Mexican · New York City, NY

Dona Zita Mexican Food

Name: Dona Zita Mexican Food
Address: 1221 Bowery Street, New York City, NY

1221 Bowery Street

Last inspected Jul 16, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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A Grade

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Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

3 inspections

Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection

Jul 16, 2026

A Grade

Official score: 12 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

criticalCode 06DContamination

Official wording

Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

criticalCode 06FCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Jul 16, 2026 · Original Source

Administrative Miscellaneous / Initial Inspection

Jul 18, 2024

Violations cited

2 recorded violations

minorCode 20-04Equipment and utensils

Official wording

“Choking first aid” poster not posted. “Alcohol and Pregnancy” warning sign not posted. Resuscitation equipment: exhaled air resuscitation masks (adult & pediatric), latex gloves, sign not posted.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

minorCode 19-04Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) single service article not designated as a recyclable material.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Jul 18, 2024 · Original Source

Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection

Jul 18, 2024

Violations cited

Official score: 43 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

criticalCode 02GFood temperature

Official wording

Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

criticalCode 05DHandwashing

Official wording

No hand washing facility in or adjacent to toilet room or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service or ware washing area. Hand washing facility not accessible, obstructed or used for non-hand washing purposes. No hot and cold running water or water at inadequate pressure. No soap or acceptable hand-drying device.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official wording

Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Jul 18, 2024 · Original Source