Supermarkets Across the City Receive Health Code Violations

Across the five boroughs of New York City and Long Island, nearly a thousand grocery stores received health violations for conditions found between May 15, 2014 and June 5, 2015. In New York City alone, 847 grocery stores were cited for violating health codes. 56% of those stores received ten violations or more. The stores cited with violations ranged from gas station marts to the less expected upscale food markets.

Violations included conditions such as:

· Food in contact with unsanitized and unclean surfaces

· Vermin, birds, and insects

· Improper handwashing facilities

· Foods not stored at proper temperatures

· Food handlers not washing hands

· Improperly installed toilet facilities

· Chemicals improperly labeled

· Food handlers not wearing hair restraints or clean clothing

· Temperature deficiencies in food storage

These health code violations can have a trickle-down effect for consumers. Consuming contaminated food can have serious adverse health consequences. Bacteria from contamination can cause food poisoning which may lead to significant illnesses. According to the CDC, 300,000 people are hospitalized each year across the nation due to food poisoning. Food poisoning can cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, fever, weakness, and headache. Those who are elderly, pregnant, or have compromised immune systems are at high risk of suffering from medical complications, disability, and even death from consuming contaminated food. Infants may also face such substantial risks. In addition to adverse health effects, food poisoning can result in time absent from work and loss of wages.

To see a map of the supermarkets cited with health code violations, click here.

If you have suffered severe illness as a result of food poisoning caused by negligence on the part of the supermarket, you may be able to state a claim for compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you of your legal rights and remedies. Call the attorneys at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP at (212) 571-7171 today.