Brooklyn, NY — Cinnabon, located inside Kings Plaza Mall at 5174 Kings Plaza Mall in Brooklyn, received a score of 31 during a health inspection conducted on February 6, 2026, placing the bakery in Grade C territory. Inspectors documented one critical violation and one non-critical violation during the visit.

The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 9, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

The critical violation cited during the inspection involved improper cold holding temperatures for time and temperature controlled for safety (TCS) foods. Specifically, inspectors found cold TCS food items held above 41°F, the maximum temperature permitted under NYC Health Code regulations. This violation falls under code 02G and is classified as critical because food held in the temperature danger zone — between 41°F and 135°F — can allow the rapid growth of harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

Cold holding violations are among the most commonly cited critical violations in New York City restaurant inspections. Perishable items such as dairy products, cream-based fillings, and other refrigerated ingredients must be maintained at or below 41°F at all times when not being actively prepared.

Inspectors also documented a non-critical violation related to the condition of non-food contact surfaces and equipment. The citation noted that surfaces were either made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced, or positioned to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above, and underneath the unit. While classified as non-critical, equipment maintenance and cleanliness contribute to the overall sanitary condition of a food establishment.

Food Safety Context

New York City's restaurant inspection program is administered by DOHMH under the authority of NYC Health Code Article 81. The inspection scoring system assigns point values to each violation based on severity, with critical violations carrying higher point values than non-critical ones. A lower score indicates fewer or less severe violations.

The cold holding requirement aligns with the FDA Food Code, which establishes 41°F as the maximum safe temperature for cold TCS foods. This standard is designed to prevent the growth of pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli, which can multiply rapidly when foods are held in the temperature danger zone.

The action recorded for this inspection noted that violations were cited in the listed areas. No closure was ordered as a result of this visit.

Inspection History

The February 2026 score of 31 represents a departure from the establishment's prior inspection record. Previous inspections at this location include:

  • October 9, 2025: Score of 22
  • February 15, 2024: Score of 8 (Grade A)
  • October 20, 2022: Score of 7 (Grade A)

The location had maintained Grade A scores in both 2022 and 2024, with single-digit point totals indicating minimal violations during those inspections. The October 2025 inspection showed an increase to 22 points, and the most recent February 2026 inspection continued that upward trend with a score of 31.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

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

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

A score of 31 falls into the Grade C range. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection have the option to request a re-inspection. The grade posted at the establishment reflects the better outcome between the initial inspection and any subsequent re-inspection.

Restaurants are required to post their letter grade in a conspicuous location near the entrance so that consumers can make informed dining decisions.

New York City restaurant inspection results are public record and can be accessed through the DOHMH website and the NYC Open Data portal. Consumers can search for any restaurant's inspection history, including specific violations cited during each visit. The NYC 311 service is also available for residents who wish to file a complaint or report a food safety concern about any establishment.

More About This Restaurant

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