. | 02H: After cooking or removal from hot holding, TCS food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal temperature is reduced from 140 °F to 70 °F or less within 2 hours, and from 70 °F to 41 °F or less within 4 additional hours..

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.

Advertisement

📋 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.