8 Grocery In Brooklyn Got ‘C’ Grades During Health Inspections

These 8 grocery stores located in Kings County got 'C' grades during their health inspections. Similar to restaurants, corner stores and other stores that sell food are inspected annually and sometimes multiple times during the year. One store got a 'C' grade 4 times in 2023.

"The Division of Food Safety and Inspection works to ensure that New York State’s food and feed supply is safe to consume. Annually, inspectors located across the state conduct on average of 35,000 sanitary inspections of New York State’s retail food establishments and wholesale establishments (which includes food and beverage manufacturing facilities, farm wineries/cideries/breweries/distilleries, slaughter houses, rendering plants, live bird markets warehouses, and distributors)."

1. RUTLAND DELI AND GRILL (REPEAT OFFENDER)
592 ALBANY AVE., BROOKLYN, NY 11203

I usually do not make commentary on any of the stores, but this store - Rutland Delli & Grill - had 4 "C" inspections in 2023. It seems they did nothing to fix any of their violations.

November 24, 2023

- Approximately 6-8 dead cockroaches are present on the shelves in the basement food storage area.
- Over 1000 cockroach droppings and house flies droppings are present on various surfaces in the deli, retail, back storage and basement storage areas.
- Approximately 3 live cockroaches are present in the wooden crevices in the basement food storage area. No insect infested food was found.
- Approximately 30-40 fresh appearing mouse droppings are present on retail shelves with pet food. Rodent defiled food was found. At the time of inspection. The firm is going to improve pest control.
- Non-food contact surfaces of the deli area cooler have extensive accumulation of dried food residues and large amount of standing water on the bottom and internal surfaces.
- Glass door retail cooler is not properly maintained as follows: internal surfaces and fans exhibit extensive accumulation of flaking dust.
- Chest freezer in the basement area is not properly maintained as follows: The lid if the freezer is in disrepair and duct taped.
- Approximately 20-25 old appearing mouse droppings are present on the floor in the basement storage area.
- A light source in the basement area walk-in cooler Is not covered.
- Various bags (22 bags) with pet food are found on retail shelves to be rodent defiled with mouse droppings and gnaw marks. 56.032 LB of the products were destroyed under signed waiver during inspection. Seizure #075098K
- Return area is not adequately identified or segregated.
- Various retail shelves are dusty.
- The deli area shelves exhibit accumulation of scrapable matter.
- Basement food storage area shelves are observed to have accumulation of dust.
- A cat is noted in the basement storage area.
- Unused equipment and materials in the basement are stored in a manner which inhibits proper cleaning and inspection and a likely rodent, insect, or vermin harborage.
- Sanitizing solution is not available in the deli preparation area.
- Establishment has insufficient space to accommodate operations in retail, deli and basement food storage areas with food and non-food items stored directly on the floor and against the wall hampering proper inspection and cleaning.
- The floor in the deli area is soiled under the equipment and observed to have cracked tiles.
- The wall behind the deli equipment is soiled.
- Cashier area floor is lettered.
- The walls in retail area, deli area and cashier area exhibit accumulation of flaking dust.
- Retail floor is observed to have accumulation of dust under the equipment.
- Basement area floor and walls are pitted and have accumulation of dust. The basement ceiling exhibit holes.
- Refuse container in the deli area is not covered and not removed at sufficient intervals.
- Food workers in the deli food preparation area are not taking precautions to prevent contamination of foods as follows: Cell phone, cell phone charger are stored on counters and shelves in exposed, ready-to-eat food preparation areas.
- Various street cloth and boots are not properly segregated from ready-to-eat exposed food area and stored on the lower shelf of the deli area cabinet.
- Various potentially hazardous foods in the deli display case are stored at 48°F.
- Various ready-to-eat food ingredients for cold cuts and sandwiches are stored uncovered in the deli display case.

