Queens, NY — Golden Pig, a Korean restaurant located at 152-12 Northern Boulevard in Flushing, received a Grade C during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on March 30, 2026. The inspection identified two critical violations, both related to temperature control of food, resulting in a score of 29 — one point above the Grade C threshold of 28.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented two critical violations during the March visit, both centered on temperature safety for foods that require time and temperature control for safety, commonly referred to as TCS foods.

The first violation, cited under Code 02B, found that hot TCS food items were not being held at or above 140°F. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, hot potentially hazardous foods must be maintained at 140°F or higher to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Food held below this threshold enters a temperature range where pathogens such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus can multiply rapidly.

The second violation, cited under Code 04J, found that a properly scaled and calibrated thermometer or thermocouple was not provided or readily accessible in food preparation and hot and cold holding areas. Accurate temperature monitoring is a foundational requirement of food safety operations. Without functioning and accessible thermometers, kitchen staff cannot verify that TCS foods — including cooked meats, rice, soups, and sauces common in Korean cuisine — are being held at safe temperatures.

Both violations are classified as critical, meaning they represent a direct risk to public health if not corrected.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code establish temperature requirements for hot food holding as a core safeguard against foodborne illness. The 140°F minimum for hot foods is a scientifically established threshold below which bacterial growth accelerates. Together, the range between 41°F and 140°F is referred to as the "temperature danger zone."

The absence of an accessible, calibrated thermometer compounds the hot-holding violation because it indicates a systemic gap in monitoring — staff may be unable to identify when food has dropped to an unsafe temperature, increasing the risk that the problem goes undetected and uncorrected during service.

DOHMH inspectors are trained to evaluate not only whether a violation exists at the moment of inspection, but also whether the systems and tools are in place to prevent violations from recurring.

Inspection History

Golden Pig's recent inspection record shows the restaurant has been subject to scrutiny in the months following this inspection as well.

  • March 30, 2026: Score 29 (Grade C), two critical violations cited — hot food temperature and thermometer availability
  • May 2, 2026: Score 25 (Grade Z)

A Grade Z designation is assigned when a restaurant's score falls in the B or C range and the establishment has requested a re-inspection or is pending adjudication. The May 2026 score of 25 would place the restaurant in the B range under standard grading, suggesting some improvement from the March inspection, though the grade designation reflects the pending review process.

Note: The March 30, 2026 inspection data was released by DOHMH on April 3, 2026. Inspection records reflect conditions at the time of the inspection visit.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant letter grading system is administered by DOHMH and is based on the total point score assigned during an unannounced inspection. Points are assigned for each violation found, with critical violations carrying higher point values.

  • Grade A: Score of 0–13 points
  • Grade B: Score of 14–27 points
  • Grade C: Score of 28 or more points
  • Grade Z (or Grade Pending): Assigned when a restaurant scores in the B or C range and is awaiting a re-inspection or administrative hearing

Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection are entitled to a re-inspection before a letter grade is officially posted. The grade displayed in the restaurant's window reflects the most recent adjudicated result.

Inspection records for all New York City restaurants are publicly available through the DOHMH online database at nyc.gov/health. Consumers can search by restaurant name, address, or cuisine type to review current and historical inspection data.

More About This Restaurant

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