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Title 1: Department of Buildings
Title 2: Board of Standards and Appeals
Title 3: Fire Department
Title 6: Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
Title 9: Procurement Policy Board Rules
Title 12: Franchise and Concession Review Committee
Title 15: Department of Environmental Protection
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Title 21: Tax Commission
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Title 24: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Chapter 1: Required Signs
Chapter 3: Performance Summary Cards and Penalties for Child Care Programs
Chapter 4: Health, Safety and Well-Being of Rental Horses
Chapter 5: Pet Shops
Chapter 6: Mobile Food Vending
Chapter 7: Adjudicatory Hearings and Violation Fines and Penalties
Chapter 8: Cooling Towers
Chapter 9: Raw Salt-Cured Air-Dried Fish
Chapter 10: Smoking Under the New York City Smoke-Free Air Act
Chapter 11: Conservation of Water [Repealed]
Chapter 12: Window Guards
Chapter 13: Cigarette and Tobacco Product Sales
Chapter 14: Cleaning Park Playground Equipment
Chapter 16: Criteria for Issuing Special Vehicle Identification Permits to Disabled Persons
Chapter 17: Tripartite General Orders
Chapter 18: Resuscitation Equipment in Public Places
Chapter 19: Waiting List Rules for Temporary Mobile Food Unit Permits
Chapter 19A: Expansion of the Full-Term Mobile Food Vendor Permit Waiting List [Repealed]
Chapter 20: Preference and/or Waiting List Rule for Full-Term Mobile Food Unit Permits [Repealed]
Chapter 21: Health Academy Courses and Department Fees
Chapter 22: Tattooists and Applying Tattoos
Chapter 23: Food Service Establishment Sanitary Inspection Procedures and Letter Grading
Chapter 24: Automated External Defibrillators In Certain Public Places
Chapter 25: Service of Final Orders In Assisted Outpatient Treatment
Chapter 26: Establishment and Maintenance of Separate Borough Specific Waiting Lists for Those Seeking Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Permits
Chapter 27: Food Allergy Information
Chapter 28: Restriction On the Sale of Certain Flavored Tobacco Products, Flavored Electronic Cigarettes, and Flavored E-Liquid
Chapter 29: Animal Population Control Program
Chapter 30: Volatile Organic Compounds in Carpet and Carpet Cushion
Chapter 31: Drinking Water Tank Inspections
Chapter 32: Dogs in Outdoor Dining Areas
Chapter 33: Operation of Body Scanners in Correctional Facilities
Chapter 34: Grocery Delivery Program
Chapter 35: Designating Rat Mitigation Zones
Chapter 36: Needle, Syringe, and Sharps Buyback Pilot Program
Chapter 37: Petitioning the Department to Commence Rulemaking
Chapter 38: Program to Cancel Medical Debt
Chapter 39: [Added Sugar Warning]
New York City Health Code
Introductory Notes
Title I: Short Title, Definitions and General Provisions
Title II: Control of Disease
Title III: Maternal, Infant, Child and School Health Services
Title IV: Environmental Sanitation
Part A: Food and Drugs
Article 71: Food, Drugs and Cosmetics
Article 73: Food; General Provisions [Repealed]
Article 75: Drugs and Devices [Repealed]
Article 77: Cosmetics [Repealed]
Article 81: Food Preparation and Food Establishments
§ 81.01 Scope.
§ 81.03 Definitions.
§ 81.04 Approved Sources of Food.
§ 81.05 Permit Requirements; Technical Review and Pre-Permitting Inspections for Food Service Establishments and Non-Retail Food Processing Establishments.
§ 81.06 Prevention of Imminent or Public Health Hazards.
§ 81.07 Food; Sanitary Preparation, Protection Against Contamination.
§ 81.08 Foods Containing Artificial Trans Fat.
§ 81.09 Potentially Hazardous (Time and Temperature Control for Safety) Foods.
§ 81.10 Time as a Public Health Control; Exception to Required Holding Temperatures of Potentially Hazardous (Temperature Control for Safety) Foods.
§ 81.11 Consumer Advisory: Serving Raw or Undercooked Foods.
§ 81.12 Reduced Oxygen Packaging; Cook Chill and Sous Vide Processing.
