Brooklyn, NY — El Sazon De Petrica, a Latin American restaurant located at 4718 4th Avenue in Brooklyn, received a score of 52 during a health inspection conducted on January 30, 2026, placing it in Grade C territory. Inspectors documented two critical violations and two non-critical violations during the evaluation, with the most serious findings involving improper cold food storage temperatures and the absence of a Food Protection Certificate.
The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 27, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
The most significant violation involved cold time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items held above 41°F. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, perishable foods such as dairy, cooked proteins, and cut produce must be maintained at or below 41°F to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When cold foods are stored above this threshold, the risk of foodborne illness increases substantially, as pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli can multiply rapidly in the temperature range between 41°F and 135°F — commonly referred to as the "danger zone."
Inspectors also cited the restaurant for not having a manager or supervisor with a valid Food Protection Certificate (FPC) on premises. New York City requires that every food service establishment have at least one supervisory staff member who holds a current FPC, which demonstrates completion of an approved food safety training course. This certification ensures that at least one person in a leadership role understands proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices.
Two non-critical violations were also recorded. The restaurant did not have a current contract with a licensed pest management professional, and records of extermination activities were not maintained on site. Additionally, inspectors noted issues with plumbing infrastructure, including the absence of required anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices. Equipment or floor drainage was found to be improper, and concerns were documented regarding condensation or liquid waste disposal.
Food Safety Context
The cold food temperature violation is classified as critical because of its direct connection to foodborne illness risk. According to the FDA Food Code, TCS foods held in the danger zone for extended periods can reach bacterial levels sufficient to cause illness within hours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million Americans experience foodborne illness annually, with improper food storage temperatures among the leading contributing factors.
The Food Protection Certificate requirement, outlined in NYC Health Code Article 81.15, exists to ensure that food establishments maintain baseline food safety knowledge at the supervisory level. The absence of a certified supervisor can indicate gaps in a restaurant's overall food safety management system.
Pest management documentation requirements serve a preventive function. Regular professional pest control services and maintained records help establishments demonstrate ongoing diligence in preventing pest-related contamination, which can compromise food safety and sanitary conditions.
Inspection History
No prior inspection history is available in the DOHMH public database for El Sazon De Petrica. The January 30, 2026 inspection represents the first recorded evaluation for this establishment in the current dataset. This may indicate that the restaurant is a relatively new establishment or that it is operating under a new permit.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores. Lower scores indicate fewer violations and better compliance:
- A: 0–13 points — The restaurant is in substantial compliance with food safety regulations
- B: 14–27 points — Some violations were identified that require correction
- C: 28+ points — Significant violations were documented, indicating areas requiring immediate attention
El Sazon De Petrica's score of 52 falls within the Grade C range. Restaurants receiving a Grade C have the option to post the grade or post a "Grade Pending" sign and request a re-inspection or adjudication hearing through the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).
Consumers can look up any restaurant's inspection history through the DOHMH public database or by visiting NYCRestaurantInspections.com. The full inspection report, including all violations cited, is part of the public record and available for review.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for El Sazon De Petrica including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.