Bronx, NY — Aicha Organic Juice Bar, located at 2960 3rd Avenue in the Bronx, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 25, 2026, following a routine inspection that identified critical violations. The establishment, which specializes in juice, smoothies, and fruit salads, received a score of 39 points, placing it in the C grade range.
The closure was documented in data released by DOHMH on February 27, 2026. According to inspection records, violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of closure. This marks the first recorded inspection for this establishment in the publicly available DOHMH database.
What Inspectors Found
Health inspectors cited the establishment for one critical violation during the February 25 inspection. The violation, coded as 05E in the NYC Health Code, involved the toilet facility configuration within the establishment.
Specifically, inspectors documented that the toilet facility provided for employees or patrons was accessed through the kitchen, food preparation area, storage area, or utensil washing area. This configuration violates fundamental food safety requirements designed to prevent cross-contamination between restroom facilities and areas where food is prepared, stored, or served.
The shared patron-employee toilet arrangement, combined with its location requiring passage through food handling zones, created a direct pathway for potential contamination. This type of violation is classified as critical because it presents an immediate risk to public health.
Food Safety Context
The violation cited falls under NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes comprehensive standards for food service establishments operating in New York City. Section 81.31 specifically addresses sanitary facilities requirements, mandating that toilet rooms must be completely enclosed, provided with tight-fitting, self-closing doors, and must not open directly into any room where food is prepared, stored, or served.
The FDA Food Code, which informs New York City's regulations, emphasizes the importance of separating restroom facilities from food preparation areas to prevent the transfer of pathogens. Studies have consistently shown that improper handwashing and cross-contamination from restroom facilities represent significant vectors for foodborne illness transmission.
When a toilet facility is accessed through food preparation or storage areas, the risk of contamination increases substantially. Employees or patrons moving between the restroom and dining areas may inadvertently carry pathogens on their hands, clothing, or shoes, potentially contaminating food contact surfaces, utensils, or ingredients.
The DOHMH closure authority, exercised in this case, is reserved for situations where violations present immediate health hazards that cannot be adequately addressed while the establishment remains operational. The fact that violations requiring immediate action were addressed indicates that corrective measures were initiated at the time of inspection.
Inspection History
According to DOHMH records, this February 25, 2026 inspection represents the first publicly available inspection record for Aicha Organic Juice Bar. The establishment's inspection history is as follows:
- February 25, 2026: Score 39, Grade pending, Establishment Closed by DOHMH
No previous inspection records were found in the database, which may indicate this is a relatively new establishment or that prior inspection data predates the current public records system.
The establishment will need to undergo a reinspection to verify that the cited violations have been corrected before it can reopen to the public. The timeline for reinspection and potential reopening depends on how quickly the operator addresses the structural and procedural issues identified.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on points accumulated during inspections. Fewer points indicate better compliance with health and safety standards:
- Grade A: 0-13 points
- Grade B: 14-27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
The 39-point score received by Aicha Organic Juice Bar places the establishment in the C range. However, when an establishment is closed by DOHMH, the grading process is typically suspended until violations are corrected and a reinspection is conducted.
Critical violations, such as the one cited in this case, carry higher point values because they relate to factors that directly contribute to foodborne illness or health hazards. Non-critical violations relate to conditions that, if not corrected, could lead to critical violations.
Establishments that receive C grades or are closed have the right to a reinspection. If conditions improve, scores can change, and grades can be upgraded based on subsequent inspection performance.
Public Health Transparency
The NYC Department of Health conducts unannounced inspections of food service establishments throughout the city and makes inspection results publicly available. This transparency allows consumers to make informed decisions about where they choose to dine.
Restaurant operators are required to post their most recent letter grade in a conspicuous location visible to the public, typically near the entrance. Establishments that have been closed must remain closed until reinspection confirms that all critical violations have been corrected.
Consumers can access current and historical inspection results for any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH website at nyc.gov/health or by searching the restaurant's name in the online inspection database.
For questions about food safety or to report concerns about a food service establishment, the public can contact 311 or visit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's website for additional resources on food safety standards and inspection procedures.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Aicha Organic Juice Bar including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.