Surprise Grocery Store Inspection Reveals Violations in Queens

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The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protections recently conducted an unannounced inspection of a grocery store in Queens, finding numerous violations including inaccurate scales, expired food and medicine, and improper pricing. The inspection was part of the department's ongoing efforts to ensure customers are not being overcharged or sold unsafe products at grocery stores across the five boroughs.

Why it matters

These surprise inspections help protect consumers from being taken advantage of at the grocery store, where accurate weights, fresh products, and proper pricing are essential. The findings highlight the importance of government oversight to maintain standards and hold businesses accountable, especially in a sector as vital as the food supply.

The details

During the inspection at Farm Country Supermarket in Elmhurst, Queens, inspectors tested every scale in the store and found that all of them were measuring items underweight, a violation that will result in a citation for the store. They also discovered expired over-the-counter medicines, including pain medication and children's cough syrup, as well as missing price tags and the improper sale of non-taxable items. In total, the store received 25 counts stemming from four separate violations.

• The Department of Consumer and Worker Protections has conducted 3,630 supermarket inspections across New York City over the last three years.
• The inspection at Farm Country Supermarket in Elmhurst, Queens took place on an unannounced date in February 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Upon receiving the summons, the owners of Farm Country Supermarket will have the option to either dispute the violations at a hearing or admit to the infractions and pay the associated penalties.