Queens, NY — Chiflez, a Latin American restaurant at 95-02 Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, received three critical violations and a score of 33 during a health inspection conducted on February 21, 2026. The score places the establishment in Grade C territory, the lowest letter grade assigned by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). All three violations cited were classified as critical, with no non-critical violations recorded.

The inspection data was released by DOHMH on February 23, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

All three violations documented during the inspection related to sanitation practices and food contamination prevention.

Inspectors cited the restaurant for improperly stored wiping cloths (Code 06F). Under DOHMH regulations, wiping cloths must be stored either clean and dry or submerged in an approved sanitizing solution between uses. When wiping cloths are left out without proper sanitization, they can become a vehicle for spreading bacteria across food preparation surfaces and equipment.

A second violation involved the improper use or storage of sanitized equipment and utensils, including in-use food dispensing utensils (Code 06E). This citation is issued when items that have been sanitized are subsequently handled or stored in a way that compromises their cleanliness before they come into contact with food.

The third critical violation addressed food, supplies, or equipment not being adequately protected from potential sources of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, or service (Code 06C). This violation also covers condiments that are not provided in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor. When food items and supplies are left exposed, the risk of cross-contamination from environmental sources, other foods, or improper handling increases.

Food Safety Context

The violations cited at Chiflez relate to fundamental food safety principles outlined in NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code. Proper sanitation of food-contact surfaces, correct storage of cleaning materials, and protection of food from contamination are foundational requirements for food service establishments.

Wiping cloth management is specifically addressed because cloths used to clean surfaces can harbor harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella if not properly sanitized between uses. The FDA Food Code requires that cloths used for wiping food-contact surfaces be kept in sanitizing solution of adequate concentration when not in active use.

Similarly, the requirement to protect food from contamination during all stages of handling — from storage through service — is a core principle designed to prevent foodborne illness. Proper barriers, covered containers, and controlled dispensing of condiments are standard practices that reduce exposure to contaminants.

Inspection History

No prior inspection history is available in the DOHMH database for this establishment. The February 21, 2026 inspection represents the earliest recorded inspection on file. This may indicate the restaurant is a newer establishment or that it has undergone a change in ownership that reset its inspection record.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total violation points recorded during an inspection. Each violation carries a point value based on its severity and the conditions observed. The grading thresholds are:

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

With a score of 33, Chiflez falls into the Grade C range. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection are entitled to a re-inspection, during which they have the opportunity to correct the violations and potentially receive a lower score and higher grade. Restaurants may also request an adjudicatory hearing through the DOHMH Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings.

A Grade C result does not automatically result in closure. It indicates that the establishment had significant violations at the time of inspection that require correction.

Residents can look up the full inspection history for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online. Inspection results, including individual violation details and scores, are public record and updated regularly as new inspections are completed.

More About This Restaurant

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