Longtime Upper West Side Chinese Restaurant Shut Down by Health Department

A longtime Upper West Side Chinese restaurant was shut down by the Health Department this week after inspectors found evidence of mice, live roaches and flies. (Thanks to Michael Mongno for the tip.)

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Empire Szechuan, at 193 Columbus Avenue between 68th and 69th streets, was closed following an inspection on Tuesday, October 20, according to the Health Department. The inspection resulted in 64 violation points.

The restaurant is part of the Empire Szechuan chain, which says on its website that it’s been serving New Yorkers since 1976. The chain got its start as a four-table restaurant on Broadway at West 97th Street, according to NY Press.

Inspectors cited the restaurant for 10 sanitary violations. Here’s how they appear in the report:

1. 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.
2. Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.
3. Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment’s food or non-food areas.
4. Live roaches in facility’s food or non-food area.
5. 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.
6. Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.
7. Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
8. Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
9. 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.
10. Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.

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