SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. — Anthony’s Restaurant, a long-standing eatery at 22 South Main Street, received 12 violations during a Feb. 4 inspection by the Rockland County Department of Health. The inspection uncovered two critical violations and 10 additional non-critical issues, raising serious concerns about food safety practices and facility maintenance.
The inspection, conducted under the authority of the New York State Sanitary Code Subpart 14-1, revealed alarming conditions. Inspectors found that the restaurant failed to keep hot foods at or above the minimum required temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This failure was flagged as a critical violation due to the high risk of bacterial growth in improperly stored hot food.
In addition to temperature violations, cooked foods were found exposed to raw ingredients — another critical issue. Cross-contamination like this increases the risk of foodborne illnesses such as Salmonella and E. coli. These basic food safety protocol lapses could endanger customers if not corrected quickly.
Handwashing stations were either inaccessible, dirty, or missing essential items like soap and single-use towels. This non-critical violation still holds weight, as proper hand hygiene is a frontline defense against food contamination. Poorly maintained or missing stations suggest a lack of commitment to food safety standards.
Floors, walls, and ceilings inside the restaurant were also flagged. Inspectors reported that surfaces were dirty, in disrepair, and not constructed for easy cleaning. Sanitation depends not just on procedures but on an environment designed to support cleanliness.
Additional non-critical issues included improperly stored utensils and inadequate food protection during storage and preparation. Thermometers for checking storage temperatures were missing or unused. These problems make it hard to ensure food safety and freshness.
The report also noted plumbing issues. Sinks and equipment were not correctly sized or maintained, and floors in some areas were not adequately drained. This could lead to standing water and further sanitation concerns.
Toilet facilities were found lacking. Some were dirty or damaged, lacked toilet paper, or had no signage encouraging handwashing. Restrooms also failed to have self-closing doors — a basic requirement for limiting contamination risks.
A troubling miscellaneous violation cited the restaurant for failing to post a choking prevention poster and provide staff training. These are minor but mandated elements of compliance under state health law. Skipping them shows a pattern of inattentiveness to regulation.
Perhaps most alarming: a pesticide application was conducted without a certified applicator present. This kind of violation puts both staff and patrons at risk of chemical exposure.
Anthony’s Restaurant operates under the permit held by Luis Jimenez. It’s located in Ramapo and falls under the jurisdiction of the Rockland County Health Department. According to inspectors, the restaurant’s violations may incur civil penalties of up to $2,000 per day if not addressed.
Health departments across New York stress that all food service establishments must meet strict sanitary standards. The public has a right to know when those standards are not met.
Anthony’s Restaurant must now take decisive corrective action. The violations span food handling, facility maintenance, employee hygiene, and regulatory compliance. Fixing one area won’t be enough. A complete overhaul of protocols and infrastructure is needed to meet state health standards.
The Rockland County Health Department is expected to conduct follow-up inspections to ensure compliance. If the issues persist, additional enforcement could follow, including potential suspension or revocation of the operating permit.
More: Rockland County News
In an industry where trust is everything, health code violations can damage more than a reputation. They risk the health of everyone who walks through the door. Anthony’s Restaurant has work to do — and not much time to do it.
Legal Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is based on publicly available inspection data from the Rockland County Department of Health as of February 4, 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this report does not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice. The inclusion of specific violations or commentary does not imply liability, guilt, or negligence beyond the scope of the inspection findings. All individuals and businesses mentioned are presumed to be in compliance with applicable laws unless otherwise determined by the appropriate authorities. Readers are encouraged to consult official health department sources for the most current information.
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