MASALA KING in New York, NY Failed Its Health Inspection on 03/11/25

New York, NY - Health department officials identified compliance issues at MASALA KING in an inspection dated 03/11/2025.

Situated at 64 EAST 34 STREET, the establishment is part of Midtown's active food service sector. The Midtown area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 3 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation related to pest control. Inspectors documented: Garbage receptacle not pest or water resistant, with tight-fitting lids, and covered except while in active use. Garbage receptacle and cover not cleaned after emptying and prior to reuse. Garbage, refuse and other solid and liquid waste not collected, stored, removed and disposed of so as to prevent a nuisance.. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Pest droppings and debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals.

The second violation related to temperature control. Inspectors documented: Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.

The third violation concerned handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.

The correction of health violations is monitored through follow-up inspections and documentation requirements. Establishments must demonstrate that they have addressed the root causes of violations, not just the immediate symptoms.

This inspection data is provided by NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The establishment had violations identified during the 03/11/2025 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the New York City Health Code. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.