May 3, 2023

- Food workers in the deli food preparation area are not taking precautions to prevent contamination of foods as follows: Cell phone, cell phone charger, and sound speaker are stored on counters and shelves in exposed, ready-to-eat food preparation areas.
- Street boots are stored in the deli area cabinet and not properly segregated from exposed ready-to-eat food area.
- Various ready-to-eat meats and cheeses in the refrigerated deli display case have an internal temperature of 47°F.
- Various ingredients for sandwiches and cold-cuts are stored in the deli display case uncovered.
- Various containers with sauces and dressings in the deli case are not properly identified as follows: missing label.
- 2 poly cutting boards in the deli area have moderate knife scores across food contact surfaces.
- 3 knives are stored wedges between a wall and pipe in the deli area - condition which threatens contamination.
- Toilet room facility lacks self-closing door.
- Approximately 10-12 live cockroaches are present in the wood crevices in the basement food storage area. No insect infested food was found. The management committed to improve pest control.
- A fan guard in the toilet room is dust laden.
- Sanitizer solution in the deli area is murky/ soiled and not appropriate for use.
- Approximately 3-4 dead cockroaches are present in the walls cracks in retail and basement areas.
- Over 1000 cockroach droppings are present on the toilet door frame. - Over 1000 cockroach droppings are present across various wooden shelves in the basement storage area.
- Exterior exit door in the retail area is propped open and is not properly screened.
- Establishment has insufficient space to accommodate operations in retail area with food and non-food items stored directly on the floor and against the wall hampering proper inspection and cleaning.
- The floor in the deli area is soiled under the equipment and observed to have broken tiles.
- The wall behind the deli equipment is soiled.
- Cashier area floor is lettered.
- The walls in retail area, deli area and cashier area exhibit accumulation of flaking dust.
- Retail floor is observed to have accumulation of dust under the equipment.
- Basement area floor and walls are pitted and have accumulation of dust. The basement ceiling exhibit holes.
- Refuse containers in the deli area are soiled and not covered.
- Deli area slicing machine is noted to have a buildup of old encrusted food residues on food contact surfaces of the blade, blade sharpener and blade guard. Equipment dismantled for proper cleaning and sanitizing during inspection.
- Thermometer is not provided in the glass door retail cooler with eggs. T=45°F.
- Thermometer is not provided in the open retail cooler with sliced fruits and juices. T=47°F.
- Unused equipment and materials in the basement are stored in a manner which inhibits proper cleaning and inspection and a likely rodent, insect, or vermin harborage.
- Various retail shelves are dusty.
- The deli area shelves exhibit accumulation of scrapable matter.
- The evidence of cat is noted in the basement area.

March 13, 2023

- The light source in the walk-in cooler in the basement is insufficiently shielded.
- Toilet room facility lacks self-closing door.
- Handwash facility in the deli food preparation area is observed to lack sanitary drying device.
- Handwash facility in the toilet room is observed to lack sanitary drying device.
- Various Boar's meats in the deli display case are stored at internal temperature of 55-60°F for undetermined time. 89 LB of the products destroyed under signed waiver during inspection. The accuracy of the thermometer used was verified during the inspection. Seizure # 076222Q
- Approximately 2 live cockroaches are present in the crevice of the basement stairs. No insect infested food was found. The management committed to improve pest control.
- Refuse containers in the deli area are soiled and not covered.
- Over 500 cockroach droppings are present across various wooden shelves in the basement storage area.
- Approximately 5 dead cockroaches are present on the floor in the basement food storage area.
- Over 1000 cockroach droppings are present on the toilet door frame.
- The date and results of the most recent sanitary inspection are not posted.
- Various ingredients for sandwiches and cold-cuts are stored in the deli display case uncovered.
- Various containers with sauces and dressings in the deli case are not properly identified as follows: missing label.
- Various meats and cheeses on the bottom of the deli case are stored at 48°F.
- Food workers in the deli food preparation area are not taking precautions to prevent contamination of foods as follows: Cell phone, cell phone charger, and sound speaker are stored on counters and shelves in exposed, ready-to-eat food preparation areas.
- The floor in the deli area is soiled under the equipment and observed to have broken tiles.
- The wall behind the deli equipment is soiled.
- Retail floor is observed to have accumulation of dust under the equipment.
- Basement area floor and walls are pitted and have accumulation of dust. The basement ceiling exhibit holes.
- Establishment has insufficient space to accommodate operations in retail area with food and non-food items stored directly on the floor and against the wall hampering proper inspection and cleaning.
- Sanitizing solution is not available in the deli preparation area.
- Two wipe rags in the deli area are not stored in sanitizer solution when not in use.
- Various street cloths, boots are stored in the deli area cabinet and not properly segregated from exposed ready-to-eat food area.
- 9.8 LB of various beef, chicken and cheese patties are not manufactured at an officially inspected plant. No invoice available. No distributor information 9.8 LB of the products destroyed under signed waiver during inspection. Seizure #076222Q
- The evidence of cat are noted in the basement area.
- The poly cutting board in the deli area has moderate knife scores across food contact surfaces.
- Retail area glass door cooler is not properly maintained as follows: door gaskets are broken.
- Thermometer is not provided in the glass door retail cooler with milk. T=43°F.
- Thermometer in the walk-in basement cooler is not accurate to 2°F. T=48°F.
- Unused equipment and materials in the basement are stored in a manner which inhibits proper cleaning and inspection and a likely rodent, insect, or vermin harborage.
- Various retail shelves are dusty.

