Queens, NY — Sweet Tooth, a juice, smoothie, and fruit salad shop located at 18-47 College Point Boulevard in the College Point neighborhood of Queens, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following a January 22, 2026 inspection that resulted in a score of 45 points. The closure marks the second time in recent months that health inspectors have taken action to close the establishment.
The inspection identified one non-critical violation related to the shop's plumbing and drainage systems. According to DOHMH records, the violations cited required immediate action, which was addressed at the time of inspection. The data from this inspection was released publicly by DOHMH on February 10, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
During the January 22 inspection, inspectors documented a non-critical violation under NYC Health Code violation code 10B. Specifically, the establishment was cited for issues related to anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices not being provided where required, equipment or floors not being properly drained, and the sewage disposal system being in disrepair or not functioning properly. The citation also noted improper disposal of condensation or liquid waste.
While the violation is categorized as non-critical — meaning it does not present an immediate risk of foodborne illness — plumbing and drainage deficiencies can create conditions that compromise sanitary operations. Back-flow prevention devices are required to ensure that contaminated water cannot reverse direction and enter the clean water supply. When these devices are absent or non-functional, the risk of cross-contamination increases. Similarly, improper drainage can lead to standing water, which may attract pests and create unsanitary conditions in food preparation and storage areas.
The establishment received a total score of 45 points, which falls into the C grade range under the NYC restaurant grading system. Despite only one violation being recorded, the point value assigned reflects the severity with which DOHMH weighted the plumbing and drainage deficiencies observed during the inspection. The DOHMH determined that closure was the appropriate enforcement action.
Food Safety Context
New York City's restaurant inspection program operates under NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes sanitary standards for all food service establishments in the city. These requirements align with the FDA Food Code, which provides science-based guidance for retail food safety across the United States.
Under Article 81, food establishments are required to maintain properly functioning plumbing systems, including back-flow prevention devices that protect the potable water supply from contamination. These requirements exist because plumbing failures represent a systemic risk — unlike a single food handling error, drainage and back-flow issues can affect every aspect of an establishment's operations.
When DOHMH inspectors determine that conditions pose a sufficient risk, they have the authority to order an establishment closed until violations are corrected. A closure requires the operator to address all cited violations and pass a re-inspection before resuming operations.
Inspection History
A review of Sweet Tooth's DOHMH inspection history reveals a pattern of elevated scores and repeated enforcement actions:
- February 25, 2026: Score of 23, closed by DOHMH
- January 22, 2026: Score of 45, closed by DOHMH (current inspection)
- October 8, 2025: Score of 53, Grade Z issued
- April 28, 2025: Score of 88
The establishment's most recent inspections show a pattern of scores well above the threshold for a passing grade. The April 2025 inspection resulted in a score of 88, followed by a score of 53 in October 2025. The January 2026 closure was followed by another closure on February 25, 2026, where the establishment scored 23 points — an improved score, but one that still resulted in a closure action.
A Grade Z designation, as recorded in the October 2025 inspection, indicates that the restaurant's grade is pending and that the establishment has a re-inspection or adjudication hearing scheduled. It is not a final grade but rather a placeholder during the administrative process.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total points accumulated during inspections. Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations:
- Grade A: 0 to 13 points
- Grade B: 14 to 27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Sweet Tooth's score of 45 points falls within the Grade C range. Restaurants that receive a B or C grade on an initial inspection are offered a re-inspection, and they may also contest their scores through the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).
Consumers can look up the inspection history of any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH's publicly available database, which is updated regularly. The NYC restaurant inspection data is public record and is available through the city's open data portal as well as through the DOHMH website.
For residents and visitors seeking information about food safety at local establishments, the DOHMH recommends checking posted letter grades displayed at restaurant entrances, which are required by law, and reviewing detailed inspection results online for a complete picture of an establishment's compliance history.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Sweet Tooth including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.