Manhattan, NY — Han Dynasty, a Chinese restaurant located at 90 3rd Avenue, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 5, 2026, following a routine health inspection. The establishment received a score of 78 points, placing it in C-grade territory under NYC's restaurant grading system. Inspectors cited violations requiring immediate action, which were addressed before the closure order was issued.

The inspection data, released by DOHMH on March 9, 2026, shows that the restaurant was cited for one non-critical violation related to pest control conditions. The establishment reopened on March 10, 2026, following a reinspection that resulted in a score of 7 points and a Z grade, indicating successful correction of the cited issues.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 5 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented conditions conducive to pest activity at the establishment. Specifically, the restaurant was cited under violation code 08A for not being free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests.

This violation category addresses environmental factors that can attract or shelter pests, including improper food storage, inadequate waste management, structural openings, moisture accumulation, and clutter that provides hiding places for vermin. Under NYC Health Code Article 81, food service establishments must maintain premises that prevent pest infestation and eliminate conditions that support pest activity.

The violation was classified as non-critical, meaning it did not pose an immediate public health threat but required correction to prevent potential food safety issues. Despite the non-critical classification, the accumulation of points and the nature of the violation led inspectors to order an immediate closure until corrections were verified.

Food Safety Context

Pest control is a fundamental component of food safety regulations outlined in both NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code. Restaurants are required to implement integrated pest management practices that include regular inspections, structural maintenance, proper sanitation, and professional pest control services when necessary.

Conditions conducive to pests can compromise food safety in multiple ways. Rodents and insects can contaminate food products, food-contact surfaces, and packaging materials with pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and other disease-causing organisms. Pest droppings, urine, hair, and body parts can introduce allergens and toxins into the food supply chain.

The DOHMH requires restaurants to maintain physical barriers against pest entry, eliminate food and water sources that attract pests, remove harborage areas, and maintain documentation of pest control activities. When inspectors identify conditions conducive to pests, establishments must take corrective action that may include structural repairs, enhanced sanitation protocols, professional pest control treatment, and staff training on prevention measures.

Inspection History

Han Dynasty's inspection record shows a pattern of compliance challenges over the past several years:

  • March 10, 2026: Score 7 (Grade Z) — Reopened following closure
  • March 5, 2026: Score 78 — Closed by DOHMH
  • November 24, 2025: Score 17
  • July 21, 2025: Score 60 (Grade C)
  • May 29, 2025: Score 37
  • November 1, 2023: Score 45 (Grade C)
  • September 19, 2023: Score 51
  • September 15, 2022: Score 65 (Grade C)

The inspection history reveals that this is the fourth time since 2022 that the restaurant has scored in C-grade range (28+ points). The establishment has demonstrated the ability to correct violations, as evidenced by the quick turnaround from a 78-point closure to a 7-point passing inspection within one day. However, the recurring pattern of elevated scores suggests ongoing challenges with maintaining consistent compliance with health code standards.

The November 2025 inspection showed significant improvement with a score of 17, but the subsequent March 2026 inspection indicates that sustained compliance remains difficult for this location.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system translates inspection scores into letter grades that must be displayed prominently at the establishment:

  • Grade A: 0-13 points (excellent food safety practices)
  • Grade B: 14-27 points (good food safety with some areas needing improvement)
  • Grade C: 28+ points (significant food safety concerns requiring substantial correction)
  • Grade Z: Pending (issued after closure until reinspection confirms corrections)

Lower scores indicate better compliance with health and safety regulations. Each violation identified during an inspection carries a point value based on its severity and potential public health impact. Critical violations that pose immediate health risks carry higher point values than non-critical violations.

Restaurants that receive closure orders must correct all violations requiring immediate action and pass a reinspection before they can resume operations. The Z grade remains posted until the establishment receives a gradable inspection score.

Public Health Resources

New York City residents can access current inspection results for any licensed food service establishment through the DOHMH website at nyc.gov/health. The database provides detailed violation information, inspection dates, scores, and grade status for restaurants throughout the five boroughs.

Consumers who observe potential health code violations at food service establishments can report concerns to 311 or through the NYC311 mobile application. The DOHMH investigates complaints and conducts inspections based on risk assessment and complaint severity.

Restaurant operators seeking guidance on health code compliance can access training resources, violation explanations, and best practice documents through the DOHMH Food Safety website.

More About This Restaurant

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