§ 81.13 Food Workers: Health; Hygienic Practices.
§ 81.15 Food Protection Course.
§ 81.17 General Requirements: Design, Construction, Materials and Maintenance.
§ 81.18 Cold and Hot Storage and Holding Facilities.
§ 81.19 Lighting and Ventilation.
§ 81.20 Plumbing and Water Supply.
§ 81.21 Hand Wash Sinks.
§ 81.22 Employee and Patron Toilets.
§ 81.23 Integrated Pest Management.
§ 81.24 Garbage and Waste Disposal.
§ 81.25 Live Animals.
§ 81.27 Cleaning of Premises, Equipment and Utensils.
§ 81.29 Dishwashing and Ware Washing.
§ 81.31 Outdoor Cooking, Food and Beverage Preparation Facilities.
§ 81.33 Food Service Establishments and Non-Retail Food Processing Establishments; Equipment and Utensils; Design, Construction and Placement. [Repealed]
§ 81.35 Food Service Establishments and Non-Retail Food Processing Establishments; Refrigerators. [Repealed]
§ 81.37 Food Service Establishments and Non-Retail Food Processing Establishments; Cleaning of Premises, Equipment and Utensils; Cleaning Methods. [Repealed]
§ 81.39 Food Service Establishments and Non-Retail Food Processing Establishments; Sealing of Unclean Equipment, Utensils and Vehicles; Denial, Suspension and Revocation of Permits; Enforcement.
§ 81.41 Dispensing Devices Used to Dispense Food; Construction, Cleanliness, Refrigeration, Safety.
§ 81.43 Reporting Complaints of Patrons' Illness, Emergency Occurrences.
§ 81.45 Drinking Straws and Single Service Utensils. [Repealed]
§ 81.46 Refillable, Returnable Containers.
§ 81.47 Water Potability Certificates. [Repealed]
§ 81.49 Sodium Warning.
§ 81.50 Posting of Calorie Information.
§ 81.51 Grading of Inspection Results and Posting of Grades by Certain Food Service Establishments.
§ 81.53 Maximum Beverage Size. [Repealed]
§ 81.55 Modification by Commissioner.
Article 83: Wholesale Food Establishments, Commissaries and Food Service Commissaries [Repealed]
Article 85: Retail Food Processing Establishments [Repealed]
Article 86: Retail Non-Processing Food Establishments [Repealed]
Article 87: Restaurants and Other Eating Places [Repealed]
Article 88: Temporary Food Service Establishments
Article 89: Mobile Food Vending
Article 91: Meat and Meat Products; Slaughtering of Animals [Repealed]
Article 93: Poultry; Slaughtering, Eviscerating and Processing [Repealed]
Article 95: Sausage Manufacturing and Smoking, Preparing or Preserving of Meat [Repealed]
Article 97: Horsemeat; Slaughtering of Horses [Repealed]
Article 101: Shellfish and Fish [Repealed]
Article 103: Establishments Engaged in Preparing, Preserving or Smoking Fish [Repealed]
Article 111: Milk and Milk Products [Repealed]
Article 113: Frozen Desserts [Repealed]
Article 115: Prescription Formula Preparation Facilities
Article 116: Infant Formula in Hermetically Sealed Containers [Repealed]
Article 117: Dairy Food Products [Repealed]
Article 121: Other Food Establishments: Dry Warehouses; Edible Egg Breaking; Bakeries; Mineral, Spring and Other Waters; Carbonated and Other Beverages [Repealed]
Part B: Control of Environment
Title V: Vital Statistics
Appendices
Resolutions
Title 25: Department of Mental Health and Retardation [Repealed]
Title 28: Housing Preservation and Development
Title 29: Loft Board
Title 30: Rent Guidelines Board
Title 31: Mayor's Office of Homelessness and Single Room Occupancy
Title 34: Department of Transportation
Title 35: Taxi and Limousine Commission
Title 38: Police Department
Title 38-A: Civilian Complaint Review Board
Title 39: Department of Correction
Title 40: Board of Correction
Title 41: Department of Juvenile Justice
Title 42: Department of Probation
Title 43: Mayor
Title 44: Comptroller
Title 45: Borough Presidents
Title 46: Law Department
Title 47: Commission on Human Rights
Title 48: Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH)
Title 49: Department of Records and Information Services
Title 50: Community Assistance Unit
Title 51: City Clerk
Title 52: Campaign Finance Board*
Title 53: Conflicts of Interest Board
Title 55: Department of Citywide Administrative Services
Title 56: Department of Parks and Recreation
Title 57: Art Commission
Title 58: Department of Cultural Affairs
Title 60: Civil Service Commission
Title 61: Office of Collective Bargaining
Title 62: City Planning
Title 63: Landmarks Preservation Commission
Title 66: Department of Small Business Services
