Queens, NY — South Conduit Jerk Restaurant, a Caribbean eatery located at 144-43 Farmers Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens, received a score of 30 during a New York City health inspection conducted on March 4, 2026. The score places the restaurant in Grade C territory, a notable decline from the Grade A it earned during its previous inspection in November 2024.

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

What Inspectors Found

During the March 4 inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited the restaurant for conditions related to pest activity. Specifically, the establishment was found not to be free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This violation, classified under code 08A, is categorized as a non-critical, or "general," violation under DOHMH's inspection framework.

While the violation is classified as non-critical, pest-related conditions are among the most commonly cited issues in New York City restaurant inspections. Harborage conditions can include gaps in walls or floors, improper food storage, accumulated debris, or other environmental factors that may attract or shelter pests.

No critical violations were documented during this inspection, and the restaurant was not ordered closed. The action recorded by DOHMH indicates that violations were cited and the establishment remained open for business.

Food Safety Context

New York City's restaurant inspection program is governed by NYC Health Code Article 81 and aligns with principles established in the FDA Food Code. Restaurants are evaluated on a points-based system where lower scores indicate fewer violations. Points are assigned based on the severity of each violation, with critical violations carrying higher point values than general violations.

Pest-related conditions are addressed under multiple provisions of the Health Code. Establishments are required to maintain their premises in a condition that prevents the entry and harborage of pests. This includes proper sealing of entry points, routine cleaning, appropriate waste management, and professional pest control measures.

A score of 30 places the restaurant in the Grade C range, which applies to any establishment scoring 28 points or higher. It is worth noting that the score of 30 was assigned based on a single non-critical violation. The point total suggests that inspectors may have identified multiple instances or severity factors within that single violation category, as individual violation codes can carry varying point values depending on the extent of the conditions observed.

Inspection History

South Conduit Jerk Restaurant's inspection record over the past three years shows variability in compliance:

  • November 14, 2024: Score 11 (Grade A)
  • October 11, 2024: Score 33 (no grade assigned — likely an initial inspection in a new cycle)
  • June 6, 2023: Score 27 (Grade B)
  • May 4, 2023: Score 2 (no grade assigned — likely an initial inspection)

The pattern shows the restaurant has fluctuated between strong performance and elevated scores. In its most recent prior cycle, the restaurant improved from a score of 33 in October 2024 to a Grade A score of 11 in November 2024, demonstrating the ability to correct issues between inspections. The current score of 30 represents a reversal of that improvement.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on their inspection scores:

  • A: 0 to 13 points — the establishment is in substantial compliance
  • B: 14 to 27 points — some violations were identified
  • C: 28 or more points — significant violations were documented

Restaurants that receive a B or C grade on an initial inspection have the option to request a re-inspection, during which they may improve their score. Grade cards must be posted at the restaurant entrance where they are visible to the public.

Consumers can look up the full inspection history for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection portal, which is updated regularly as new inspection data becomes available. The inspection results for South Conduit Jerk Restaurant and all other NYC establishments are public record and can be accessed at the NYC Open Data platform or the DOHMH website.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for South Conduit Jerk Restaurant including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.