East NY Village Pizzeria shut down for second time in just over a month

New York City has shut down a well-known pizza joint for the second time in just over a month after an inspection found evidence of mice, flies and other health violations.

pizzeriaNino’s Pizza, on the corner of Avenue A and St. Mark’s Place, racked up 127 violation points during its Sept. 15 inspection, according to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website.

In addition to vermin, inspectors found a dozen other violations including food that was stored at improper temperatures and the absence of a hand-washing facility “in or near the food preparation area and toilet room,” according to the site.

Owner Nino Camaj, however, denied most of the allegations. He said there were no mice in the restaurant and that the inspector overstated the number of flies observed.

“This place is the cleanest place in New York City. I tell the truth,” said Camaj, who has owned the pizzeria for 27 years.

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About Douglas Powell

A former professor of food safety and the publisher of barfblog.com, Powell is passionate about food, has five daughters, and is an OK goaltender in pickup hockey. Download Doug’s CV here. Dr. Douglas Powell editor, barfblog.com retired professor, food safety 3/289 Annerley Rd Annerley, Queensland 4103 dpowell29@gmail.com 61478222221 I am based in Brisbane, Australia, 15 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time