Manhattan, NY — Big Wong, the long-established Chinese restaurant at 67 Mott Street in Manhattan's Chinatown, received a score of 50 on its most recent health inspection conducted on March 17, 2026, placing it well above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C rating.

The inspection, with data released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 19, 2026, documented violations related to improper pesticide use and storage at the establishment.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 17 inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited Big Wong for a non-critical violation under code 08C, which addresses pesticide handling and storage. Specifically, the violation noted that a pesticide was not properly labeled or was used by an unlicensed individual, that pesticide or other toxic chemicals were improperly used or stored, and that an unprotected or unlocked bait station was in use at the premises.

Under New York City regulations, pesticide application in food service establishments must be performed by licensed pest management professionals. Bait stations are required to be tamper-resistant and properly secured to prevent accidental contact with food, equipment, or individuals. The improper storage or labeling of pesticides in a food preparation environment poses potential contamination risks to food products and surfaces.

While the inspection recorded only one non-critical violation, the overall score of 50 points indicates that additional point-carrying conditions were identified during the inspection that contributed to the elevated total.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework for food service establishment inspections in New York City. Under this code, restaurants are evaluated across multiple categories including food handling, temperature control, personal hygiene, facility maintenance, and pest management.

The FDA Food Code, which informs local regulations, requires that toxic materials including pesticides be stored separately from food, food-contact surfaces, and single-service articles. Pesticides must be clearly labeled and applied only in accordance with manufacturer instructions and applicable laws. The use of pesticides by unlicensed individuals in food establishments is a violation of both city and state regulations.

A score of 50 represents a significant accumulation of points, placing Big Wong nearly double the 28-point minimum for a Grade C designation. This score suggests multiple areas of concern were documented beyond the single violation listed in the publicly available data.

Inspection History

Big Wong's inspection record over the past two years shows a pattern of fluctuating scores, including a prior closure:

  • Jan 9, 2026: Score 22
  • Oct 28, 2025: Score 63 (Grade Z)
  • Sep 23, 2025: Score 60
  • Jun 6, 2025: Score 20 (Grade B)
  • May 5, 2025: Score not recorded
  • Jan 27, 2025: Score 2 (Grade P)
  • Jan 24, 2025: Score 9
  • Jan 21, 2025: Score 32
  • Jan 17, 2025: Score 81, closed by DOHMH
  • Dec 30, 2024: Score not recorded

The restaurant's history reflects considerable variability. In January 2025, Big Wong was closed after receiving a score of 81 but subsequently improved to a score of 2 within ten days of reopening. The restaurant achieved a Grade B in June 2025 with a score of 20 before scores climbed again in the fall, reaching 63 in October 2025. A Grade Z designation indicates a restaurant is awaiting the results of an adjudication hearing to contest its grade.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on inspection scores:

  • Grade A: 0–13 points (lowest risk)
  • Grade B: 14–27 points (moderate risk)
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (highest risk category)

A Grade C score indicates that inspectors identified conditions requiring attention across multiple food safety categories. Restaurants receiving a Grade C have the option to post the letter grade or a "Grade Pending" sign while they request a re-inspection or hearing.

Consumers can look up any New York City restaurant's inspection history, including detailed violation descriptions, through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database available online. The data used in this report is sourced from official DOHMH public records and is subject to updates as new inspections are conducted or adjudication outcomes are recorded.

More About This Restaurant

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