Queens, NY — Charcoalgrill And Modern Buffet, a Chinese buffet located at 133-40 79th Street in Queens, received a score of 47 following a health inspection conducted April 8, 2026, resulting in a Grade C rating. Inspectors documented 10 critical violations and 5 non-critical violations during the visit. The data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on April 10, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

The most significant pattern documented during the inspection involved repeated failures related to temperature control of potentially hazardous foods, known in food safety regulations as Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods.

Inspectors cited the restaurant twice under Code 02G for cold TCS food items held above the required 41°F threshold. Violations in this category can accelerate bacterial growth in items such as meat, dairy, and prepared foods. Separately, two citations were issued under Code 02B for hot TCS food items not maintained at or above 140°F, the minimum required holding temperature under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code.

Three separate citations were recorded under Code 02F, indicating that raw or undercooked meat, fish, molluscan shellfish, unpasteurized raw shell eggs, or poultry were offered or served without the required written consumer notice. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and FDA Food Code standards, establishments that serve such items must provide a clear disclosure on menus or menu boards informing customers of the associated health risks.

Inspectors also recorded two citations under Code 05D, noting that handwashing facilities were not accessible, were obstructed, or were being used for non-handwashing purposes. Accessible handwashing stations with hot and cold running water, soap, and an approved drying method are required in or adjacent to food preparation, food service, and ware washing areas. The absence of functional handwashing access is considered a direct risk to food safety.

One citation was issued under Code 06A for personal cleanliness failures, which can include soiled outer garments, lack of effective hair restraints, jewelry worn on hands or arms, or fingernails that are not clean and trimmed. These standards exist to prevent physical and biological contamination of food during preparation.

On the non-critical side, four citations were issued under Code 20-04 for the absence of required postings, including a choking first aid poster, an alcohol and pregnancy warning sign, and a notice regarding available resuscitation equipment. One additional non-critical citation was recorded under Code 10F for non-food contact surfaces or equipment made of unacceptable material or not kept adequately clean.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, all food service establishments operating in New York City are subject to unannounced inspections conducted by DOHMH. Violations are scored based on severity, with critical violations carrying higher point values than non-critical ones.

The FDA Food Code, which forms the basis for many of New York City's food safety standards, establishes the temperature danger zone — between 41°F and 140°F — as the range in which harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and Staphylococcus aureus can multiply rapidly. Maintaining proper hot and cold holding temperatures is one of the most fundamental requirements in commercial food service.

Consumer advisory requirements for raw or undercooked animal products are also grounded in federal food safety guidance and are intended to allow diners to make informed decisions about the foods they order.

Inspection History

No prior inspection history is available in DOHMH records for this location.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on scores received during health inspections:

  • A: 0–13 points (lowest violation score)
  • B: 14–27 points
  • C: 28 or more points (highest violation score)

A score of 47 places Charcoalgrill And Modern Buffet well within the Grade C range. Restaurants that receive a grade lower than A may request a second inspection, at which point they can receive a grade or opt to have their case adjudicated before the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings.

Diners can look up inspection records for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH Restaurant Inspection Results database at NYC.gov.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Charcoalgrill And Modern Buffet including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.