Queens, NY — Nyaminz & Jaminz Caribbean Kitchen, located at 108-10 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following a January 6, 2026 inspection that resulted in a score of 88 points. The score significantly exceeds the 28-point threshold for a grade C, the lowest passing letter grade in the city's restaurant grading system.

Inspectors documented two critical violations and two non-critical violations during the inspection, leading to the immediate closure of the establishment. Violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of the inspection, according to DOHMH records.

What Inspectors Found

The inspection identified the following violations at the Caribbean restaurant:

The first critical violation, cited under code 04A, noted that no Food Protection Certificate (FPC) was held by a manager or supervisor of food operations. NYC Health Code requires that at least one supervisory employee at every food service establishment hold a valid food protection certificate, which demonstrates knowledge of safe food handling practices, temperature control, and contamination prevention. The absence of a certified food safety supervisor is considered a critical deficiency because it removes a key safeguard against foodborne illness.

The second critical violation, cited under code 06F, documented that wiping cloths were not stored clean and dry, or in a proper sanitizing solution, between uses. Improperly stored wiping cloths can become a vehicle for cross-contamination, spreading bacteria between surfaces, equipment, and food contact areas.

Inspectors also recorded two non-critical violations. Under code 08C, pesticide was found not properly labeled or was being used by an unlicensed individual, and bait stations were documented as unprotected or unlocked. Improper pesticide handling poses risks both to food safety and to the health of workers and customers. Additionally, under code 20-06, the establishment's current letter grade or Grade Pending card was not posted as required. All New York City restaurants are required to prominently display their most recent grade card where it is visible to the public before entering the establishment.

Food Safety Context

New York City's restaurant inspection program, governed by NYC Health Code Article 81, assigns point values to violations based on their severity and potential impact on public health. Critical violations — those that directly contribute to foodborne illness — carry higher point values than general or non-critical violations. A score of 0 to 13 points earns a grade A, while scores of 28 or above result in a grade C.

The FDA Food Code, which serves as a model for local health regulations nationwide, emphasizes the importance of having certified food safety personnel on-site during operations. The food protection certificate requirement exists to ensure that at least one person in a supervisory role understands proper food storage temperatures, cross-contamination prevention, allergen management, and sanitation protocols.

The DOHMH has the authority to close a food service establishment when conditions pose an imminent threat to public health. Closed establishments must correct all cited violations and pass a re-inspection before being permitted to reopen.

Inspection History

DOHMH records show the following inspection history for Nyaminz & Jaminz Caribbean Kitchen:

  • January 6, 2026: Score 88, closed by DOHMH
  • November 17, 2025: Score not recorded in available data
  • September 26, 2024: Score 27 (Grade B)
  • August 26, 2024: Score 40

The restaurant's inspection record indicates a pattern of elevated scores. In August 2024, the establishment received a score of 40 points. A subsequent inspection in September 2024 yielded a score of 27, which placed the restaurant at the upper boundary of the Grade B range. The January 2026 inspection score of 88 represents a significant increase from prior results.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on inspection scores:

  • A: 0 to 13 points — the restaurant is in substantial compliance with food safety regulations
  • B: 14 to 27 points — some violations were identified that require correction
  • C: 28 or more points — significant violations were documented

Restaurants that receive a B or C on an initial inspection are offered a re-inspection, typically within a month. The restaurant posts a "Grade Pending" card until the re-inspection is completed. If the establishment scores an A on re-inspection, that grade is posted. If not, the restaurant may choose to post the letter grade from either the initial or re-inspection.

This article is based on public inspection data collected by the DOHMH on January 6, 2026, and released in the department's open data feed on February 11, 2026. Inspection results represent conditions observed at a specific point in time and may not reflect the current state of the establishment. For the most current information, residents can search the DOHMH restaurant inspection database or contact the restaurant directly.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Nyaminz & Jaminz Caribbean Kitchen including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.