Queens, NY — Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill, located at 234-16 Linden Boulevard in Queens, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on May 12, 2026. Inspectors recorded a score of 40, placing the establishment in C-grade range. The closure followed the identification of a critical violation that required immediate action.

Inspection data was released by DOHMH on May 14, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the May 12 inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited one critical violation at the Linden Boulevard location:

  • Code 04L: Evidence of mice or live mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas.

This was the sole violation recorded during the inspection, but its classification as critical and the severity reflected in the score of 40 were sufficient grounds for DOHMH to order the establishment closed. Inspectors noted that violations requiring immediate action were addressed on-site before the record was finalized, a standard component of the closure process.

A score of 40 points falls well above the threshold for a C grade under New York City's restaurant grading system.

Food Safety Context

Rodent activity in a food service establishment presents significant public health risks. Under NYC Health Code Article 81, restaurant operators are required to maintain their premises free from pests and to implement effective pest management practices. The presence of mice — or evidence of their activity — in food or non-food areas is classified as a critical violation because it can directly contribute to foodborne illness through contamination of food, food contact surfaces, and storage areas.

The FDA Food Code, which informs New York City's regulatory framework, identifies pest control as a foundational element of safe food handling. Evidence of rodent activity can indicate gaps in structural integrity (such as unsealed entry points), sanitation practices, or waste management protocols.

DOHMH has authority under the Health Code to order the immediate closure of any establishment where conditions pose an imminent threat to public health. Operators may request a reinspection once corrective actions have been taken. A passing reinspection is required before a closed establishment may resume service.

Inspection History

The May 2026 closure represents a notable departure from the location's recent inspection record, which had been largely consistent with acceptable performance. Prior inspections at 234-16 Linden Boulevard include:

  • Feb 9, 2026: Score 22
  • Nov 25, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
  • Sep 23, 2024: Score 14
  • Jan 25, 2024: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • Oct 19, 2023: Score 26
  • Sep 9, 2022: Score 18 (Grade B)
  • Jan 14, 2022: Score 12

The establishment received Grade A scores in both January 2024 and November 2024, and had not previously been closed by DOHMH based on available inspection records. The jump from a score of 22 in February 2026 to a score of 40 in May 2026 — accompanied by a closure order — marks a significant change in inspection outcomes over a short period.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's letter grading system for restaurants is based on the numerical score assigned during an inspection. Each point represents a weighted penalty for a specific violation, with critical violations carrying heavier point values than non-critical ones. The grading scale is as follows:

  • A: Score of 0–13 points (lowest violation burden)
  • B: Score of 14–27 points
  • C: Score of 28 or more points (highest violation burden)

Establishments that receive a score above 13 on an initial inspection are typically scheduled for a follow-up inspection. If a restaurant is closed, it must pass reinspection before it can reopen and post a grade. In cases where a grade is pending — such as during a reinspection cycle — establishments are required to post a "Grade Pending" card in their window.

Consumers can look up inspection records for any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH's online restaurant inspection database at nyc.gov/health.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.