Brooklyn, NY — Bklyn Pizza at 36 Ralph Avenue received a critical violation citation during a health inspection conducted March 9, 2026, with inspection data released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on March 11, 2026. The pizzeria was cited for failing to maintain hot temperature-controlled foods at required temperatures, resulting in a score of 40 points.

What Inspectors Found

Health inspectors documented a critical violation under code 02B, which addresses temperature control for hot foods. According to inspection records, hot time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items were not held at or above the required 140°F minimum temperature.

Temperature control violations represent serious food safety concerns because bacteria can multiply rapidly when foods enter the "danger zone" between 41°F and 140°F. Hot foods that fall below 140°F create conditions where harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria can proliferate to dangerous levels within hours.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes specific temperature requirements for food service establishments. Hot TCS foods — which include items like cooked meats, pasta dishes, and pizza toppings — must be maintained at 140°F or above during holding periods. This regulation aligns with FDA Food Code standards designed to prevent foodborne illness.

The critical violation citation indicates inspectors observed hot food items measuring below the required temperature threshold during their visit. Establishments are required to use calibrated thermometers to monitor food temperatures throughout service periods and take immediate corrective action when temperatures fall outside safe ranges.

For pizza establishments, temperature control applies to ingredients like cooked sausage, meatballs, and other protein toppings that must remain hot during service. Even brief periods in the danger zone can allow bacterial growth that poses health risks to consumers.

Inspection History

Bklyn Pizza has experienced recurring compliance issues over the past year:

  • January 2, 2026: Score 4, reopened following previous closure
  • December 29, 2025: Score 64, closed by DOHMH
  • September 26, 2025: Score 47 (Grade C)
  • June 23, 2025: Score 33

The establishment was closed by health officials on December 29, 2025, with a score of 64 points, and reopened on January 2, 2026, after demonstrating compliance. The current March 2026 inspection marks the third time in nine months the pizzeria has received scores in the C range.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on point totals from health inspections:

  • Grade A: 0-13 points (highest sanitation standards)
  • Grade B: 14-27 points (some violations noted)
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (significant violations requiring correction)

Scores reflect the number and severity of violations found during unannounced inspections. Critical violations that pose immediate health risks carry higher point values than general sanitation issues. Establishments scoring 28 points or higher receive a C grade and may face closure if critical violations are not corrected.

The current 40-point score places Bklyn Pizza in the C category. The establishment received a citation notice rather than closure, indicating violations were documented but did not warrant immediate shutdown. However, the restaurant will face re-inspection to verify corrections have been implemented.

Public Health Resources

Consumers can access current inspection results for all NYC food service establishments through the DOHMH website. The agency conducts unannounced inspections at least annually, with additional visits triggered by complaints or follow-up requirements.

Food safety concerns at any restaurant can be reported to 311. The Department of Health investigates complaints and conducts inspections based on reported issues.

Complete inspection records, including violation details and historical scores, are available through NYC Open Data and the DOHMH restaurant inspection database.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Bklyn Pizza including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.