January 17, 2023

- Approximately 20-25 dead cockroaches are present on the floor and glue boards in the basement storage area.
- Approximately 5-8 dead flies are present on 3 glue ribbons by the toilet room.
- Approximately 3-4 live house flies are moted in the deli area ware wash sink.
- The food contact surface of the deli area slicing machine blade guard is observed to have moderate accumulation of dried food residue.
- The poly cutting boards in the deli area have moderate knife scores across food contact surfaces.
- Non-food contact surfaces of the display case door tracks in the deli area are noted to have an accumulation of dried food residues.
- Retail area glass door cooler is not properly maintained as follows: door gaskets are broken.
- Various food equipment in the deli area are not properly maintained as follows: external surfaces are soiled.
- Thermometer is not provided in the walk-in cooler in the basement area. T=46°F.
- Thermometer is not provided in the walk-in cooler in the glass door retail area dairy cooler. T=45°F.
- Unused equipment and materials in the basement are stored in a manner which inhibits proper cleaning and inspection and a likely rodent, insect, or vermin harborage.
- The fan in the toilet room is dust laden.
- The light source in the walk-in cooler in the basement is insufficiently shielded.
- Food workers in the deli food preparation area are not taking precautions to prevent contamination of foods as follows: Cell phone and cell phone charger are stored on counters and shelves in exposed, ready-to-eat food preparation areas.
- Toilet room facility lacks self-closing door.
- Handwash facility in the toilet room is observed to lack sanitary drying device.
- Approximately 20-30 live cockroaches are present in the basement storage area. No insect infested food was found. The management committed to improve pest control.
- Various ready-to-eat ingredients for cold cuts and sandwiches are stored in the deli case unwrapped.
- Various containers with sauces and dressings in the deli area are not properly identified as follows: missing label.
- Various street cloths are stored in the deli area cabinet and not properly segregated from exposed ready-to-eat food area.
- Sanitizing solution is not available in the deli preparation area.
- Three wipe rags in the deli area are not stored in sanitizer solution when not in use.
- Establishment has insufficient space to accommodate operations in retail area with food and non-food items stored directly on the floor and against the wall hampering proper inspection and cleaning.
- The floor in the deli area is soiled under the equipment.
- The wall behind the deli equipment is soiled.
- Retail floor is observed to have accumulation of dust under the equipment.
- Basement area floor and walls are pitted and have accumulation of dust.
- Refuse containers in the deli area are soiled and not covered.
- Various retail shelves are dusty.

2. M&M5 DELI GROCERY
224 ALBANY AVE., BROOKLYN, NY 11213

- Approximately 3-4 live cockroaches are present in the crevece of the wooden wall in the deli area. No insect infested food was found at the time of inspection. The manager committed to improve pest control.
- The mop is not properly stored in the backet with sanitation solution and found to be stored directly on the floor in the deli and basement areas.
- Sanitizer solution in the deli area is murky/ soiled and not appropriate for use.
- Handwash facility in the basement toilet room is observed to lack sanitary drying device.
- Establishment has insufficient space to accommodate operations in retail area with food and non-food items stored directly on the floor and against the wall hampering proper inspection and cleaning.
- Deli area floor exhibits build-up dark, soiled grime under the equipment along the walls.
- Retail area floor is observed to have accumulation of dust under the equipment.
- Basement storage area floor exhibits accumulation of dust.
- Basement storage area walls and ceiling are in disrepair and exhibit holes.
- Refuse container in the deli area is not covered.
- Various containers with sauces and dressings in the deli area are not properly identified as follows: missing label.
- Over 1000 cockroach droppings are present on various wooden surfaces and crevices in the deli/cashier area.
- A cat is noted in the basement area.
- The slicing machine blade is observed to be moderately oxidized across food contact surface.
- Various retail shelves are observed to have accumulation of dust.
- The fan guard in the basement area toilet room is dust laden.
- Thermometer in the deli display case is not accurate to 2°F. T=45°F.
- Thermometer is not provided in the glass door retail cooler with milk. T=40°F.
- Deli display case is not properly maintained as follows: Sliding glass door has cracked surface and taped.
- Glass-door retail coolers are not properly maintained as follows: internal surfaces have accumulation of dark, mold-like matter.

