New York City Restaurant Inspections

Overview

This dataset provides information on approximately 30,000 food service establishments inspected by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). It includes detailed records of all sustained or pending violation citations from full or specialized program inspections conducted at restaurants and college cafeterias. Each entry contains essential information such as the business's CAMIS (record number), DBA (doing business as) name, inspection dates, violation details, and business location.

Dataset Information

Dataset Details

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Restaurant Inspection Results Dataset provides comprehensive insights into food service establishments across New York City. Covering approximately 30,000 businesses, this dataset is a vital tool for understanding the city's food safety practices and regulatory compliance. It includes detailed records of inspections conducted at restaurants, college cafeterias, and other food service establishments, offering transparency and accountability in food safety standards.

Each record in the dataset includes critical information such as the CAMIS (record number), business name (DBA), address, cuisine type, inspection dates, and details about any violations found. Violations are categorized based on severity, ranging from critical violations that pose immediate health risks to non-critical infractions. Inspection outcomes are summarized with a grade (A, B, or C) reflecting overall compliance. Restaurants are graded based on a points system, with lower scores indicating better compliance with food safety regulations.

The grading system, introduced by DOHMH, aims to improve public health outcomes and promote transparency. The dataset not only highlights sustained and pending violation citations but also includes re-inspections and updates to grades, ensuring users can track the performance of establishments over time. This provides an invaluable resource for both residents and business owners, helping diners make informed decisions while enabling establishments to identify areas for improvement.

The dataset is frequently updated to reflect the latest inspection results, making it a reliable source for ongoing monitoring of food safety trends in the city. By incorporating latitude and longitude data, it also supports spatial analysis and mapping, which can help identify geographic patterns in food safety compliance. Policymakers and researchers can use this data to design targeted interventions to improve food safety in high-risk areas, fostering a safer dining experience for millions of New Yorkers and visitors.

Statistics

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) restaurant inspection dataset offers valuable insights into the city’s food service landscape. Cuisine type reveals the diversity of NYC’s dining options. American cuisine dominates with 17.48%, followed by Chinese (8.93%), and coffee/tea establishments (5.57%). Pizza, Japanese, and Mexican cuisines also feature prominently, underscoring the city’s reputation as a melting pot of cultures and flavors. This data reflects not just the tastes of New Yorkers but also the global influences that shape the city’s restaurant landscape.

Inspection grades (based on the latest inspections) indicate a largely positive trend, with nearly 60% of establishments receiving an "A" grade, demonstrating compliance with health and safety standards. However, a small fraction of restaurants received grades like "B" (4.46%) or "C" (1.13%), suggesting room for improvement in some establishments. These grades serve as a benchmark for consumers and an incentive for establishments to maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety. The grade "Z" (3.36%) indicates pending grade to be issued.

Common violations provide further insight into challenges faced by restaurants. The most frequently cited violations include unclean non-food contact surfaces (13.76%), pest harborage conditions (10.38%), and evidence of mice (6.81%). Other common issues include improper washing of food contact surfaces (6.53%) and storage of food at unsafe temperatures (6.39%). These violations highlight the importance of regular inspections and strict adherence to sanitation protocols to ensure public safety and compliance with health regulations.

Manhattan leads the dataset in terms of geographic representation, accounting for 39.2% of inspected establishments, followed by Brooklyn (25.6%) and Queens (23%). The Bronx and Staten Island trail at 8.52% and 3.63%, respectively, reflecting the density and variety of dining options across boroughs. This geographic distribution highlights Manhattan as the primary hub for dining experiences, likely driven by its role as a commercial and tourist center.

At the ZIP code level, several prominent neighborhoods emerge. ZIP codes like 10003 (Greenwich Village) and 10019 (Midtown West) have the highest restaurant concentration, each contributing over 2% to the dataset. Other areas such as 10036 (Times Square) and 10001 (Chelsea) also feature prominently, underlining the prevalence of dining options in Manhattan's central and vibrant districts. These neighborhoods align with areas frequented by tourists and workers, emphasizing their importance in the city’s culinary scene.

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