Staten Island, NY — Red Sea Restaurant at 1612 Forest Avenue received a score of 35 points during a health inspection conducted on March 10, 2026, placing the Turkish cuisine establishment in the Grade C category. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) cited the restaurant for two non-critical violations related to plumbing systems and food safety information.

What Inspectors Found

Health inspectors documented two areas of concern during the routine inspection. The first violation involved the restaurant's plumbing and drainage systems. Inspectors noted issues with anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices, which are required under NYC Health Code Article 81 to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water supply. Additionally, inspectors found problems with equipment drainage, floor drainage, or the sewage disposal system, along with improper disposal of condensation or liquid waste.

The second violation identified was the absence of a required food allergy information poster. Under NYC health regulations, food service establishments must conspicuously display food allergy information in areas where food is prepared or processed by workers. This poster serves as a critical reference for staff to understand common food allergens and proper handling procedures to prevent cross-contamination.

The restaurant received violations were cited but remains open for business. No critical violations were documented during the inspection.

Food Safety Context

The violations cited at Red Sea Restaurant fall under NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes comprehensive food safety standards for all food service establishments in New York City. Back-flow prevention devices are essential safeguards in commercial kitchens, as they prevent wastewater or other contaminants from entering the clean water supply used for food preparation and dishwashing.

Proper drainage systems are equally important, as standing water or improperly disposed liquid waste can create conditions conducive to bacterial growth and pest attraction. The FDA Food Code, which serves as the foundation for many local health regulations, emphasizes the importance of properly maintained plumbing systems in preventing foodborne illness.

Food allergy awareness is a critical component of food safety in commercial kitchens. The required poster helps ensure kitchen staff can identify the eight major food allergens recognized by federal law: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. According to the CDC, food allergies affect approximately 6% of adults and 8% of children in the United States, making proper allergen management an essential public health concern.

Inspection History

This is the first inspection record available for Red Sea Restaurant in the NYC Open Data system. The March 10, 2026 inspection represents the establishment's initial documented health department visit in the current database.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

The NYC Health Department assigns letter grades to restaurants based on points accumulated during inspections:

  • Grade A: 0-13 points (highest rating)
  • Grade B: 14-27 points
  • Grade C: 28 points or more

Each violation carries a specific point value based on its severity and potential impact on public health. Critical violations, which pose immediate health risks, carry higher point values than non-critical violations. Restaurants scoring 28 points or higher receive a Grade C, indicating multiple violations or serious deficiencies that require correction.

Establishments have the right to request a re-inspection after addressing cited violations. Many restaurants improve their scores significantly upon re-inspection after implementing corrective measures.

Data and Public Records

The inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 12, 2026, two days after the on-site inspection. All restaurant inspection results are public record and can be accessed through the NYC Open Data portal.

New York City residents and visitors can verify current inspection results and grades for any food service establishment by visiting the DOHMH website or checking the letter grade card that must be posted in the restaurant's front window. For questions about food safety or to report concerns about a restaurant, the public can contact 311.

More About This Restaurant

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