Queens, NY — Shah's Halal Food, a Middle Eastern restaurant at 42-02A Greenpoint Avenue in Sunnyside, received a score of 34 during a health inspection conducted on February 9, 2026, placing it in Grade C territory. Inspectors documented two critical violations, including evidence of mice and improper cold food storage temperatures.

The inspection results represent a significant decline from the restaurant's most recent Grade A score recorded in October 2024. Data from this inspection was released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 11, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

The February 2026 inspection identified two critical violations at the establishment:

Evidence of mice: Inspectors documented evidence of mice or live mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas (violation code 02G). The presence of rodent activity in a food service establishment poses a direct contamination risk to food products and food preparation surfaces.

Improper cold food temperatures: Cold time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items were found held above 41°F (violation code 04L). TCS foods — which include items such as cooked rice, cut vegetables, dairy products, and prepared meats — must be maintained at or below 41°F to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When these foods are held in the temperature danger zone, the risk of foodborne illness increases significantly.

No non-critical violations were cited during this inspection.

Food Safety Context

Both violations identified at Shah's Halal Food are classified as critical under NYC Health Code Article 81, which governs food service establishments in New York City. Critical violations are those that directly contribute to foodborne illness risk and require immediate corrective action.

Cold holding temperature requirements are established under the FDA Food Code, which mandates that TCS foods be maintained at 41°F or below. Foods held above this threshold for extended periods can support the rapid growth of pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli.

Rodent activity in food establishments is among the most frequently cited critical violations in New York City. The DOHMH maintains an active pest control program and considers evidence of mice or rats a serious public health concern, as rodents can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria, parasites, and viruses.

Restaurants that receive a Grade C score are required to undergo a re-inspection. The establishment may also request an adjudicatory hearing to contest the findings.

Inspection History

Shah's Halal Food's prior inspection record shows a pattern of variable compliance:

  • October 26, 2024: Score of 13, Grade A
  • December 6, 2023: Score of 23 (no grade recorded)

The October 2024 inspection had placed the restaurant within Grade A range with a score of 13, just under the 14-point threshold for a Grade B. The current score of 34 represents a 21-point increase and a drop of two grade levels.

The December 2023 inspection score of 23 would have fallen within Grade B range, suggesting the establishment has experienced fluctuating compliance levels across its recent inspection history.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

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

  • A: 0-13 points (lowest number of violation points)
  • B: 14-27 points
  • C: 28 or more points

Lower scores indicate fewer and less severe violations. Restaurants receiving a B or C grade are scheduled for a re-inspection, typically within 30 days. Grades must be posted at the restaurant entrance where they are visible to the public.

A Grade C does not necessarily mean a restaurant is ordered closed. In this case, the action recorded was that violations were cited, and the establishment was permitted to continue operating.

Consumers can look up inspection results for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is updated regularly as new inspection data becomes available. The results for Shah's Halal Food reflect data current as of the February 11, 2026 release.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Shah's Halal Food including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.