Lesson 1: Regulations and Inspections of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Flashcards

(56 cards)

1
Q

What must all food service establishments have issued by the New York City Health Department?

A

A current and valid permit

This permit is essential for legal operation.

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2
Q

Who has the right to inspect operating food service or food processing establishments?

A

Health inspectors

Inspectors must be granted access to all areas during inspections.

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3
Q

What certification must supervisors of all food service establishments possess according to the New York City Health Code?

A

Food Protection Certificate

This certification ensures proper food safety practices.

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4
Q

Define food in the context of food service establishments.

A

Any edible substance, ice, beverage or ingredient used or sold for human consumption

This definition encompasses a wide range of consumables.

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5
Q

What are Potentially Hazardous Foods (PHFs)?

A

Foods which support rapid growth of microorganisms

These foods require careful handling to prevent foodborne illness.

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6
Q

List examples of Potentially Hazardous Foods (PHFs).

A
  • Raw and cooked meats
  • Poultry
  • Milk and milk products
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Tofu
  • Cooked rice
  • Pasta
  • Beans
  • Potatoes
  • Garlic in oil

These foods must be stored and handled properly.

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7
Q

What is the Temperature Danger Zone?

A

Between 41°F and 140°F

Most harmful microorganisms reproduce rapidly within this temperature range.

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8
Q

What are the three types of thermometers that can be used for measuring food temperatures?

A
  • Bimetallic stem (0°F to 220°F)
  • Thermocouple
  • Thermistor (digital)

Glass thermometers are prohibited in food service establishments.

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9
Q

What must meat inspected by the USDA have?

A

A USDA inspection stamp

This stamp indicates compliance with safety standards.

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10
Q

At what temperature must smoked fish be held to prevent bacterial growth?

A

At or below 38°F

This is crucial to prevent Clostridium botulinum.

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11
Q

What must shellfish be received with?

A

Shellfish tags

These tags must be kept on file for at least 90 days after use.

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12
Q

What are the requirements for milk and milk products regarding pasteurization?

A

Must be either pasteurized (sell-by dates of 9 days) or ultra-pasteurized (sell-by dates of 45 days)

This ensures safety and quality.

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13
Q

What must all fruits and vegetables served raw be before serving?

A

Thoroughly washed

This step is essential to remove contaminants.

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14
Q

What must be done with all commercial foods in modified atmosphere packaging?

A

Used per manufacturer’s specifications

This ensures safety and quality of the food.

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15
Q

What is prohibited by law regarding vacuum packaging of food products in retail food establishments?

A

Vacuum packaging is prohibited unless special authorization is obtained

This regulation is in place for safety reasons.

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16
Q

What does FIFO stand for in food storage?

A

First In First Out

This method helps maintain food freshness and safety.

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17
Q

What is the first step in implementing the FIFO method?

A

Date the products

This helps ensure proper rotation of food items.

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18
Q

According to the New York City Health Code, how high must all food items be stored off the floor?

A

At least 6 inches

This prevents contamination from the floor.

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19
Q

In order to prevent cross-contamination, where must raw foods be stored in relation to cooked foods?

A

Raw foods must be stored below cooked foods

This minimizes the risk of contamination.

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20
Q

What effect do cold temperatures have on the growth of microorganisms?

A

Slow down the growth

Maintaining cold temperatures is critical for food safety.

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21
Q

What is the maximum temperature at which all cold foods must be held?

A

At or below 41°F

Smoked fish must be held at or below 38°F.

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22
Q

What should be ensured about dry storage areas?

A

They must be well-lit and ventilated

Proper conditions help maintain food quality.

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23
Q

Where should foods not be stored?

A

Under wastewater lines

This prevents contamination.

24
Q

How must stored food be kept?

A

Covered and stored in vermin-proof containers

This protects food from pests.

25
What is the rule regarding ice intended for human consumption?
Cannot be used for storing cans, bottles or other food products ## Footnote This prevents contamination of the ice.
26
What must be done when foods are stored directly in ice?
The water from that ice must be drained constantly ## Footnote This prevents contamination and maintains hygiene.
27
Where must the 'First Aid Choking' poster be displayed?
In a visible (conspicuous) place in each designated eating area ## Footnote This ensures awareness and preparedness.
28
What sign must food service establishments that serve alcoholic beverages display?
'Alcohol and Pregnancy Warning' sign ## Footnote This is required for consumer awareness.
29
What sign must be displayed at all hand washing sinks?
'Wash Hands' sign ## Footnote This promotes proper hygiene practices.
30
What signs must be displayed throughout each facility?
'No Smoking' signs ## Footnote This ensures a healthy environment.
31
32
What governs the activities of DOHMH?
The Health Code.
33
What regulates the operations of food establishments to prevent public health hazards?
Article 81 of the Health Code
34
Who sends inspectors to food establishments?
The Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation
35
What are inspectors called?
Public Health Sanitarians.
36
Are inspections announced or unannounced?
Unannounced, except for the pre-permit inspection.
37
What is the purpose of a re-inspection?
To give a restaurant a chance to improve its sanitary conditions.
38
What happens if a restaurant receives an A on its re-inspection?
The grade card must be posted immediately.
39
What does a restaurant receive if it scores a B or C on a re-inspection?
A card that says 'Grade Pending.'
40
When will a compliance inspection occur after a re-inspection?
Roughly 30 days after the re-inspection.
41
What is the significance of receiving 28 or more points on a re-inspection?
It triggers a compliance inspection approximately 30 days later.
42
What are the types of inspections conducted by the Health Department?
* Final inspections * Inspections in response to complaints * Supervisory, follow-up inspections * Smoking inspections * Permit surveys * Water emergency-related inspections
43
What are key violations of the Health Code?
* Improper time and temperature controls * Improper cooling * Poor personal hygiene * Employee illness * Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods * Rodent and other vermin activity * Inadequate equipment and facilities
44
What happens if serious violations are found at an establishment?
The Health Department may close the establishment.
45
What score range earns a restaurant an A grade?
0-13 points.
46
When does a restaurant that scores 14-27 points receive its next inspection?
About 5 to 7 months after the re-inspection.
47
When does a restaurant that scores 28 or more points receive its next inspection?
About 3 to 5 months after its inspection cycle ends.
48
When is a restaurant's B or C grade considered final?
After the restaurant has had the opportunity to contest the violations.
49
Where must the grade card be posted?
On a front window, door, or outside wall where it's easily seen.
50
What is the required height for posting the grade card?
4 to 6 feet off the ground or floor.
51
What consequence does a restaurant face for failing to post its grade card?
The Health Department will issue a notice of violation.
52
What can a restaurant do if it wants to contest a violation?
Contest it at the Administrative Tribunal.
53
How can a restaurant improve its grade?
* Correct violations cited during an inspection * Train supervisors to evaluate conditions and practices * Ensure food workers are supervised by someone with a Food Protection Certificate * Train all employees in food protection * Use the Self-Inspection Worksheet for weekly self-inspections
54
Fill in the blank: A restaurant must post its grade card within ______ feet of the entrance.
5
55
True or False: Compliance inspections are graded.
False.
56
What is a resource available for restaurants to help with food protection?
Food protection fact sheets and booklets available at nyc.gov/health.