The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced that it is closing Bobo restaurant in the West Village of Manhattan as a result of finding 62 health violations during an inspection on Friday, August 12, 2011, earning the establishment a letter grade of C.

In its inspection report, the health department noted that it found flies, evidence of mice, and improperly washed surfaces that come in contact with food at the restaurant. 

During its last inspection earlier in the summer on June 3, 2011, Bobo received a warning from the health department after inspectors found 38 violations which included evidence of mice and cold foods being kept at temperatures that were too high. 

Since July 2010, the health department has required restaurants to post letter grades showing sanitary inspection results. Restaurants with a score between 0 and 13 points earn an A, those with 14 to 27 points receive a B and those with 28 or more a C. In addition, the health department explains that it immediately closes restaurants when the violations present a “public health hazard.”

Mice can certainly present a public health hazard as they are often carriers of a multitude of bacteria, including Salmonella.