A reader sent us a tip and photo from the Whole Foods at Union Square, where they were shopping with their baby (and stroller) this afternoon: "The prepared foods (cooked, prepared turkey breasts) were being carted upstairs along side filthy garbage cans and employees with dirty dustbins...Really disgusting situation. This is how they transport the prepared foods from the kitchen to the counters. Notice one of the employee's ass rubbing up against the tray." more ›

It's that time of year again—the Straphangers Campaign has released its 11th annual report on subway cleanliness. The latest and greatest "Shmutz" Survey found that between 2008 and 2009 there has been a steady decline in underground cleanliness, which probably means this hairball is still at the West 72nd Street 1/2/3 station. Of 22 subway lines, 50% were found dirtier than the previous year, when the R train was rank. Avert your eyes, D and M train riders, here's the basic breakdown (full tables after the jump): more ›

While Tupper Thomas has done a lot for Prospect Park during her time as administrator, did the EPA jump the gun by awarding the park for its cleanliness? You know, the same park that has television sets and animal parts floating around in the lake. more ›

Like most agencies out there, the MTA is making cuts, and NYC Transit is eliminating around 360 jobs. According to the Post, the jobs span cleaning, maintenance, painting and management: "63 of 1,201 subway-car cleaners and 25 of 1,515 station cleaners will be gone next year, Howard Roberts, the MTA's subway and bus chief said yesterday. Between 2009 and 2010, 308 of 2,420 managerial positions at NYC Transit will be cut." more ›

The Department of Health will soon require NYC restaurants to prominently display their cleanliness ratings in windows or entryways, Mayor Bloomberg and State Senator Jeff "Dirty Dozen" Klein announced at a press conference Saturday. The changes which will alter the numbered DOH ratings to a letter-grade system, which has been used for years in LA. The new rules will be implemented over the next two years, and health commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden says he plans to hire 45 additional restaurant inspectors, adding to the current total of 140. Also, less sanitary restaurants will now be inspected more frequently. Of course, the restaurant industry is cool to the changes; a New York State Restaurant Association rep tells the Times, "a major objection we have is that an inspection is a snapshot, it reflects a condition on a particular day, but not necessarily a long-term condition." more ›

NYPIRG's Straphangers Campaign released its 2007 report on Subway Schmutz today and there was reason for encouragement. Overall, car cleanliness improved slightly between 2005 and 2007, but there was significant improvement on the 7 and L lines. The L line actually has the cleanest cars in the system according to Straphangers, with 88% of cars earning a clean rating versus 61% in 2005. The 7 train line was tied for second place, with 78% getting a clean rating versus 22% in 2005.

Starting in mid-September 2007, "additional cleaners were deployed at both terminals for these lines, working in multiple shifts to provide 24-hour coverage," according to MTA New York City Transit. Beginning on December 10, 2007, two new "line general managers" were appointed with greater authority to run the L (Greg Lombardi) and the 7 (Lou Brusati).