Title 67: Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications
Title 68: Human Resources Administration
Title 69: Department of Aging
Title 70: In Rem Foreclosure Release Board
Title 71: Voter Assistance Commission
Title 72: Office of Emergency Management
Title 73: Civic Engagement Commission
Title 74: Community Hiring
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§ 81.33 Food Service Establishments and Non-Retail Food Processing Establishments; Equipment and Utensils; Design, Construction and Placement. [Repealed]
§ 81.35 Food Service Establishments and Non-Retail Food Processing Establishments; Refrigerators. [Repealed]
§ 81.37 Food Service Establishments and Non-Retail Food Processing Establishments; Cleaning of Premises, Equipment and Utensils; Cleaning Methods. [Repealed]
§ 81.39 Food Service Establishments and Non-Retail Food Processing Establishments; Sealing of Unclean Equipment, Utensils and Vehicles; Denial, Suspension and Revocation of Permits; Enforcement.
   (a)   When, in the opinion of an inspector or authorized employee of the Department, any equipment, utensil or vehicle in a food service establishment or non-retail food processing establishment presents an imminent health hazard, is in an unclean condition, or in disrepair or damaged to such an extent so as to render it unsafe, such equipment, utensil, vehicle or any part thereof may be ordered sealed and its use immediately discontinued upon the approval of the director of the bureau of the Department enforcing this Article. Upon such sealing, the representative of the Department shall affix thereto labels or conspicuous signs bearing the word "unclean" or any other wording necessary to describe the sanitary condition or safety of the sealed equipment, utensil or vehicle, and he or she shall also prepare or cause to be prepared an order of the Commissioner or Department. The order and notice shall direct the discontinuance of the use or operation of the unclean article until it shall have been cleaned and made sanitary and safe, and the seals, labels or signs removed by a representative or with the authorization of the Department.
   (b)   When a food service establishment or non-retail food processing establishment is found upon inspection to be operating without a valid permit in violation of 24 RCNY Health Code § 81.05, the Department may order such establishment to close and cease all food operations immediately, and to remain closed until the establishment or operation has obtained and displays a valid permit.
   (c)   In addition to the forfeitures and penalties set forth in 24 RCNY Health Code Articles 3 and 5 of this Code, the Department may deny, suspend or revoke any permit or authorization issued pursuant to this Article when serious, repeated or persistent violations of any of the provisions of this Code have been found, or where interference with personnel of the Department in the performance of their duties or a violation of 24 RCNY Health Code § 5.17 occurs. Any person ordered to cease operation and service pursuant to this Article shall comply with such order immediately, and shall thereafter be provided with an opportunity to be heard pursuant to rule of the Department.
   (d)   The Department may deny or suspend a permit or authorization and order immediate cessation of operations and/or service of food at a food service establishment or non-retail food processing establishment if continued operation is an imminent hazard to public health. Any person ordered to cease operations and/or service of food pursuant to this subsection shall comply with such order immediately, and shall thereafter be provided with an opportunity to be heard pursuant to rule of the Department.
   (e)   Any order or notice issued pursuant to this section shall be served by personal delivery to the owner or person in charge of the food establishment, or by any method authorized by §§ 17-141 or 17-148 of the New York City Administrative Code, and an original thereof shall be filed with the Department.
   (f)   Seals, labels, signs, notices and orders affixed by the Department shall not be removed except by order of the Commissioner or his or her designated representative and not until the objectionable condition is removed or corrected.
§ 81.41 Dispensing Devices Used to Dispense Food; Construction, Cleanliness, Refrigeration, Safety.
