Taco Bell in Washington Heights Fails Health Inspection

TACO BELL restaurant inspection

New York City, NY - Multiple violations were discovered at Taco Bell during a health inspection on 08/01/2025.

Taco Bell is positioned at 1351 Saint Nicholas Avenue in the Washington Heights area, drawing neighborhood patrons and tourists.

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The inspection report documents: "08a. Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests. (critical: not critical). 06d. Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized a." Health officials note that these violations need attention to maintain proper compliance.

The examination revealed violations related to pest control, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.

Food safety professionals regularly stress the essential nature of adequate pest control procedures. As outlined in FDA Food Code Standards, Federal food safety regulations require all food service establishments to maintain comprehensive pest exclusion programs. These federal guidelines guarantee that restaurants adhere to strict health requirements.

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

Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive sanitation practices. Studies from public health organizations show that Proper sanitation practices prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food preparation environments. The Food Safety Modernization Act offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.

These compliance issues require correction to maintain proper standards for the restaurant and public health. Food safety professionals indicate that addressing non-compliance helps ensure customer safety standards.

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.

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

INSPECTION TYPE Pre-permit (Operational) / Re-inspection
Council District 34
Latitude 40.700907598144
BORO Brooklyn
CUISINE DESCRIPTION Mexican
STREET FLUSHING AVENUE
Census Tract 049100
Community Board 301
RECORD DATE 08/15/2025
PHONE 7182557339
ACTION Violations were cited in the following area(s).
SCORE 13
BIN 3326062
BUILDING 785
GRADE DATE 07/09/2025
INSPECTION DATE 07/09/2025
CAMIS 50163907
NTA BK90
GRADE A
DBA TACO BELL
ZIPCODE 11206
Longitude -73.941152600126
BBL 3031270001
VIOLATION CODES 10F; 02G; 10B
ALL VIOLATIONS 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. || 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. || 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was this inspection conducted?

This inspection was conducted on August 1, 2025.

Who conducted this inspection?

Chicago Department of Public Health

What violations were found during this inspection?

The following violations were found: 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. | 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. | 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..

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.