Brooklyn, NY — Agra Taj Mahal, an Indian restaurant at 1005 Manhattan Avenue in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn, received a score of 36 during a New York City health inspection conducted on February 11, 2026, placing it in Grade C territory. Inspectors documented two non-critical violations related to pesticide handling and failure to post the restaurant's current letter grade.

The inspection data was released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 20, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the February 11 inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited Agra Taj Mahal for two non-critical violations:

The first violation, recorded under code 08C, involved improper pesticide use and storage. Inspectors noted that a pesticide was not properly labeled or was being used by an unlicensed individual. The citation also referenced improper use or storage of pesticides or other toxic chemicals, as well as the use of an unprotected or unlocked bait station. Pest management in food service establishments is subject to strict regulations, and pesticides must be applied only by licensed professionals using approved methods and properly secured bait stations.

The second violation, cited under code 20-06, documented the restaurant's failure to post its current letter grade or Grade Pending card. NYC restaurants are required to display their most recent inspection grade in a conspicuous location visible to the public at all times.

While neither violation was classified as critical — meaning no conditions were identified that could directly contribute to foodborne illness — the cumulative score of 36 points placed the restaurant well above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C rating.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, all food service establishments are subject to regular unannounced inspections by DOHMH. Violations are assigned point values based on their severity and potential impact on public health. A lower score indicates fewer or less severe violations.

The improper handling of pesticides in food preparation and storage areas is regulated under both local health codes and federal standards. The FDA Food Code requires that toxic materials, including pesticides, be stored separately from food, equipment, and utensils, and that pest control measures be carried out by trained and licensed professionals. Unlocked or unprotected bait stations pose a risk of chemical contamination if they are accessible to food contact surfaces or if product spills occur.

The requirement to post letter grades is part of the city's restaurant grading system, established in 2010 to provide transparency for consumers. Failure to display the current grade can result in additional fines and is itself a citable violation during inspection.

Inspection History

A review of Agra Taj Mahal's inspection history shows fluctuating scores over the past several years:

  • February 11, 2026: Score 36 (Grade C range)
  • November 29, 2024: Score 23 (Grade B)
  • May 23, 2024: Score 39
  • December 9, 2022: Score 9 (Grade A)
  • January 24, 2022: Score 8 (Grade P — pending adjudication)
  • January 20, 2022: Score 17, closed by DOHMH

The restaurant earned a Grade A in December 2022 with a score of 9, indicating strong compliance at that time. However, scores have trended upward in subsequent inspections, with the May 2024 inspection also producing a score of 39. The November 2024 inspection showed improvement with a score of 23, which fell within the Grade B range.

The restaurant was previously closed by DOHMH in January 2022 following an inspection that produced a score of 17.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores:

  • Grade A: 0–13 points
  • Grade B: 14–27 points
  • Grade C: 28 or more points

Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection have the option to request a re-inspection. They may also contest their grade through the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings. During the adjudication process, restaurants display a "Grade Pending" card.

Consumers can look up any restaurant's inspection history, including specific violations and scores, through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database available on the NYC Open Data portal. The database is updated regularly as new inspection results are processed and released.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Agra Taj Mahal including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.