 

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3. RED APPLE FRUIT&VEG
455 ALBANY AVE., BROOKLYN, NY 11213

- Refuse containers in the produce area are uncovered when not in use.
- The establishment conducts food processing activities and does not have a valid Article 20-C License. Licensable operations observed and are listed in the memo section of this report. License application form was provided to management.
- Various shelves in retail and back storage areas are observed to have accumulation of dust.
- The condensate drainage pipe is not properly discharged into the hand wash sink in the back of storage area by the toilet room.
- Retail area floor is observed to have extensive accumulation of pilled fruits and vegetable skin, dust and litter.
- Back storage area floor is littered.
- Ceiling in the produce preparation area is noted with peeling paint.
- Repacked dried papaya is not properly labeled as follows: the label lacks information about sub-ingredients.
- Approximately 10-12dead house flies are present on 1 glue ribbon by the 2 bay sink in the produce area.
- Approximately 2-3 live house flies are noted in the back food storage and produce area.
- Handwash sink in the back produce area is not provided. The owner committed to install a hand wash sink.
- Establishment has insufficient space to accommodate operations in retail, back storage area and walk-in cooler with food and non-food items stored directly on the floor, milk crates and against the wall hampering proper inspection and cleaning.
- Sanitizing solution is not available in the produce area.

4. KOSHERTOWN
459 ALBANY AVE., BROOKLYN, NY 11213

- Establishment fails to maintain up-to-date production, cooking temperature or pH records for the sushi products.
- Establishment could not provide letter of guarantee for the ready-to-eat raw tuna and salmon fish for sushi.
- Poly cutting board in the sushi processing area has moderate knife scores with dried food residue across food contact surface.
- The date and results of the most recent sanitary inspection are not posted conspicuously at each entrance.
- Various wrappings are found in the open retail area cooler not properly labeled as follows: Products are not labeled with ingredients/sub-ingredients. - Various ingredient containers in the kitchen area are not properly labeled as follows: missing label.
- Food workers are drinking beverage in the kitchen food preparation area as indicated by cup of beverage on the food processing table.
- Food workers in the food service area and in the kitchen are not taking precautions to prevent contamination of foods as follows: Cell phone and other personal items are stored on counters and shelves in exposed, ready-to-eat food preparation areas.
- Thermometer is not provided in the walk-in cooler in the basement. T=43°F.
- Establishment has insufficient space to accommodate operations in retail area with food and non-food items stored directly on the floor and against the wall hampering proper inspection and cleaning.
- Food service and sushi preparation area floor is observed to have moderate accumulation of spilled food, dusty under the equipment.
- Kitchen area floor exhibit moderate accumulation of spilled food.
- The ceiling in the kitchen area exhibit water stains and missing tile.
- Retail area floor exhibit extensive accumulation of spilled food mixed with dust and loose materials under the equipment.
- Basement food storage area floor exhibit extensive accumulation of construction dust, moderately pitted.
- Basement storage area ceiling is partly in disrepair and has holes.
- A fan guard in the toilet room is dust laden.
- Handwash facility in the food service area is observed to lack hand washing sign.
- 18I. Adequate pH testing is not performed for sushi food preparation as follows: buffer solution kit, pH meter and distilled water are not available during inspection. Rice acidification procedures were reviewed with the management.
- Equipment cleaning or sanitizing facilities for the kitchen are inadequate as follows: condensate from refrigeration unit is discharged directly into the ware wash sink. The manager committed to fix the issue.
- Approximately 8 live house flies are noted in the kitchen area.
- 2 live house flies are observed to be crawling on the food contact surface of the sushi cutting board. The cutting board was removed from service.
- Refuse containers throughout the establishment are not covered when not in use.
- Various retail shelves exhibit accumulation of dust and spilled foods.
- Various vacuum packed salmon are stored in the open retail cooler at internal temperature of 44-50°F for undetermined time. 25.245 LB of the product were destroyed under signed waiver during inspection. The accuracy of the thermometer used was verified during the inspection. Seizure #071518S
- Approximately 6-8 old appearing mouse droppings are present on the floor in retail area.
- Return area is not adequately identified or segregated in the basement area.
- Sanitizing solution is not available in the food service and kitchen preparation areas.
- The faucet for the ware wash sink in the kitchen area is in disrepair and observed to have extensive leakage.

