Queens, NY — Joypot, a Chinese restaurant located at 23-10 Jackson Avenue in Long Island City, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on March 9, 2026. The restaurant received a score of 59, which falls well into the C grade range and reflects multiple violations, including one classified as critical. Violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of inspection.

The closure was documented in inspection data released by DOHMH on March 11, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

The inspection identified three violations — one critical and two non-critical.

The critical violation, cited under Code 06D, documented that food contact surfaces were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. Food contact surfaces include cutting boards, prep tables, utensils, and any equipment that directly touches food during preparation or service. When these surfaces are not adequately sanitized between uses, they can become vectors for cross-contamination and bacterial growth, posing a direct risk to consumer health.

Inspectors also noted two non-critical violations. Under Code 10G, the restaurant's dishwashing and ware washing procedures were found to be deficient, meaning the cleaning and sanitizing of tableware — including dishes, utensils, and equipment — did not meet required standards. This violation is closely related to the critical finding, as inadequate ware washing practices can compound food safety risks across the operation.

The second non-critical violation, cited under Code 20-06, documented that the restaurant's current letter grade or Grade Pending card was not posted as required. NYC restaurants are required to conspicuously display their most recent grade card so that customers can make informed dining decisions before entering.

Food Safety Context

The proper sanitization of food contact surfaces is a foundational requirement of food safety regulation at both the local and federal level. NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes specific standards for food service establishments operating within the city, including requirements for cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces that come into contact with food. The FDA Food Code, which serves as a model for local jurisdictions nationwide, similarly mandates that food contact surfaces be cleaned and sanitized between uses, after any interruption in operations, and at intervals sufficient to prevent contamination.

The critical violation documented at Joypot addresses one of the most common pathways for foodborne illness. Bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria can survive and multiply on improperly sanitized surfaces, potentially transferring to food during subsequent preparation. The FDA Food Code specifies approved sanitizing methods, including chemical sanitization using properly concentrated solutions and hot water sanitization at temperatures of 171°F or higher.

When DOHMH determines that conditions at a food establishment present an imminent risk to public health, inspectors have the authority to order an immediate closure. The establishment may reopen only after correcting the cited violations and passing a subsequent re-inspection.

Inspection History

Joypot's March 2026 closure is part of a pattern of inspection scores that have fluctuated significantly over the past several years. The restaurant's recent inspection history includes:

  • 2024-12-03: Score of 16
  • 2024-01-18: Score of 40 (Grade C)
  • 2023-10-12: Score of 59

The December 2024 inspection, which resulted in a score of 16, represented the restaurant's best documented performance in this period and fell within the B grade range. However, earlier inspections reveal recurring difficulties maintaining compliance. The January 2024 inspection produced a score of 40, resulting in a Grade C designation, and the October 2023 inspection yielded a score of 59 — identical to the score that triggered the current closure.

The March 2026 score of 59 suggests that the restaurant has not sustained the improvements reflected in its December 2024 inspection.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on the total number of violation points documented during an inspection. Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations:

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

Joypot's score of 59 places it significantly above the 28-point threshold for a C grade. Restaurants that receive a B or C grade on an initial inspection are offered a re-inspection, typically within 30 days, at which point the better of the two scores determines the posted grade. Restaurants that are closed must correct all violations and pass a re-inspection before resuming operations.

Consumers can look up the inspection history of any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly accessible online. The database is updated regularly as new inspection data becomes available and provides a complete record of scores, violations, and enforcement actions for each establishment.

More About This Restaurant

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