Staten Island, NY — Mia's Rostiseria & Parriladas, a Latin American restaurant at 236 Port Richmond Avenue, received a Grade C score of 43 points following a health inspection conducted on March 9, 2026. Inspectors cited the establishment for one critical violation involving evidence of mice.
What Inspectors Found
During the inspection, health department officials documented evidence of mice or live mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas, a violation of Code 04L under NYC Health Code Article 81. This critical violation indicates the presence of rodent activity that poses direct risks to food safety and public health.
The presence of rodents in food service establishments creates multiple contamination pathways. Mice can contaminate food products, food preparation surfaces, and storage areas through direct contact, droppings, and urine. According to the FDA Food Code, effective pest control programs are essential components of food safety management systems.
The restaurant remained open following the inspection, with violations cited for correction. The 43-point score places the establishment in Grade C territory, significantly above the 13-point threshold for an A grade.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 requires all food service establishments to maintain conditions that prevent the harborage and feeding of vermin, including rodents. The regulation mandates that establishments implement integrated pest management programs and maintain physical conditions that eliminate entry points and attractants for pests.
The FDA Food Code similarly emphasizes that food establishments must be maintained free of insects, rodents, and other pests. The presence of evidence such as droppings, gnaw marks, or live sightings triggers immediate corrective action requirements.
Grade C scores reflect significant sanitation and food safety deficiencies that require prompt remediation. While establishments can continue operating while addressing violations, they must correct all cited issues and undergo re-inspection to improve their grade.
Inspection History
Prior inspection records show the restaurant's previous performance:
- 2024-07-03: Score 7 (Grade N)
The July 2024 inspection resulted in a low score that would typically qualify for an A grade once grading was finalized. The current 43-point score represents a substantial increase in violation points compared to the establishment's prior inspection performance.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene assigns letter grades based on point totals from sanitary inspections:
- Grade A: 0-13 points (highest rating)
- Grade B: 14-27 points (satisfactory)
- Grade C: 28+ points (requires improvement)
Points accumulate based on the type and severity of violations observed. Critical violations that pose immediate health risks carry higher point values than general sanitation issues. Establishments scoring 28 or more points receive a Grade C and must undergo re-inspection.
The inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 11, 2026, two days after the on-site inspection. Restaurants have the right to contest violations and request re-inspection once corrective measures are implemented.
Public Health Resources
Consumers can verify current inspection results and letter grades for any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH online inspection database at nyc.gov/health. The database provides inspection dates, violation details, and current grade status for all permitted food service establishments.
Residents who observe food safety concerns at restaurants can file complaints with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene through the 311 system or online complaint portal. All complaints are investigated according to established protocols.
The NYC Health Department conducts unannounced inspections of food service establishments at least once per year, with additional inspections triggered by complaints, follow-up requirements, or risk-based scheduling.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Mia's Rostiseria & Parriladas including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.