Did STEPPING STONE CAFE pass their NYC health inspection on February 19, 2026?

STEPPING STONE CAFE passed with an A grade on February 19, 2026 with a score of 13 points. The inspection found 2 violation(s).

What critical violations did STEPPING STONE CAFE have?

STEPPING STONE CAFE had 1 critical violation(s) during their inspection. Critical violations directly contribute to foodborne illness and must be corrected immediately. These include issues with temperature control, hand washing, cross-contamination, and pest infestations.

What does violation code 06C mean in NYC restaurant inspections?

NYC violation 06C (Food not protected from contamination) is a critical violation. All food must be protected from contamination during storage, prep, display and service Unprotected food exposed to bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and physical contaminants

STEPPING STONE CAFE

GRADE A

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Overview

STEPPING STONE CAFE in Queens received a Grade A on their NYC health inspection on February 19, 2026, scoring 13 points. The inspection found 2 violations, including 1 critical.

ROUNDUP See the daily roundup: 53 NYC Restaurants Earn Grade A Health Scores on March 3, 2026 →

Address

2-20 MALT DRIVE

Queens, NY

Cuisine

Coffee/Tea

Inspection Type

Pre-permit (Operational) / Initial Inspection

Violations

2 total

⚠ 1 critical

Facility History

12 inspections

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 06C

Food not protected from contamination

Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Unprotected food exposed to bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and physical contaminants

📋 Code Requirements

Cover all food; store 6 inches off floor; protect from customer contamination; use sneeze guards

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Protection from Contamination

NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.09

📖 NYC Health Code 📚 FDA Food Code 🎓 CDC Info

• MAJOR 16-03

NYC Health Code Violation 16-03

Caloric content not posted on menus, menu boards or food tags, in a food service establishment that is 1 of 15 or more outlets operating the same type of business nationally under common ownership or control, or as a franchise or doing business under the same name, for each menu item that is served in portions, the size and content of which are standardized.

⚠️ Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RISK: This violation supports conditions allowing bacterial growth and pest activity. NYC Health Code Violation 16-03 violations associated with 25% increase in illness risk. Correction required within 24-48 hours.

📋 Code Requirements

Follow NYC Health Code Article 81 requirements. Implement corrective action immediately. Document all corrections. Train staff on proper procedures. Schedule follow-up inspection if critical.

📖 NYC Health Code 📚 FDA Food Code 🎓 CDC Info

Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

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STEPPING STONE CAFE — Inspection Questions

Did STEPPING STONE CAFE pass their NYC health inspection on February 19, 2026?: STEPPING STONE CAFE passed with an A grade on February 19, 2026 with a score of 13 points. The inspection found 2 violation(s).
What critical violations did STEPPING STONE CAFE have?: STEPPING STONE CAFE had 1 critical violation(s) during their inspection. Critical violations directly contribute to foodborne illness and must be corrected immediately. These include issues with temperature control, hand washing, cross-contamination, and pest infestations.
What does violation code 06C mean in NYC restaurant inspections?: NYC violation 06C (Food not protected from contamination) is a critical violation. All food must be protected from contamination during storage, prep, display and service Unprotected food exposed to bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and physical contaminants
What does violation code 16-03 mean in NYC restaurant inspections?: NYC violation 16-03 (NYC Health Code Violation 16-03) is a major violation. Violation of NYC Health Code requirements CONTAMINATION RISK: This violation supports conditions allowing bacterial growth and pest activity. NYC Health Code Violation 16-03 violations associated with 25% increase in illness risk. Correction required within 24-48 hours.