OKIS SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT in East Harlem Fails Health Inspection

OKIS SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT restaurant inspection

New York City, NY - Food safety inspectors found regulatory violations at Okis Soul Food Restaurant during an inspection on 08/13/2025.

Okis Soul Food Restaurant is positioned at 54 East 125 Street Manhattan Ny in the East Harlem area, drawing neighborhood patrons and tourists.

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Health department documentation states: "04n. Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage associated with (frsa) flies or other nuisance pests in establishment’s food and/or non-food areas. Frsa flies include house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, fle." Such infractions require correction to meet regulatory standards.

The inspection identified violations related to pest control, an important area of food safety.

Pest control violations represent some of the most significant infractions in food service inspections According to FDA Pest Control Guidelines, The FDA Food Code mandates that food storage areas remain free from pest contamination at all times. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.

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

Industry best practices require establishments to maintain rigorous cleaning schedules and equipment maintenance According to FDA Sanitation Standards, The FDA Food Code establishes comprehensive sanitation requirements that form the foundation of safe food service operations. 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 Okis Soul Food Restaurant immediately address all identified violations before resuming normal operations. A follow-up inspection has been scheduled to verify compliance.

Food service professionals should take note of important insights from these findings, highlighting the importance of ongoing compliance to health code requirements. Public education continues to be an essential element in ensuring public health protection.

📋 Complete Inspection Data

STREET EAST 125 STREET
ZIPCODE 10035
CAMIS 50139430
Latitude 40.805564858312
Census Tract 019800
Longitude -73.940275867422
RECORD DATE 08/15/2025
BORO Manhattan
DBA OKIS SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT
CUISINE DESCRIPTION Soul Food
ACTION Violations were cited in the following area(s).
NTA MN34
Council District 09
Community Board 111
SCORE 16
PHONE 3476655977
BBL 1017490050
INSPECTION TYPE Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
BUILDING 54
BIN 1081468
INSPECTION DATE 08/13/2025
VIOLATION CODES 04N; 10F; 08A; 10G
ALL VIOLATIONS 04N: Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage associated with (FRSA) flies or other nuisance pests in establishment’s food and/or non-food areas. FRSA flies include house flies; blow flies; bottle flies; flesh flies; drain flies; Phorid flies and fruit flies. || 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. || 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents; insects or other pests. || 10G: Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware; including dishes; utensils; and equipment deficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was this inspection conducted?

This inspection was conducted on August 13, 2025.

Who conducted this inspection?

Chicago Department of Public Health

What violations were found during this inspection?

The following violations were found: 04N: Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage associated with (FRSA) flies or other nuisance pests in establishment’s food and/or non-food areas. FRSA flies include house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, drain flies, Phorid flies and fruit flies. | 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. | 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests. | 10G: Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient..

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.