Burger King on Astoria Boulevard has been shuttered by the Health Department. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud.
The city’s Health Department has temporarily shuttered Burger King’s Astoria Boulevard location after observing a number of sanitary violations during an inspection at the restaurant last month.
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene conducted an inspection at the restaurant at 33-10 Astoria Blvd. on July 29, issuing 49 violation points for issues such as evidence of filth flies or other pests found in the establishment’s food or non-food areas.
The Health Department further observed issues such as a lack of an adequate hand-washing facility in a toilet within 25 feet of food preparation areas.
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
The inspection also found that Burger King “is not free of harborage or conditions” conducive to rodents, insects or other pests as well as observing that non-food contact surfaces or equipment were not kept clean.
The Health Department further observed issues with single-service articles, such as drinking straws. The inspection found that single-services articles were not protected from contamination when transported, stored or dispensed.
A spokesperson for Burger King said the restaurant has been temporarily closed to address issues during a “routine health inspection.”
“The health and safety of the Guests and Team Members at Burger King is our top priority,” a Burger King spokesperson said in a statement. “The Franchisee has since completed a professional deep cleaning and is actively working with the New York City Health Department with plans to reopen the restaurant shortly.”
The Health Department conducted a follow-up inspection on July 31, issuing Burger King with 12 violation points.
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud.
Inspectors identified filth flies and conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests during the follow-up visit. However, they did not issue violations for issues related to single service articles, non-food contact surfaces or hand-washing facilities.
Establishments that receive 0-13 violation points can earn an A grade from the Health Department, while establishments that are issued between 14-27 points receive a B grade. The Health Department issues a C grade to any establishment that receives 28 violation points or more and can close restaurants for immediate public health hazards it identifies during inspections.