Queens, NY — Sweet Tooth, a juice and smoothie establishment located at 18-47 College Point Boulevard in College Point, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on February 25, 2026, following a routine inspection that resulted in a score of 23 points. The closure marks the third time in four months that health inspectors have shuttered the establishment.
The inspection, conducted on February 25, documented two non-critical violations that required immediate corrective action before the establishment could resume operations. According to data released by DOHMH on February 27, 2026, inspectors cited the establishment for conditions conducive to pest harborage and equipment sanitation deficiencies.
What Inspectors Found
Health inspectors documented two violations during the February 25 inspection. The first violation, coded as 08A under NYC Health Code Article 81, identified that the establishment was not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This violation indicates that inspectors observed structural conditions, storage practices, or sanitation deficiencies that create environments where pests can shelter, breed, or access food sources.
The second violation, coded as 10F, addressed non-food contact surfaces and equipment. Inspectors found that certain surfaces or equipment were constructed of unacceptable materials, not properly maintained in a clean condition, or not adequately sealed, raised, spaced, or movable to permit thorough cleaning of all sides, above, and underneath the units. This type of violation typically involves structural elements such as shelving, storage units, flooring, or stationary equipment that cannot be effectively cleaned or sanitized.
While both violations were classified as non-critical, meaning they did not pose an immediate public health hazard, the combination of findings and the establishment's inspection history prompted the closure action. The establishment must address all cited violations and pass a reinspection before being permitted to reopen.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes comprehensive requirements for food service establishments to prevent pest infestations and maintain sanitary conditions. Section 81.19 specifically addresses pest control, requiring that all food service establishments be maintained free of pests and conditions that attract or harbor pests. This includes proper waste storage, elimination of entry points, maintenance of structural integrity, and prevention of moisture accumulation.
The FDA Food Code, which serves as the model for many local health regulations, emphasizes that non-food contact surfaces must be designed and maintained to prevent accumulation of debris and facilitate cleaning. Equipment that cannot be adequately cleaned becomes a reservoir for bacteria, attracts pests, and compromises the overall sanitation of a food establishment.
For establishments serving fresh juices, smoothies, and fruit salads, these requirements carry particular significance. Fresh produce operations require rigorous sanitation protocols because raw fruits and vegetables can harbor pathogens if not properly washed, stored, and handled. Equipment used in juice extraction and blending must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent bacterial growth and cross-contamination.
Pest-conducive conditions in any food establishment represent a violation of basic sanitation principles. Pests can contaminate food products, food-contact surfaces, and packaging materials with pathogens through their droppings, body parts, and movement through the facility. The presence of conditions that attract or harbor pests indicates systemic sanitation or structural deficiencies that require corrective action.
Inspection History
Sweet Tooth has a documented pattern of health code violations over the past year:
- February 25, 2026: Score 23 (Grade B range), Closed by DOHMH
- January 22, 2026: Score 45, Closed by DOHMH
- October 8, 2025: Score 53 (Grade Z - pending)
- April 28, 2025: Score 88
This inspection record shows four inspections within ten months, with three resulting in closure actions. The October 2025 inspection resulted in a Grade Z designation, which is assigned to establishments that have not yet received a final grade following an initial inspection. The escalating pattern of violations and closures indicates persistent difficulty maintaining compliance with health code requirements.
The January 22, 2026 closure occurred just over one month before the most recent closure, suggesting that corrective actions taken following that inspection were either insufficient or not sustained. The April 2025 score of 88 points, which falls well into the Grade C range, indicates significant sanitation and operational deficiencies at that time.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on points accumulated during inspections, with fewer points indicating better compliance:
- Grade A: 0-13 points
- Grade B: 14-27 points
- Grade C: 28 points or more
- Grade P: Grade pending (initial inspection or closure)
- Grade Z: Pending grade after initial inspection
The February 25 inspection score of 23 points places Sweet Tooth in the Grade B range. However, because the establishment was closed, it will receive a Grade P (pending) card until it passes reinspection and demonstrates sustained compliance with health code requirements.
Establishments that are closed must correct all violations, pass a reinspection, and may be subject to fines before being permitted to reopen. Repeat violations and closure actions can result in escalating penalties and additional oversight by DOHMH.
Public Health Information
The NYC Department of Health maintains a publicly accessible database of restaurant inspection results at nyc.gov/health. Consumers can search for any food service establishment by name, address, or borough to view current grades, inspection scores, and violation details.
Inspection data is typically released to the public database within 2-3 business days of the inspection. The February 25 inspection data was released on February 27, 2026, reflecting standard processing timelines.
Food safety concerns at any NYC restaurant can be reported to 311 or through the NYC311 mobile application. The Department of Health investigates complaints and conducts inspections in response to credible public health concerns.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Sweet Tooth including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.