Queens, NY — Jin Sang Gukbap, a Korean restaurant located at 209-35 Northern Boulevard in Bayside, Queens, received a score of 53 during a New York City health inspection conducted on March 5, 2026. The score places the establishment well above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C rating, the lowest letter grade issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).

Inspectors documented one critical violation and one non-critical violation during the visit. The inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 9, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

The most significant finding was a critical violation for evidence of mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas, cited under violation code 04L. The presence of mice or evidence of mouse activity in a food service establishment is classified as a critical violation because of the direct risk to food safety and public health. Rodents can contaminate food, food preparation surfaces, and storage areas with pathogens including Salmonella and E. coli.

Inspectors also cited a non-critical violation under code 10B related to plumbing and drainage issues. Specifically, the citation noted that anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices were not provided where required, and that condensation or liquid waste was being improperly disposed of. While classified as non-critical, plumbing deficiencies can contribute to unsanitary conditions and may create environments that attract pests.

The restaurant's action status was recorded as "violations were cited in the following area(s)."

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, all food service establishments are required to maintain their premises free of vermin, including mice and rats. The presence of rodent activity is considered a public health hazard under the FDA Food Code, which classifies pest contamination as a critical risk factor for foodborne illness.

The DOHMH uses a points-based scoring system where lower scores indicate better compliance. Points are assigned based on the severity and nature of each violation found. Critical violations, such as evidence of rodent activity, carry higher point values than non-critical violations.

A score of 53 represents significant non-compliance with food safety regulations. For context, a restaurant must score 13 points or fewer to receive a Grade A, the highest rating in the city's grading system.

Inspection History

Jin Sang Gukbap's inspection record shows a pattern of elevated scores over the past several years. The restaurant's recent and historical inspection results include:

  • Feb 2, 2026: Score 53 (Grade Z — grade pending)
  • Jun 12, 2025: Score 29
  • Feb 11, 2025: Score 36 (Grade C)
  • Jul 9, 2024: Score 28
  • Apr 26, 2023: Score 15
  • Apr 11, 2023: Score 49 (Grade B)
  • Apr 3, 2023: Score 36

The March 2026 score of 53 matches the restaurant's score from just one month earlier in February 2026. The establishment has not scored below 28 since April 2023, when it received a 15. Prior to that, the restaurant had scored 49 and 36 in the same month, suggesting re-inspection cycles.

The recurring pattern of scores at or above the Grade C threshold indicates persistent challenges with health code compliance at this location.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores:

  • Grade A: 0 to 13 points — highest level of compliance
  • Grade B: 14 to 27 points — moderate compliance issues
  • Grade C: 28 or more points — significant compliance issues

Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection are entitled to a re-inspection, during which they can improve their score. A Grade Z designation indicates that a grade is pending, typically while a restaurant awaits a re-inspection or adjudication hearing.

Consumers can look up any restaurant's inspection history through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly available online. The city requires restaurants to post their current letter grade in a location visible to the public near the entrance.

For questions about food safety or to file a complaint about a restaurant, residents can contact 311 or visit the NYC DOHMH website.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Jin Sang Gukbap including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.