Something is rotten with the state of Indian restaurants on Lexington Avenue.
Barely a few weeks after Dhaba was ordered closed, its neighbor Pongal is now bearing the brunt of the New York City Health Department fury over poor hygiene.
On May 15, 2012 the NYC Health Department ordered Pongal closed following an inspection.
NYC Closes Dirty Pongal – 69 Violation Points
Pongal – High Violation Points
Pongal NYC received a whopping 69 Hygiene Violation Points in its May 15, 2012 NYC health inspection with some pretty horrific violations.
Evidence of Mice and Other Violations
While closing Pongal Lexington Ave, the NYC Health Dept.’s inspection report cited following sanitary violations (Critical violations marked in red):
* Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.
* Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.
* Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
* Hot food item not held at or above 140º F.
* Food worker does not use proper utensil to eliminate bare hand contact with food that will not receive adequate additional heat treatment.
* Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.
* Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
* Covered garbage receptacle not provided or inadequate, except that garbage receptacle may be uncovered during active use. Garbage storage area not properly constructed or maintained; grinder or compactor dirty.
* Plumbing not properly installed or maintained; anti-siphonage or backflow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly.
10) Non-food contact surface improperly constructed. Unacceptable material used. Non-food contact surface or equipment improperly maintained and/or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.
Sigiri East Village – Still has Evidence of Mice