Queens, NY — A Lo Perucho, a Peruvian restaurant at 94-16 Jamaica Avenue in Queens, received a Grade C following a health inspection conducted March 25, 2026, during which inspectors identified evidence of mice and multiple conditions conducive to pest activity. The establishment recorded a score of 59, well above the 28-point threshold for a C grade. Inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 27, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors cited one critical violation and two non-critical violations during the March 25 visit.

The critical violation — Code 04L — documented evidence of mice or live mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, rodent activity in a food service environment represents a direct contamination risk and is classified as a critical violation requiring immediate corrective action.

The two non-critical violations were:

Code 08A: The establishment was found not to be free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This violation is typically cited when inspectors identify structural gaps, clutter, or other environmental factors that can shelter or attract pests — and frequently accompanies rodent-related critical violations.

Code 10B: Inspectors noted that an anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device was not provided where required, or that equipment or flooring was not properly drained. Improper drainage can contribute to sanitation issues and, in some cases, create conditions that attract pests.

The combination of Codes 04L and 08A indicates both active rodent presence and underlying conditions that may sustain it, which health regulators generally treat as a compounding concern.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, restaurants are scored on a points-based system during unannounced inspections. Violations are weighted by severity: critical violations — those most likely to contribute to foodborne illness — carry higher point values. Evidence of rodent activity falls into this category.

The FDA Food Code, which informs local health codes nationally, requires that food establishments be maintained to prevent pest entry and harborage. Establishments are expected to address critical violations promptly; failure to do so can result in additional inspections, escalating scores, or closure orders.

A score of 59 points results in a Grade C posting, which the restaurant is required to display publicly. Establishments that receive a grade below B may request an adjudication hearing or a re-inspection before the grade is finalized.

Inspection History

A Lo Perucho's recent inspection record reflects a significant shift in performance:

  • March 25, 2026: Score 59 (Grade C) — current inspection
  • December 5, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
  • August 12, 2024: Score 36

The August 2024 inspection also resulted in a score above the Grade C threshold, suggesting that sanitation challenges at the location are not entirely new. The December 2024 Grade A represented a marked improvement, making the March 2026 score a notable reversal. The inspection record is publicly available through the DOHMH's NYC Restaurant Inspection Results database.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City uses a letter grading system based on inspection scores:

  • A: 0–13 points (lowest number of violations)
  • B: 14–27 points
  • C: 28 or more points (highest level of violations)

Grades must be posted in a window visible to the public. A restaurant receiving a B or C grade has the option to be re-inspected, at which point a new score is calculated. If the re-inspection score qualifies for a higher grade, the restaurant may post the better result.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for A Lo Perucho including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.