Queens, NY — Ming Wok Kitchen, located at 8418A Northern Boulevard in Jackson Heights, received a score of 21 following a health inspection conducted on March 30, 2026, placing the restaurant near the upper boundary of the Grade B range. The score was recorded in data released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on April 8, 2026.

A score of 21 sits six points below the Grade C threshold, representing one of the higher scores within the B range. Inspectors documented one critical violation and three non-critical violations during the visit.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors identified violations across sanitation and facility compliance categories during the March inspection.

The single critical violation involved improper storage of wiping cloths (Code 06F). Under NYC food safety standards, wiping cloths must be stored either clean and dry or submerged in an approved sanitizing solution between uses. Cloths left outside these conditions can accumulate bacteria and cross-contaminate food contact surfaces.

Three non-critical violations were also cited:

  • Two separate citations under Code 20-04 noted that required public health postings were not displayed, including a "Choking First Aid" poster, an "Alcohol and Pregnancy" warning sign, and signage for resuscitation equipment including exhaled air resuscitation masks for adults and pediatric patients, along with latex gloves.
  • One violation under Code 10B documented drainage or plumbing concerns, specifically noting that anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention equipment was not provided where required, or that equipment or floor drainage was not functioning properly.

Food Safety Context

New York City restaurant inspections are conducted under NYC Health Code Article 81, with additional guidance drawn from the FDA Food Code. Inspections are unannounced and assess food handling, facility conditions, employee hygiene, and equipment maintenance.

The critical wiping cloth violation is classified as such because improper cloth storage can directly contribute to the spread of pathogens to food contact surfaces, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Plumbing and drainage deficiencies, while non-critical, can create conditions that promote contamination if left unaddressed.

Required public health postings, including choking response instructions and resuscitation equipment notices, are mandated under New York State and city regulations to ensure both staff and patrons have access to emergency safety information.

Inspection History

Ming Wok Kitchen's recent inspection record prior to the March 2026 visit showed consistently strong performance:

  • 2024-10-03: Score 8 (Grade A)
  • 2023-04-13: Score 13 (Grade A)
  • 2022-03-17: Score 9 (Grade A)

The restaurant had received Grade A scores in each of its three preceding inspections, with scores well within the lower portion of the A range. The March 2026 score of 21 represents a notable increase from that baseline.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

NYC DOHMH assigns letter grades based on inspection scores:

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

Restaurants scoring in the B or C range may request a re-inspection. A grade card must be posted in a visible location at the restaurant entrance.

Consumers can look up current and historical inspection records for any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection search tool at nyc.gov.

More About This Restaurant

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