Queens, NY — Mimoza, an Eastern European restaurant located at 36-05 30 Avenue in Astoria, received a Grade C score of 42 points during a health inspection conducted on March 11, 2026. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) cited the establishment for one critical violation related to food contamination.

What Inspectors Found

Health inspectors documented that raw, cooked, or prepared food at the restaurant was adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with the establishment's HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan. This violation, designated as Code 04H in the NYC Health Code, is classified as critical because it represents an immediate risk to public health.

The violation indicates that food products at the restaurant failed to meet basic safety standards required under NYC Health Code Article 81. The specific nature of the contamination—whether it involved improper storage, cross-contact between raw and ready-to-eat foods, or failure to discard potentially hazardous items—was documented by inspectors during their visit.

The inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 13, 2026, two days after the on-site evaluation. The restaurant was not ordered to close and violations were cited for correction.

Food Safety Context

Food contamination violations fall under some of the most serious categories in restaurant health inspections because they directly impact the safety of meals served to the public. NYC Health Code Article 81 requires all food service establishments to maintain proper food handling procedures, including separation of raw and cooked foods, appropriate storage temperatures, and timely disposal of potentially hazardous items.

The FDA Food Code, which forms the basis for New York City's regulations, defines adulterated food as any product that contains harmful substances, has been prepared under unsanitary conditions, or has come into contact with contaminating materials. Cross-contamination typically occurs when bacteria from raw foods transfer to ready-to-eat items through shared cutting boards, utensils, or improper hand hygiene.

HACCP plans are required food safety management systems that identify potential hazards and establish critical control points to prevent foodborne illness. When inspectors find that a restaurant has not followed its HACCP plan, it indicates a breakdown in the establishment's food safety protocols.

Inspection History

Mimoza's inspection record shows this is the first time the restaurant has received a failing grade since opening:

  • March 11, 2026: Score 42 (Grade C) - Critical violation cited
  • November 8, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
  • April 8, 2023: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • January 3, 2022: Score 25

The restaurant had maintained Grade A status for two consecutive inspection cycles before the recent evaluation. The January 2022 inspection resulted in a score of 25 points, which falls in the Grade B range but did not result in a posted grade as it was likely an initial or pre-permit inspection.

The 42-point score recorded on March 11 represents a significant increase from the establishment's previous inspections and marks the first time Mimoza has fallen into the Grade C category.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City restaurant grades are determined by the total number of violation points assessed during health inspections:

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

Restaurants scoring 28 points or higher receive a Grade C and must post this grade card in their front window where it is visible to the public. Critical violations automatically carry higher point values than non-critical violations due to their direct relationship to foodborne illness risk.

Establishments have the right to request a re-inspection or hearing to contest their grade. Many restaurants that receive failing grades on initial inspections are able to correct violations and achieve passing scores on subsequent evaluations.

Public Health Resources

New York City maintains a public database of all restaurant inspection results at nyc.gov/health. Consumers can search by restaurant name, address, or cuisine type to view current grades and violation history.

The DOHMH conducts unannounced inspections of all food service establishments at least once per year. Restaurants may be inspected more frequently based on their inspection history or in response to complaints.

For questions about food safety or to report concerns about a restaurant, the public can contact 311 or file a complaint through the NYC Health Department website.

More About This Restaurant

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