Mott Haven deli facing lawsuit after unsanitary conditions
Some of the violations mentioned include inspectors noted the ice machine wasn't working properly and had a build-up of brownish grime.
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A Mott Haven deli is facing a lawsuit filed by Richard Ball, the state commissioner of Agriculture and Markets.
Willis Grocery and Deli is located at 408 E. 138th St.
The lawsuit that was filed in 2025 states inspectors noted several violations.
Some of the violations mentioned include inspectors noted the ice machine wasn't working properly and had a build-up of brownish grime.
The lawsuit goes on to say several live cockroaches seen inside the ice machine, with nearly 80-100 live cockroaches seen throughout the store.
News 12 spoke to a previous customer of the deli, who spoke about his run-in with roaches in the store. The person did not want to share their name, but said he is no longer a patron of the store.
Many other unsanitary violations were also noted in the lawsuit, including continuing to sell prepared food items without the proper food license.
News 12 asked to speak to the owner or manager of the deli on Wednesday to comment about the lawsuit, but was told they weren't there.
At the time of this report, the lawsuit remains active.
