Board of Health

New Law @ NYC Requires Letter Grades For Food Carts

Posted on by CT

foodtrucks_winter2017

article written by Erin Durkin @ The Daily News

“Street food vendors would have to display letter grades rating their health inspections under a bill set to be introduced in the City Council Wednesday. The legislation would mandate letter grades at food carts and trucks just like the ones already displayed at city restaurants. “You go to a food cart, and you don’t know if it’s in sanitary condition,” said Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Queens), who is sponsoring the measure. “It’s good for the restaurants, and I think it would be good for the food carts.” The city has given letter grades of A, B, or C to restaurants after their Health Department inspections since 2010. The vast majority of restaurants now earn A’s.”

Food operators in New York City must adhere to a strict set of guidelines to legally serve food to the public. Cleanliness is crucial to getting an A grade from health inspectors. Cleanse Tec® specializes in assisting businesses make the grade with several sanitary solutions. Contact Cleanse Tec® for a free consultation on the health inspection process: 718-346-9111

grease feast
Grease Feast: Super Duty Degreaser
sani clean
Sani Clean: Cutting Block Whitener

 

FDA Investigates Listeria Outbreak Linked to Frozen Vegetables

Posted on by CT

gty_frozen_vegetables_kb_131025_16x9_608*The CDC reports that eight people infected with the outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from three states (California, Maryland and Washington). Retailers and restaurants should not serve any of the recalled products and should dispose of them. If they do not know the source of their frozen vegetable products, they should check with the supplier.

Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators who have processed and packaged any potentially contaminated products need to be concerned about cross contamination of cutting surfaces and utensils through contact with the potentially contaminated products.
Regular frequent cleaning and sanitizing of cutting boards and utensils with Sani Clean may help to minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination.

  • Wash and sanitize display cases and refrigerators where potentially contaminated products were stored.
  • Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils used to cut, serve, or store potentially contaminated products.
  • Wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.

sani clean + veggie clean

Listeria can grow at refrigeration temperatures in foods. Listeria can also cross contaminate other food cut and served on the same cutting board or stored in the same area. Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators may wish to consider whether other foods available for sale could have been cross-contaminated from the potentially contaminated products, and should be discarded.
Whether it’s frozen or fresh organic, always wash your produce with Veggie Clean Antibacterial Fruit & Vegetable Wash as a safe way to dissolve bacteria and prevent food-borne illness.

* Source material from fda.gov article.

New Rules In Effect: Dining With Dogs Law

Posted on by CT

Pet Dogs Are Now Allowed In Some Outdoor Dining Areas With Restrictions

city sidewalk cleanerThe NYC Department of Health has recently announced new rules that are now in effect. Pet dogs are now allowed in some outdoor dining areas with certain restrictions. You can read the details about the new Dining With Dogs Law by downloading this PDF. Patrons enjoy dining outside with their pets during the warm weather season. That is why Cleanse Tec offers a solution with City Sidewalk Cleaner: a high strength cleaner, specifically formulated to clean and whiten even the dirtiest sidewalks. City Sidewalk Cleaner lifts dirt particles off of the concrete so it can be easily washed away, leaving the sidewalk cleaner and whiter. Clean floors = Clean paws!

Proper Hand Washing Takes How Many Seconds?

Posted on by CT

handsoapmain

According to the NYS Board of Health, 20 seconds is the correct answer. Wash hands with soap and clean running water. Hand Spa is our soft, creamy hand soap that is now available in several varieties. This pH-balanced formula will leave your skin feeling clean and soft. Hand Spa’s liquid formula is more sanitary and more cost efficient than bars of soap. Combined with our sanitary dispensers, Cleanse Tec’s® Hand Washing System will help you maintain a clean business. Ask us about our free installation…

howtowashhands

Call 1-800-MIX-SOAP to place an order.
(Dial 718-346-9111)

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Posted on by CT

 

Spring is here & it’s time to clean up! Here are some target areas to focus on to maintain peak Board of Health standards. We also recommended the proper Cleanse Tec® cleaning products to get the job done…

Every Room
Cleanse All Orange: All Purpose Cleaner + Orange Scent

■ Dust- Ceiling Fans, Shelves, Artwork
■ Windows- Wipe windows & glass surfaces
■ Tables & Counters- wipe off dirt & fingerprints
■ Furniture- Vacuum & wash down upholstery on chairs
■ Carpets- Vacuum & shampoo any rugs and floor mats
■ Hard Floors- Sweep & mop the entire area
Kitchen
Kitchen Klenz: Commercial Kitchen Cleaner 

■ Oven- Wipe grease & clean under the oven
■ Refrigerator- Discard expired food & wipe shelves
■ Appliances- Remove scraps & wipe clean
■ Dishwasher- Flush wash arms & clear debris
■ Countertop- Sanitize tops & cutting blocks
■ Pantry- Wipe surfaces & rotate stock

Bathroom
Latrine Clean: Ready to Use Bathroom Cleaner

■ Faucets & Showers- Clean chrome fixtures
■ Toilets- Scrub & flush toilets
■ Storage- Discard junk & restock supplies
■ Mirrors- Wipe to remove fingerprints
■ Trash- Empty & wash out bins
■ Refill Toiletries- Replenish hand soap & paper products
 Office
Rinse Quat: EPA Registered Quaternary Sanitizer
■ Desks- Remove clutter & wipe surfaces
■ Books- Dust off shelves & reorganize
■ Computers- Sanitize mouse & keyboards
■ Closets- Remove junk & donate old clothes
■ Couches- Vacuum upholstery & wipe surfaces clean
■ Break Areas- Remove trash & wipe surfaces

FDA Recall- Listeria Outbreak

Posted on by CT

saladThe FDA recently performed a voluntary recall on packaged vegetables to help contain a listeria outbreak. Listeria is a foodborne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women and people with impaired immune systems. Listeria infection is most commonly contracted by eating improperly processed deli meats, dairy products and produce. See more about this withdrawal at www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/

Veggie Clean is a no-rinse vegetable sanitizer and freshener that works to prevent illness and to keep your veggies more fresh and crispy!

