Queens, NY — Royal Queen (), a Chinese restaurant located at 136-20 Roosevelt Avenue in Flushing, received a score of 35 during a health inspection conducted on March 3, 2026, placing it in Grade C territory. Inspectors documented two critical violations, including shellfish not obtained from an approved source and cold food held at unsafe temperatures.

The inspection data was released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 6, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

The most significant violation cited during the inspection involved shellfish sourcing. Inspectors found that shellfish at the establishment was not from an approved source, was not properly tagged or labeled, or that required tags were not retained for the mandatory 90-day period. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, shellfish tags must be kept on file for at least 90 days to allow traceability in the event of a foodborne illness outbreak. This requirement exists because shellfish are considered high-risk foods particularly susceptible to contamination.

The second critical violation involved cold time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items held above 41°F. Proper cold holding temperatures are a fundamental food safety requirement, as bacteria can multiply rapidly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F. The FDA Food Code requires that cold TCS foods be maintained at 41°F or below at all times except during active preparation.

Inspectors also cited two non-critical violations. One involved deficiencies in dishwashing and ware washing procedures, specifically related to the cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, dishes, utensils, and equipment. The other noted that the current letter grade or Grade Pending card was not posted as required.

Food Safety Context

Shellfish traceability is a key public health safeguard. NYC Health Code Article 81 requires restaurants to obtain shellfish only from certified dealers and to maintain harvest tags that identify the source waters, harvest date, and dealer information. These tags allow health authorities to quickly trace contaminated shellfish back to their origin, which is critical during outbreak investigations.

Cold holding temperature requirements are among the most commonly cited violations in New York City restaurant inspections. When perishable foods are held above safe temperatures, pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli can grow to levels that cause foodborne illness. The 41°F threshold established by the FDA Food Code represents the temperature below which most bacterial growth is significantly slowed.

The violation regarding the letter grade not being posted is a regulatory requirement under NYC's restaurant grading system. All food service establishments are required to conspicuously display their current grade card near the entrance where it is visible to the public.

Inspection History

Royal Queen has received elevated inspection scores across multiple inspection cycles:

  • October 17, 2025: Score 31 (Grade Z)
  • May 8, 2025: Score 51
  • March 19, 2025: Score not recorded
  • May 9, 2024: Score 51 (Grade C)
  • November 28, 2023: Score 45

The restaurant's inspection record shows a pattern of scores consistently above the Grade C threshold of 28 points. The most recent score of 35 represents the lowest score the establishment has received in the available inspection history, though it still falls in the Grade C range.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on the total violation points accumulated during an inspection:

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

Each violation carries a specific point value, with critical violations generally worth more points than non-critical ones. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection or adjudication hearing through the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).

Consumers can look up inspection results for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH website or the NYC Open Data portal. Inspection records, including violation details and scores, are public information updated regularly as new inspection data becomes available.

For more information about food safety standards or to file a complaint, residents can contact 311 or visit the NYC DOHMH website.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Royal Queen () including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.