NYC Restaurants Ordered Closed Feb 25 - March 4

NEW YORK — Filth flies, vermin and unwashed hands — restaurants across the city have dirty secrets they'd rather not share. But New York City's Health Department is watching.

Every year, inspectors arrive unannounced at more than 25,000 restaurants to examine health and safety standards.

Most eateries pass inspections, but some fall short of the city's standards, accruing violation points for everything from broken light bulbs to "public health hazards," like vermin and failure to follow food safety protocols.

Restaurants hit with non-food-safety violations might get a fine or a lower letter grade, with zero to 13 points warranting an 'A' and violations totaling 28 points or more earning a 'C' (this system is criticized for its efficacy by some gourmands).

Public health hazards that can't be resolved on the spot, like a mouse or fly infestation, pose a bigger issue: immediate closure.

Usually several citywide restaurants meet that fate every week — a list that this week consisted solely of a Manhattan bakery:

Manhattan

Fleet Bakery (24 Bowery): 51 violation points

1. 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.
2. Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.
3. Hot food item not held at or above 140º F.
4. Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.
5. Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.Evidence of rats or live rats present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.