Queens, NY — Pop Mao, a Chinese restaurant located at 37-11 Main Street in Flushing, Queens, received a score of 29 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on February 25, 2026. The score places the establishment in the Grade C range, the lowest grade assigned under the city's restaurant grading system.
The inspection data was released by DOHMH on February 27, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
During the inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented two non-critical violations at the establishment.
The first violation, cited under code 10B, involved the absence of required anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices. Inspectors also noted issues with improper drainage of equipment or floors, a sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly, and improper disposal of condensation or liquid waste. These plumbing-related conditions can compromise the sanitary environment of a food service establishment if water systems are not properly maintained to prevent contamination of the clean water supply.
The second violation, cited under code 10F, related to non-food contact surfaces or equipment. Inspectors found that surfaces were either made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced, or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above, and underneath the unit. This type of violation indicates that areas of the restaurant not directly involved in food preparation still did not meet the cleanliness and maintenance standards required by the city.
While neither violation was classified as critical — meaning inspectors did not identify conditions posing an immediate risk to public health such as improper food temperatures or evidence of pests — the combined point total of 29 was sufficient to place the restaurant in Grade C territory.
Food Safety Context
New York City's restaurant inspection program is governed by NYC Health Code Article 81 and draws on the FDA Food Code as a reference framework for food safety standards. The city's grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns points based on the severity of violations found during inspections. A lower score indicates fewer or less severe violations.
The plumbing violations documented at Pop Mao relate to requirements designed to prevent cross-contamination of potable water supplies. Anti-siphonage and back-flow prevention devices are required under health code standards to ensure that wastewater cannot flow backward into clean water lines — a condition that, if left unaddressed, could introduce contaminants into water used for food preparation, handwashing, and dishwashing.
Equipment sanitation standards, including requirements that surfaces be accessible for cleaning, are intended to prevent the accumulation of food debris, grease, and bacteria in areas that may be difficult to reach or maintain.
Inspection History
No prior inspection history is available for Pop Mao in the DOHMH public database. This may indicate that the February 25, 2026 inspection was the establishment's first recorded inspection, or that prior records are not currently reflected in the publicly available dataset.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total violation points recorded during an inspection. The grading scale is as follows:
- Grade A: 0–13 points. Indicates the fewest violations and the highest level of compliance.
- Grade B: 14–27 points. Indicates moderate violations were identified.
- Grade C: 28 or more points. Indicates the most significant number or severity of violations.
Pop Mao's score of 29 places it one point above the Grade C threshold. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection, and they also have the option to contest their grade through the city's administrative tribunal process.
Restaurants are required to post their current grade card in a location visible to the public near the entrance of the establishment.
Consumers can look up inspection results for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH online database or by visiting NYCRestaurantInspections.com. These records are public information and are updated as new inspection data becomes available.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Pop Mao including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.