Staten Island, NY — Forest Thai Cuisine at 1211 Forest Avenue received a Grade C rating after a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene inspection conducted on March 11, 2026. The restaurant scored 43 points, triggering violations in equipment maintenance and pesticide storage categories.

Health inspectors documented two non-critical violations during the inspection, which was made public on March 13, 2026. The establishment remains open and operational, with violations cited for corrective action.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors identified issues with non-food contact surfaces and equipment during the March inspection. According to inspection records, equipment was found to be made of unacceptable material, not properly maintained, or not adequately positioned to allow for thorough cleaning. This violation, designated as Code 10F under NYC Health Code Article 81, addresses surfaces and equipment that do not directly contact food but must still meet sanitation standards for cleaning accessibility.

The second violation involved pesticide handling and storage. Inspectors documented that pesticide was either improperly labeled, used by an unlicensed individual, or stored incorrectly. The inspection also noted the presence of unprotected or unlocked bait stations. This Code 08C violation addresses the proper management of toxic chemicals in food service establishments to prevent contamination risks.

Both violations were classified as non-critical, meaning they were not considered immediate threats to public health but require correction to meet health code standards.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes comprehensive sanitation requirements for food service establishments. Non-food contact surfaces, while not directly touching food products, must be maintained to prevent harboring pests, accumulating debris, or creating unsanitary conditions that could indirectly affect food safety.

Equipment construction and placement standards require that surfaces be made of approved materials and positioned to allow complete cleaning of all sides, underneath, and above units. This prevents the buildup of grease, food particles, and other contaminants that could attract pests or create bacterial growth environments.

Pesticide regulations under the FDA Food Code and NYC Health Code require that all toxic chemicals be properly labeled, stored in designated areas away from food and food-contact surfaces, and applied only by licensed applicators following approved protocols. Bait stations must be secured and locked to prevent accidental contact or tampering.

Inspection History

Forest Thai Cuisine has received multiple health inspections since 2022. The inspection record shows:

  • March 11, 2026: Score 43 (Grade C)
  • November 13, 2024: Score pending
  • March 13, 2024: Score 19 (Grade B)
  • June 1, 2023: Score 29 (Grade C)
  • May 3, 2022: Score 11 (Grade A)

The current score of 43 points represents the highest point total documented for this establishment in available records. The restaurant previously achieved Grade A status in 2022 with 11 points.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

The New York City restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on inspection point totals:

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

Points are assessed for each violation found during inspection, with critical violations related to food temperature, contamination, and vermin receiving higher point values. Non-critical violations typically address facility maintenance, record-keeping, and operational procedures.

Restaurants scoring 28 points or higher receive a Grade C and may request a re-inspection to attempt to achieve a better grade. Establishments must post their current grade card in a location visible to the public.

Public Health Information

The NYC Department of Health conducts unannounced inspections of food service establishments at least once per year. Inspection results are posted to the DOHMH website and are available for public review at nyc.gov/health/restaurants.

Consumers can review inspection histories, current grades, and detailed violation information for any licensed food service establishment in New York City. The department encourages the public to report food safety concerns through 311.

Forest Thai Cuisine remains operational following this inspection. The establishment is expected to address the cited violations and will receive follow-up monitoring during future inspections.

More About This Restaurant

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