   (a)   No person shall employ a food vending machine for the sale of packaged food or beverages in closed bottles or containers unless:
      (1)   the machine is designed and constructed to allow effective cleaning and maintenance and to remain free from insect and rodent harborages and other nuisances;
      (2)   the machine is designed and constructed so as not to become a hazard to children or others while in use or under foreseeable conditions of abuse;
      (3)   potentially hazardous foods shall be kept at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) or at or above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius);
      (4)   the machine and the surrounding area are kept clean and sanitary.
   (b)   No person shall employ a food vending machine for the sale of unpackaged food or for the sale of beverages other than in closed bottles or containers unless the requirements of subsection (a) of this section are met and, in addition, the device is free from lead, cadmium or any other substance which may be so affected by the food or beverage as to form dangerous or deleterious compounds, or as to render food or beverage which comes into contact with such substance unwholesome or detrimental to health, or to impart odor, color or taste to the food. When the food vending machine is connected to a water supply system, it shall be designed and constructed to prevent contamination of the water supply system. Devices which dispense carbonated beverages shall be equipped with an air gap at the water inlet, or a protective device to vent any leaking carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, or any other protective device approved by the Department which will provide positive protection against the entrance of carbon dioxide or carbonated water into the water supply system. The water supply contact surfaces in devices which dispense carbonated beverages, from the protective device downstream including the protective device itself, shall not have any copper or copper-lined components in contact with the water supply or the beverage and its other components including any ice making and dispensing apparatus.
   (c)   There shall be provided in the immediate vicinity of all coin-operated or other mechanical dispensing devices, receptacles for the disposal of food or beverage containers.
   (d)   Potentially hazardous food shall be dispensed in individual, original containers or wrappers in which it was packaged at the food vending machine commissary or non-retail food processing establishment. Potentially hazardous food shall not be dispensed from bulk supplies.
   (e)   All food, other than fresh fruit, shall be stored or packaged in clean protective containers, or dispensed into clean single-use containers, and all food shall be prepared and vended in a sanitary manner and shall in all respects comply with the provisions of this Article.
§ 81.43 Reporting Complaints of Patrons' Illness, Emergency Occurrences.
   (a)   When a food service establishment or non-retail food processing establishment learns, has reason to suspect that a person has a food related illness, or is notified of any illness of a person diagnosed by a physician which allegedly resulted from food served at, or originating from, such establishment, the owner or person in charge shall immediately notify the Department. The Department may require the owner or the person in charge to submit, within 24 hours of the telephone report, a written report giving such additional information concerning the complaint as the Department may require. Under applicable provisions of the New York State Public Officers Law, reports may be subject to inspection by persons other than the Commissioner and authorized personnel of the Department but personal information about the patrons shall be redacted. Such reports shall not be used as a basis for prosecution by the Department.
   (b)   When a food service establishment or non-retail food processing establishment is subject to an occurrence which might result in contamination of food or food being held out of temperature limits, including but not limited to fire, power outage, or flood, the owner or person in charge shall immediately notify the Department.
§ 81.45 Drinking Straws and Single Service Utensils. [Repealed]
§ 81.46 Refillable, Returnable Containers.
   (a)   Beverage containers. Employees or consumers may refill consumers' personal take-out beverage containers (such as thermally insulated bottles, non-spill coffee cups, and promotional beverage containers) with beverages that are not potentially hazardous foods, provided that beverages are dispensed in a manner that prevents contact with, or contamination of, the food contact surfaces of the beverage dispensing equipment.
   (b)   Other containers. An establishment providing consumers with returnable containers must wash and sanitize all such containers before reuse in accordance with 24 RCNY Health Code § 81.29. An establishment that does not wash and sanitize patrons' containers before reuse must obtain Department approval of a written standard operating procedure that demonstrates that there is no contamination of food and/or food contact surfaces. Such procedure must be maintained on the premises and made available at the time of Department inspection.
   (c)   Container materials. Reusable containers that will be washed and sanitized must be made of food grade materials resistant under normal conditions of use to scratching, scoring, decomposition, crazing, chipping and distortion, and of sufficient weight and thickness to be washed and sanitized in accordance with 24 RCNY Health Code § 81.29.
(Added City Record 7/9/2015, eff. 8/8/2015)  
§ 81.47 Water Potability Certificates. [Repealed]
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