  • Free of alcohol and VOCs.
  • Non-Oxidizing wash free of chlorine, iodine, and QUACs.
  • Biodegradable with a long shelf life.
  • Clinically proven to clear bacteria like e-coli & listeria.

Call 1-800-MIX-SOAP to place an order.
(Dial 718-346-9111)

List of states included in the voluntary withdrawal:

  • Alabama
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Massachusetts
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

List of provinces included in the voluntary withdrawal:

  • Ontario
  • New Brunswick
  • Quebec

Legionnaires Disease Outbreak Info

Posted on by CT

NYC Health Department Investigating Outbreak of Legionnaires Disease in the South Bronx

bacteriaBreaking News! A Commissioner’s Order has been put into effect. All building owners with cooling towers must follow the orders. Click here for more information.

The Health Department is currently investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the South Bronx. The Health Department is actively investigating and is testing water from cooling towers and other potential sources in the area to determine the source of the outbreak. New Yorkers with respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills and muscle aches, are advised to promptly seek medical attention.

“We are concerned about this unusual increase in Legionnaires’ disease cases in the South Bronx,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett. “We are conducting a swift investigation to determine the source of the outbreak and prevent future cases. I urge anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention right away.”

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the bacteria Legionella. Additional symptoms include: headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion and diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear two to 10 days after significant exposure to Legionella bacteria. Most cases of Legionnaires’ disease can be traced to plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, cooling towers, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems.

Legionnaires’ disease cannot be spread from person to person. Groups at high risk for Legionnaire’s disease include people who are middle-aged or older – especially cigarette smokers – people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems and people who take medicines that weaken their immune systems (immunosuppressive drugs). Those with symptoms should call their doctor and ask about testing for Legionnaire’s disease. More details about Legionnaires’ Disease can be found at the NYC Department of Health website.

Rinse Quat Kills Bacteria!

rinse quatRinse Quat is a quaternary disinfectant sanitizer for restaurants, bars, schools, instituational kitchens, food handling, and process areas. You can use this unique formula in a spray bottle and apply sanitizer solution to maintain a clean environment.

EPA Reg# 10324-63-72337

More info about Rinse Quat

To place an order call @ 718-346-9111

 

NYC Board of Health: Fruit Fly Alert

Posted on by CT

Cleanse Tec's Fruit Fly Eliminator: Fly Away Infographic

ONE NEGATIVE POINT PER FRUIT FLY?!

When NYC Health Department conducts unannounced inspections at least once a year, a swarm of flies can drastically alter your score. This can make or break your business! Although it does not seem like a lot, 30 or more fruit flies is enough for a Health Inspector to legally shut down your business.

Don’t allow these pests to disrupt your business.

Cleanse Tec formulates custom products for your business.  Fly Away™ is the perfect solution to naturally get rid of fruit flies without pesticides or harsh chemicals…

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Taking your restaurant inspections from a C to an A

Posted on by CT

from a c to an a, restaurant inspects

Little things in restaurant inspections can take you down.  Are you looking for ways to up your inspection?  Here are some tips to help you improve your grade and get that A!

 

First and most importantly, be well versed on the rules and regulations. Included below are some publicly available documents on restaurant inspections in the New York City Metro area.

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Keep Pests Out of Your Kitchen!

Posted on by CT

kitchen pestsSpring is Here– And So Are the Pests!

Ahhh.. spring.  The snow has melted, the sun is shining, the flowers blooming…and rats, mice and racoons have come out to play.  Not all critters are welcome guests, especially when you are trying to keep a clean and sanitary kitchen.  Pests can really put a damper on your reputation as well as your budget.  If they get into your kitchen, they can ruin your food, leave droppings and other messes and can scare customers away faster than you can say “rat poison”.  Here are some tips for keeping your establishment pest free.  And, of course, your Cleanse Tec representative is always available for tips and advice on ways to keep your kitchen spotless!

  • Pests are not invited to this party: Be sure to make that clear by cleaning up food scraps and other sources of food, repairing water leaks, and increasing ventilation.
  • Not getting past this velvet rope:  Make areas less accessible to pests by repairing holes and installing barriers.
  • Trap those buggers: If despite your best efforts, those pests still find their way into your business, use traps to catch and release them for a more humane way to treat the problem.
  • Exterminate when necessary:  Especially in old buildings like many in NYC, pest problems may have been going on for years and the problem is bigger than a few traps and precautions can handle.  As a last resort, bringing in the heavy artillery (exterminators) may be your best solution.  It is certainly better than trying to run a food business with a pest infestation!
  • In this case, trash is trash: Although we are typically an Earth friendly company, any products contaminated with pesticides should be sent directly to the landfill and not for recycling or reusing.

Keeping pests at bay is an ongoing and seasonal issue that affects almost every commercial kitchen.  Make it part of your business to ensure you follow the tips above and keep your space sparkling clean with products from Cleanse Tec