Every food service establishment in NYC must hold a valid DOHMH permit and undergo at least one unannounced inspection per year. Inspectors award points for each violation found — lower scores are better. The resulting letter grade must be posted in the front window where it is visible from the street.
Each violation carries a point value. At the end of the inspection, points are totaled. Scores are converted to grades: 0–13 points earns an A, 14–27 a B, 28+ a C. The restaurant may appeal or request re-inspection before the grade is finalized. If a re-inspection is scheduled, the establishment posts a "Grade Pending" card instead of the letter grade.
Frequency rankings derived from DOHMH Open Data violation code analysis. Exact counts vary by year.
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Operating without a valid DOHMH permit | $1,000/day |
| Critical food safety violation (per violation) | $300–$2,000+ |
| Grade C / failure to achieve passing score | $600–$1,000 |
| Imminent health hazard — forced closure | $1,000+ and closure |
| Failure to post grade card in window | $1,000 |
- 1Keep your permit current and posted. The DOHMH permit must be visible at the entrance. Renew annually — DOHMH sends renewal notices, but don't rely on them.
- 2Maintain cold chain: 40°F or below for cold holding. 140°F or above for hot holding. Temperature logs are not required but strongly recommended.
- 3Document pest control. Use a licensed exterminator and keep all service manifests on-site. Evidence of mice is the single most common violation.
- 4Post the grade card immediately. Once you receive your grade after re-inspection, it must be posted within 24 hours.