Queens, NY — Cheong Hei Restaurant, located at 8148 Baxter Ave in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on June 9, 2026. Inspectors recorded a score of 61, placing the establishment firmly in Grade C range under the city's restaurant grading system. The violation cited was identified as requiring immediate corrective action, and DOHMH records indicate those issues were addressed at the time of closure. Inspection data was released publicly on June 11, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the June 9 inspection, inspectors documented one violation under NYC Health Code standards. The cited violation — Code 10B — involves plumbing and drainage deficiencies. Specifically, inspectors found that an anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device was not provided where required, that equipment or flooring was not properly drained, or that the sewage disposal system was in disrepair or not functioning properly. The violation also encompasses improper disposal of condensation or liquid waste.

While this violation is classified as non-critical under the city's inspection framework, conditions involving drainage, sewage systems, and back-flow prevention carry significant food safety implications. Back-flow events — in which contaminated water reverses direction into a clean water supply — can introduce pathogens into food preparation areas. Improperly drained flooring and equipment can foster bacterial growth and contribute to unsanitary conditions over time.

The establishment's recorded score of 61 reflects the cumulative point value assigned to the violation under DOHMH's scoring methodology. DOHMH ordered the restaurant closed, and the agency notes that violations requiring immediate action were addressed during the inspection process.

Food Safety Context

Plumbing integrity is a core component of food safety regulation. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, food service establishments are required to maintain potable water systems that prevent contamination through back-flow or back-siphonage. Back-flow prevention devices — such as air gaps, check valves, and vacuum breakers — are specifically mandated where there is a risk of cross-connection between potable and non-potable water sources.

The FDA Food Code, which New York City's regulations substantially mirror, identifies plumbing systems as a critical infrastructure element in commercial kitchens. Section 5-202.14 of the FDA Food Code addresses back-flow prevention specifically, requiring a backflow or back-siphonage prevention device when the potential for contamination exists at hose connections, dishwashing equipment, and similar points of use.

Drainage failures and sewage system issues, though sometimes gradual in development, are taken seriously by inspectors because standing water and sewage backups create conditions favorable to pest activity, mold, and cross-contamination of food contact surfaces. DOHMH's closure authority in such cases reflects the agency's mandate to address conditions that pose a risk to public health before a restaurant resumes service.

Inspection History

Cheong Hei Restaurant has a documented record of inspection activity with DOHMH. The establishment's recent inspection history shows a pattern of elevated scores:

  • November 13, 2025: Score 31 (Grade C)
  • July 23, 2024: Score 31 (Grade C)
  • March 22, 2023: Score not recorded in available data
  • June 9, 2026: Score 61 (Grade C) — Closed by DOHMH

The two most recent prior inspections each resulted in a score of 31, also in Grade C territory. The June 2026 inspection recorded a substantially higher score of 61, indicating a significant increase in documented violation severity compared to prior visits. Whether the underlying plumbing conditions identified in June were present or developing during prior inspections is not addressed in publicly available records.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's letter grading system for restaurants is based on the numerical score assigned during inspection. Scores reflect the total point value of all violations documented, with higher scores indicating more or more serious violations. Letter grades are posted in restaurant windows and are defined as follows:

  • Grade A: Score of 0 to 13 points
  • Grade B: Score of 14 to 27 points
  • Grade C: Score of 28 points or higher

A score of 61 places Cheong Hei Restaurant significantly above the Grade C threshold. Restaurants that receive a Grade C or are closed by DOHMH may request an administrative tribunal hearing through the city's Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH). Establishments closed during an inspection may reopen once inspectors confirm the conditions that prompted closure have been corrected.

Members of the public can look up inspection records for any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection results database at NYC OpenData. Inspection scores, violation codes, and grade histories for all city-permitted restaurants are updated regularly and are available as public record.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Cheong Hei Restaurant including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.