Bronx, NY — La Salle Grocery, located at 1232 Randall Avenue in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx, received a score of 28 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection, placing the establishment in Grade C territory. The inspection, conducted on October 12, 2007, identified a violation related to the condition of non-food contact surfaces within the establishment.

What Inspectors Found

During the inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited La Salle Grocery for one non-critical violation under Code 10G. The violation documented that non-food contact surfaces were improperly constructed, that unacceptable material was used, or that non-food contact surfaces or equipment were improperly maintained.

Non-food contact surfaces include items such as shelving, floors, walls, ceilings, and equipment exteriors — areas that do not directly touch food but that must still be maintained in sanitary condition to prevent the harboring of pests, accumulation of debris, and potential contamination of food products stored nearby.

While this single violation was classified as non-critical, the cumulative point value of 28 placed the establishment at the threshold of a Grade C designation, the lowest letter grade assigned under New York City's restaurant grading system.

Food Safety Context

New York City's health inspection program, governed by NYC Health Code Article 81 and aligned with the FDA Food Code, requires all food service establishments to maintain facilities in good repair and sanitary condition. The maintenance of non-food contact surfaces is addressed under these regulations because poorly maintained surfaces can create conditions conducive to pest activity, mold growth, and the accumulation of contaminants that may ultimately affect food safety.

Under the city's scoring system, each violation carries a specific point value based on its severity and the conditions observed at the time of inspection. A score of 28 or higher results in a Grade C designation, indicating that the establishment did not meet the standards required for a Grade A (0–13 points) or Grade B (14–27 points) rating.

It should be noted that the grading system as currently known was formally implemented by DOHMH in July 2010. This inspection predates that system, though the scoring methodology provides context for understanding the severity of findings at the time.

Inspection History

A review of La Salle Grocery's inspection records reveals a pattern of fluctuating scores over the period documented:

  • August 28, 2007: Score of 49
  • September 18, 2007: Score of 29
  • October 12, 2007: Score of 28 (this inspection)
  • October 31, 2007: Score of 11
  • May 7, 2008: Score of 85, establishment closed by DOHMH
  • June 4, 2008: Score of 13
  • June 9, 2008: Score of 5, establishment reopened
  • July 8, 2008: Score of 27 (Grade N)

The records show that the establishment experienced a significant closure event in May 2008, when inspectors documented a score of 85 — a figure indicating numerous and potentially serious violations at that time. The store subsequently underwent re-inspection and was cleared to reopen in June 2008 with a substantially improved score of 5, demonstrating that the issues identified had been addressed.

The October 2007 inspection reviewed here falls within a period when the establishment's scores were consistently elevated, suggesting ongoing maintenance and compliance challenges during that timeframe.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to food service establishments based on inspection scores:

  • Grade A: 0–13 points, indicating minimal violations
  • Grade B: 14–27 points, indicating moderate violations
  • Grade C: 28 or more points, indicating more significant violations

A Grade C score does not necessarily indicate an immediate public health emergency but does signal that conditions at the establishment fell below the standards the city considers acceptable. Establishments receiving lower grades are typically subject to more frequent re-inspection and may request an adjudicatory hearing to contest findings.

Data Freshness Note

This inspection was conducted on October 12, 2007. The data was released by DOHMH on March 13, 2026, as part of the department's ongoing publication of historical inspection records. Conditions at the establishment may have changed substantially since the time of this inspection.

Consumers can review current inspection results for any New York City food service establishment through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online at the city's official website. The database provides the most up-to-date information on inspection scores, violations, and grade postings for all permitted food establishments in the five boroughs.

More About This Restaurant

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