Manhattan, NY — Aji Sushi, a Japanese restaurant located at 838 Second Avenue, received two critical violations during a health inspection conducted on March 9, 2026, resulting in a Grade C score of 39 points. The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 11, 2026.

Health inspectors cited violations were cited in the following areas, with both violations classified as critical under NYC Health Code Article 81.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented inadequate personal cleanliness among food handlers at the establishment. The inspection report noted that outer garments were soiled with possible contaminants, and effective hair restraints were not worn where required by regulation. Additionally, inspectors observed jewelry worn on hands or arms, and fingernails that were either polished or not properly maintained and trimmed.

The second critical violation involved improper food protection practices. Inspectors found that food, supplies, or equipment were not adequately protected from potential contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, or service. The inspection also noted issues with condiments, which were not provided in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor as required.

Food Safety Context

These violations relate to fundamental food safety practices outlined in NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code. Personal hygiene requirements exist because food handlers can transmit pathogens through direct contact with ready-to-eat foods. Hair restraints prevent physical contamination, while restrictions on jewelry and nail polish address both harboring bacteria in crevices and the risk of physical hazards entering food.

Food protection requirements serve to prevent cross-contamination from environmental sources, other foods, or customer contact. Condiments in shared containers pose particular risks when customers use the same utensils repeatedly, potentially introducing allergens or pathogens that can multiply if the product is held at room temperature.

Under New York City regulations, restaurants must maintain adequate facilities and implement proper procedures to ensure food handlers practice appropriate hygiene. Food establishments are required to protect all food products from contamination at every stage from receiving through service.

Inspection History

Aji Sushi has undergone regular inspections as part of the city's restaurant monitoring program:

  • October 31, 2024: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • July 13, 2023: Score 24 (Grade B range)
  • March 9, 2026: Score 39 (Grade C)

The establishment maintained an A grade in its most recent prior inspection approximately 16 months ago. The current inspection represents a significant departure from that performance level, with the point total increasing from 12 to 39.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns restaurant grades based on point totals from health inspections, where fewer points indicate better compliance:

  • Grade A: 0-13 points
  • Grade B: 14-27 points
  • Grade C: 28 or more points

Critical violations receive higher point values than non-critical violations. Restaurants scoring 28 or more points receive a Grade C, which must be posted publicly. Establishments have the right to request a re-inspection, and the grade card reflects the score from the most recent inspection.

The inspection was conducted as part of routine monitoring. Violations were cited in the specified areas, but the restaurant was not ordered closed by health officials.

Public Health Resources

The DOHMH conducts unannounced inspections of all restaurants in New York City at least once per year. Inspection results are available to the public through the city's online restaurant inspection database, which provides current and historical data for all food service establishments.

Consumers can view inspection results, violation details, and grade history for any restaurant by searching the DOHMH website or using the city's mobile inspection app. The department encourages residents to review inspection records when making dining decisions and to report food safety concerns through 311.

Restaurant operators must correct all cited violations and may face additional inspections to verify compliance. Critical violations require immediate attention due to their direct relationship to foodborne illness risk factors identified in epidemiological studies.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Aji Sushi including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.