Queens, NY — May Chun Garden, a Chinese restaurant located at 40-75 Junction Boulevard, received a Grade C rating with a score of 32 points following a health inspection conducted on March 11, 2026. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) cited the establishment for three violations, including one critical food safety issue.

What Inspectors Found

Health inspectors documented one critical violation and two non-critical violations during the routine inspection. The critical violation involved food, supplies, or equipment not being adequately protected from potential sources of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, or service. Inspectors also noted that condiments were not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor, creating additional contamination risks.

The non-critical violations included equipment and non-food contact surfaces made of unacceptable material or not properly maintained to allow adequate cleaning. Inspectors found that certain surfaces were not kept clean or properly sealed, raised, spaced, or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above, and underneath units.

Additionally, inspectors identified conditions conducive to pests. The establishment was cited for not being free of harborage or conditions that could attract or sustain rodents, insects, or other pests.

Food Safety Context

The violations documented at May Chun Garden relate to fundamental food safety principles outlined in NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code. These regulations require food establishments to maintain strict protocols to prevent contamination and ensure safe food handling practices.

The critical violation regarding unprotected food and improperly stored condiments addresses a significant risk factor for foodborne illness. When food is not adequately separated from potential contamination sources, pathogens can transfer to ready-to-eat items. The FDA Food Code mandates that all food be stored, prepared, and served in ways that prevent cross-contamination.

Equipment maintenance violations reflect sanitation standards designed to prevent bacterial growth and pest attraction. Surfaces that cannot be properly cleaned create environments where foodborne pathogens can multiply. The requirement for cleanable, properly sealed equipment ensures that establishments can maintain sanitary conditions between food preparation activities.

Conditions conducive to pests present both direct and indirect food safety risks. Pests can contaminate food through direct contact and can also carry disease-causing organisms. NYC Health Code Article 81 requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract or harbor pests as part of comprehensive food safety management.

Inspection History

May Chun Garden's inspection record shows a previous rating:

  • September 24, 2024: Score 12 (Grade A)

The restaurant had maintained a Grade A rating approximately 17 months before the current inspection. The increase from 12 points to 32 points represents a significant change in compliance with health code requirements.

DOHMH inspection data is typically released to the public within 24-48 hours of the inspection date. The March 11, 2026 inspection data was made publicly available on March 13, 2026.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City uses a point-based system to grade restaurants, with lower scores indicating better compliance:

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

Each violation carries a specific point value based on its severity and potential public health impact. Critical violations, which represent immediate food safety risks, carry higher point values than non-critical violations. The grading system is designed to provide consumers with accessible information about food safety conditions at inspected establishments.

Restaurants receive unannounced inspections at least once per year, with additional inspections conducted in response to complaints or follow-up requirements. Establishments that receive Grade B or C ratings may request re-inspection to improve their grade.

Public Health Resources

Consumers can access complete inspection records for all New York City restaurants through the DOHMH website. The agency maintains a searchable database that includes violation details, inspection dates, and current grade information.

Individuals who observe food safety concerns at any restaurant can file complaints directly with DOHMH through the 311 system. The department investigates complaints and conducts inspections as warranted based on the nature of the reported concerns.

Additional food safety information and resources are available through the DOHMH Division of Food Safety and Inspection.

More About This Restaurant

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