SABO WEST INDIAN
196-23 JAMAICA AVENUE, Queens, NY 11423 · Restaurant (Caribbean)
Inspection summary
SABO WEST INDIAN has been inspected 4 times by NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) since September 27, 2024. The most recent inspection, on August 31, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.
None of the 4 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 12 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Food temperature control and Cleaning and sanitizing.
Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.
What these findings mean
Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.
PestsHigher risk
Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.
Recorded 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 5, 2026. For example:
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
Food temperature controlHigher risk
Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.
Recorded 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 5, 2026. For example:
Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk
Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.
Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 31, 2026. For example:
Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk
Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.
Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 5, 2026. For example:
Wash hands sign not posted near or above hand washing sink.
Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk
This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.
Recorded once on December 29, 2025. For example:
28-05: Food adulterated or misbranded. Adulterated or misbranded food possessed, being manufactured, produced, packed, sold, offered for sale, delivered or given away
About this data
These results come from NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.
4 inspections
- Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
1 infraction
- 10G: Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
- Not Critical
- 10G: Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
- Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
5 infractions
- 09E: Wash hands sign not posted near or above hand washing sink.
- Not Critical
- 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
- Not Critical
- 02B: Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
- Critical
- 04L: Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
- Critical
- 06D: Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
- Critical
- 09E: Wash hands sign not posted near or above hand washing sink.
- Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
6 infractions
- 10G: Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
- Not Critical
- 02C: Hot TCS food item that has been cooked and cooled is being held for service without first being reheated to 165º F or above within 2 hours.
- Critical
- 02G: 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.
- Critical
- 10F: Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.
- Not Critical
- 06A: Personal cleanliness is inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn where required. Jewelry worn on hands or arms. Fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed.
- Critical
- 28-05: Food adulterated or misbranded. Adulterated or misbranded food possessed, being manufactured, produced, packed, sold, offered for sale, delivered or given away
- Not Critical
- 10G: Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
- Pre-permit (Operational) / Initial Inspection
3 infractions
- 04L: Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
- Critical
- 09B: Thawing procedure improper.
- Not Critical
- 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
- Not Critical
- 04L: Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
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