 

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5. CVS PHARMACY 02700
1402 SHEEPSHEAD BAY RD., BROOKLYN, NY 11235

- Establishment has insufficient space to accommodate operations in rear storage and receiving area and basement area with food and non-food items stored directly against wall and on the floor hampering proper inspection and cleaning.
- Over 50 fresh and old intermingled appearing rat droppings are present in basement food storage area.
- 25-50 fresh and old intermingled appearing mouse droppings are present in basement food storage area.
- Three 3.15-lbs Meow mix original choice cat food, two 3.3-lbs IAMS Proactive health dog food and one 3.5-lb Pedigree Adult complete nutrition dog food found to be rodent defiled with gnaw marks, mouse droppings and shredded papers. 19.55-lbs product destroyed under signed waiver during inspection.
- Exterior exit doors exhibit spaces greater than 1/4 inch at bottoms and sides.
- Floor in rear storage and receiving area is soiled with dust and loose materials.
- Basement food storage area floor and ceiling exhibit holes.
- Floor in basement food storage area exhibit loose materials.
- Walk-in cooler is not properly maintained as follows: condensing unit and fan guards exhibit dust and grime. Shelves exhibit mold-like stains and dust. Floor exhibit mold-like stains and spilled dried foods.
- Shelves in basement food storage area are dust laden.
- Morgue/Bottle return area is not adequately identified.

6. CVS PHARMACY 02436
1346 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., BROOKLYN, NY 11239

- Shelves in the retail food area are dust laden.
- Thermometer in retail area dairy products/eggs display cooler is not accurate to 2°F. Temperature was measured at 39°F.
- Retail display coolers are not properly maintained as follows: fan guards are dust laden, bottom shelves are soiled and have accumulation of dried food spillage.
- Ceiling in the rear storage area has missing panels and exhibits water marks.
- Ceiling in the retail area has missing panels and exhibits water marks.
- Floor in the rear storage area is soiled.
- Establishment has insufficient space to accommodate operations with food and/or non-food items stored directly against wall hampering proper inspection and cleaning.
- Exterior loading doors exhibit spaces greater than 1/4 inch at bottoms and/or sides.
- Ventilation systems in the retail area are dust laden.
- 50-70 intermingled fresh and old appearing mouse droppings are present in the rear storage area.

7. CVS PHARMACY 02769
4901 KINGS HWY., BROOKLYN, NY 11234

- Establishment has insufficient space to accommodate operations with food and/or non-food items stored directly on the floor and against wall in the rear food storage area hampering proper inspection and cleaning.
- Seven bags of chips, six bags of chocolate and two bags of cookies in the upper food storage area are found to be rodent defiled with mouse droppings and gnaw marks. Total 3.1lbs product destroyed under signed waiver during inspection.
- Shelves in the retail area are dust laden.
- Thermometers are not provided in the open-air coolers in the retail area.
- Retail area cooler with milk is not properly maintained as follows: Bottom shelf is soiled.
- Floor in the rear food storage area is soiled.
- Ceiling in the retail area has water stains.
- Floor in the toilet room is wet.
- Fan covers in the toilet room and retail coolers are dust laden.
- 50-70 fresh and old appearing mouse droppings are present on the floor and on the various shelves with prepackaged food in the upper food storage area.
- Prepackaged cheese in the retail cooler has temperature of 53°F. Management instructed to place product under proper refrigeration during inspection. Management advised to keep refrigerated food items at 41°F or below.

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8. DOLLAR FOOD BASKET
572 ALBANY AVE., BROOKLYN, NY 11203

- Various retail shelves exhibit rusty and scratched surfaces and spilled food.
- Retail area glass door cooler is not properly maintained as follows: door gaskets are broken.
- A cat is noted in retail area.
- Over 50 dead cockroaches are present in the wall crevices by the toilet room.
- Over 1000 insect droppings are present on various surfaces in retail area.
- Retail area floor is littered.
- The ceiling in the retail area exhibit water stains.
- Establishment has insufficient space to accommodate operations with non-food items stored directly against walls hampering proper inspection and cleaning.
- The fan guard in the toilet room is in disrepair. The fan is dust laden.
- Toilet room facility lacks self-closing door.
- Handwash facility in the toilet room is observed to lack sanitary drying device.
- Approximately 30 live cockroaches are present on the wall and inside the wall crevices by the cashier area.
- Approximately 20-25 live cockroaches are present in the cabinet of the cashier area. No insect infested food found. The management committed to improve pest control.

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