Flor de Mayo, a Chinese/Peruvian restaurant on the Upper West Side, was shut down due to health violations last week.
An inspection by the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on Tuesday found 56 violation points at the restaurant, which is located at Broadway and 101st Street and which accepts Columbia Flex dollars. A score of more than 28 violation points translates to a “C” grade.
The inspection found roaches, as well as cold food stored at temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit—a “public health hazard,” according to the Health Department’s website. Health Department Deputy Press Secretary Chanel Caraway said that roaches were found in both food and non-food areas of the restaurant, and that fish and pork chops were not properly cooled.
Caraway added that the restaurant will remain closed until “they correct violations, submit an affidavit of correction, schedule a re-opening inspection, and pay any outstanding fines.”
Inspectors found six violations, including four “critical” violations. A separate inspection the previous week had found 58 violation points.
In addition to the roaches and improper temperatures, Health Department inspectors reported that some food was not protected from contamination, some food surfaces were not properly washed, and there was not enough vermin-proofing.
Students who enjoyed Flor de Mayo expressed dismay about the shutdown. Yani Zhang, SEAS ’15, said that she has eaten there within the last two weeks and that the health violations worried her.
“It was superb for the price,” she said. “It was really nice—I wanted to go again.”
Amin Fernandez, CC ’11, said he regularly ordered food from Flor de Mayo.
“I like the convenience of ordering online, with Flex,” he said.
After hearing about the health violations, though, “I won’t be eating there any more,” Fernandez added.
Flor de Mayo’s other location, on Amsterdam Ave. between 83rd and 84th streets, is still open. It has a “B” health grade, based on an October inspection, which also turned up roaches but totaled only 16 violation points.
“Each facility is inspected and considered on its own merit,” Caraway said.
Flor de Mayo managers and owners were not available for comment at the Amsterdam location over the weekend. Caraway said the restaurant will be scheduled for its next cycle of inspections in two to four months.
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