Bronx, NY — El Nuevo Valle Iii, a Latin American restaurant located at 268 East 167 Street in the Bronx, received a score of 31 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene inspection conducted on March 27, 2026, placing it in the Grade C range under the city's restaurant grading system. Inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 31, 2026.

Inspectors documented one violation during the visit, classified as non-critical, related to dishwashing and ware washing practices.

What Inspectors Found

The March 27 inspection identified the following violation:

Code 10G — Dishwashing and Ware Washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment, was found to be deficient.

Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, proper cleaning and sanitizing of food-contact surfaces is a fundamental requirement for preventing cross-contamination and reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Tableware and utensils that are not adequately sanitized can retain bacteria and pathogens capable of transferring to food or to diners. Operators are required to maintain dishwashing equipment in proper working order and follow approved sanitization procedures, including appropriate water temperature levels or chemical sanitizer concentrations.

The violation recorded at El Nuevo Valle Iii was classified as non-critical, meaning it does not represent an immediate health hazard to patrons. Non-critical violations must still be corrected within timeframes established by DOHMH to bring the establishment into full compliance.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 governs food service establishments across all five boroughs. The FDA Food Code, which informs local regulations, requires that all multi-use food-contact surfaces and utensils be cleaned and sanitized at defined intervals and to measurable standards. Sanitization may be achieved through heat — mechanical washing with water at or above 171°F — or through approved chemical agents maintained at required concentrations.

Ware washing violations are among the more frequently cited findings in restaurant inspections citywide. However, a final score of 31 indicates that inspectors determined the documented deficiency to be significant enough to place the establishment in the Grade C category, which begins at 28 points. The point value assigned to a single non-critical ware washing violation can vary based on the nature and extent of the deficiency observed.

Inspection History

El Nuevo Valle Iii has a multi-year inspection record with DOHMH. Prior results are as follows:

  • May 7, 2026: Score 16 (Grade Z)
  • December 16, 2024: Score 10 (Grade A)
  • June 3, 2024: Score 23
  • February 22, 2023: Score 25 (Grade B)
  • December 22, 2022: Score 9
  • March 1, 2022: Score 0 (Grade A)
  • January 3, 2022: Score 12

The restaurant's record shows a pattern of generally favorable scores in recent years, including a Grade A in December 2024 and two Grade A results across 2022. The most recent entry in the inspection record, from May 7, 2026, shows a score of 16 with a Grade Z designation. DOHMH assigns a Grade Z when a grade card is not yet issued — typically during an initial inspection cycle when a restaurant has scored in the B or C range and is awaiting a re-inspection to determine its posted grade.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on point totals accumulated during inspections. More points reflect a greater number or severity of violations:

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

Restaurants scoring in the B or C range during an initial inspection are eligible to request a re-inspection. If that re-inspection results in a score of 13 or fewer points, the establishment may qualify to post a Grade A. Whichever grade results from the cycle must be displayed prominently at the restaurant's entrance.

Consumers can review complete inspection records, including violation descriptions, scores, and grade history, through the DOHMH's online restaurant inspection lookup at nyc.gov or through the NYC Open Data portal.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for El Nuevo Valle Iii including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.