Queens, NY — Mango Mango Dessert, located at 176-67 Union Turnpike in Queens, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following a health inspection conducted May 5, 2026. Inspectors recorded a score of 56, placing the establishment in the C range under the city's grading system. The restaurant subsequently reopened on May 11, 2026. Inspection data was released by DOHMH on May 7, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented four violations during the May 5 visit — three classified as critical and one non-critical.

Two separate citations were issued under Code 02B, which addresses temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Inspectors found hot TCS food items held below the required 140°F minimum. Maintaining proper hot-holding temperatures is a foundational requirement in food service operations, as temperatures between 40°F and 140°F allow bacteria to multiply rapidly in protein-rich or starchy foods.

A critical violation was also cited under Code 05D, covering handwashing facilities. Inspectors identified that no compliant handwashing station was accessible within the required proximity to food preparation, food service, or ware-washing areas. The citation encompasses a range of related deficiencies: the facility may have been obstructed, lacked hot and cold running water at adequate pressure, or been without soap or an acceptable hand-drying device. Handwashing infrastructure is among the most directly scrutinized elements of a food service inspection, as it represents a primary line of defense against cross-contamination.

The single non-critical violation, Code 18-11, noted that a Food Protection Certificate was not available for inspection. New York City requires at least one certified food protection manager to be on the premises during all hours of operation, with documentation available on demand.

Food Safety Context

The violations documented at Mango Mango Dessert fall under NYC Health Code Article 81, which governs food service establishments throughout the five boroughs. The city's inspection program is administered by DOHMH and requires unannounced inspections of all permitted food service establishments at least once per year.

Temperature control violations like Code 02B are addressed in detail under the FDA Food Code, which the city's standards closely align with. The 140°F hot-holding threshold is designed to prevent pathogen growth in foods that are prepared and held for service. When multiple temperature violations are cited in a single inspection, it can indicate systemic issues with holding equipment, operational procedures, or staff training.

The Code 05D handwashing violation is classified as critical because improper hand hygiene is a direct vector for foodborne illness transmission. The FDA Food Code requires accessible, fully equipped handwashing stations to be maintained at all times during food service operations.

New York City's grading system assigns scores based on the number and severity of points assessed during an inspection. Scores in the C range — 28 points or above — require a closure order when they meet the threshold for immediate public health risk.

Inspection History

Mango Mango Dessert's recent inspection record shows variability across visits:

  • May 11, 2026: Score 0 (Grade Z) — Reopened
  • May 5, 2026: Score 56 (Grade C) — Closed by DOHMH
  • October 6, 2025: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • July 10, 2025: Score 31

The October 2025 inspection resulted in a score of 12, placing the restaurant solidly in the A range. The July 2025 visit recorded a score of 31, which falls in the C range and indicates the establishment had prior contact with elevated violation counts. The May 2026 inspection represents a significant increase from the prior A-grade result.

Following the closure, a reinspection on May 11 recorded a score of 0, satisfying DOHMH requirements for reopening.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades based on scores calculated during DOHMH inspections. Each violation carries a point value; the total determines the grade:

  • A: 0–13 points — meets or exceeds city standards
  • B: 14–27 points — some violations identified; corrective action expected
  • C: 28 or more points — significant violations documented; may trigger closure

A Grade Z is assigned when a restaurant is in the process of being graded but has not yet completed the inspection cycle, including any required reinspection. It does not correspond to a letter grade score range.

Inspection results are public record and available through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database at nyc.gov. Consumers can search any permitted food service establishment by name, address, or ZIP code to review current and historical inspection data.

More About This Restaurant

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