Queens, NY — Chi Chicken, an Asian fusion restaurant located at 42-59 Hunter Street in Long Island City, received a score of 29 during a health inspection conducted on February 18, 2026, placing it in Grade C territory. Inspectors documented two critical violations related to food contamination risks and improper sanitation practices.
The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 20, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
During the February 18 inspection, DOHMH inspectors identified two critical violations at the establishment. No non-critical violations were recorded.
The first violation, cited under code 06C, noted that food, supplies, or equipment were not adequately protected from potential sources of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, or service. The citation also noted that condiments were not provided in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor. This type of violation indicates that food items or preparation surfaces may have been exposed to environmental contaminants, cross-contact with raw ingredients, or other sources of potential contamination.
The second violation, cited under code 06F, documented that wiping cloths were not stored clean and dry or kept in a sanitizing solution between uses. Wiping cloths that are not properly maintained between uses can serve as vectors for bacterial transfer between surfaces, potentially spreading harmful pathogens across food preparation and serving areas.
Food Safety Context
Both violations cited at Chi Chicken relate to fundamental food safety protections outlined in NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code. These regulations establish requirements for protecting food from contamination at every stage of handling, from receiving and storage through preparation and service.
The FDA Food Code specifies that food must be protected from cross-contamination by separating raw and ready-to-eat items, storing food in appropriate containers, and maintaining clean food-contact surfaces. The requirement for proper wiping cloth storage — either clean and dry or submerged in an approved sanitizing solution — is designed to prevent cloths from becoming a mechanism for spreading bacteria between surfaces.
A score of 29 points falls just above the Grade C threshold of 28 points. Under New York City's restaurant grading system, each violation carries a specific point value, with critical violations generally carrying higher point values than non-critical ones. The two critical violations documented during this inspection were sufficient to push the restaurant's score into Grade C range.
The action recorded for this inspection was that violations were cited in the indicated areas. The restaurant was not closed as a result of this inspection.
Inspection History
Chi Chicken's prior inspection record shows a notable change from its previous performance:
- 2024-09-21: Score 12 (Grade A)
The restaurant's previous inspection in September 2024 resulted in a score of 12, well within the Grade A range. The jump from 12 points to 29 points represents a significant increase in documented violations. It should be noted that inspection results can vary based on conditions at the time of the visit, and a single inspection represents a snapshot of the establishment on that particular day.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on the total points accumulated during an inspection. Fewer points indicate fewer violations:
- Grade A: 0-13 points
- Grade B: 14-27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection have the option to request a re-inspection. The restaurant posts the grade from whichever inspection yields the better score. Grade pending cards may be displayed while a restaurant awaits a re-inspection or adjudication hearing at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings.
Consumers can look up the full inspection history for Chi Chicken and any other New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly available online. Inspection results, including specific violations cited, are part of the public record and are updated as new inspections are completed.
For additional information about food safety standards and restaurant grading in New York City, residents can visit the DOHMH website or call 311.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Chi Chicken including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.