Brooklyn, NY — Emerald Bakery And Cafe at 1224 Myrtle Avenue received a score of 51 points during a New York City health inspection conducted on March 9, 2026, resulting in a Grade C rating. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) cited violations related to plumbing and drainage systems at the coffee and tea establishment.

What Inspectors Found

During the inspection, DOHMH officials documented issues with the facility's plumbing infrastructure and waste disposal systems. Inspectors identified problems with anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices, which are required safety mechanisms that prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into clean water supplies.

The inspection report noted that equipment or flooring was not properly drained, and the sewage disposal system was either in disrepair or not functioning according to regulatory standards. Additionally, inspectors documented that condensation or liquid waste was being improperly disposed of at the premises.

These findings resulted in one non-critical violation under Code 10B of the NYC Health Code, which addresses plumbing, sewage disposal, and drainage requirements for food service establishments.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes comprehensive standards for food service establishments to protect public health. Proper plumbing and drainage systems are essential components of food safety infrastructure, as they prevent cross-contamination between wastewater and food preparation areas.

Back-flow prevention devices serve a critical function in food establishments by ensuring that potentially contaminated water cannot reverse direction and enter the potable water supply used for food preparation, dishwashing, and handwashing. The FDA Food Code, which informs New York City's regulations, requires these protective mechanisms wherever a cross-connection between clean and contaminated water sources could occur.

Improper drainage and sewage disposal can create conditions that attract pests, harbor bacteria, and compromise sanitation in food preparation and storage areas. When condensation or liquid waste accumulates due to inadequate drainage, it can lead to standing water, moisture buildup, and unsanitary conditions.

Inspection History

Data released by DOHMH on March 12, 2026 shows this was the first recorded inspection for Emerald Bakery And Cafe in the city's public inspection database. The establishment has no prior inspection history available in DOHMH records.

As a newly inspected establishment, the coffee shop will have the opportunity to address the cited violations and request a re-inspection to improve its grade.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to food service establishments based on points accumulated during health inspections. The grading system works as follows:

  • Grade A: 0-13 points (fewest violations)
  • Grade B: 14-27 points (moderate violations)
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (most violations)

Lower scores indicate better compliance with health and safety standards. Establishments scoring 28 points or higher receive a Grade C, which must be posted publicly at the entrance where customers can see it before entering.

Points are assigned based on the severity and number of violations found during unannounced inspections. Critical violations, which pose immediate health risks, carry higher point values than non-critical violations related to general sanitation and facility maintenance.

What Happens Next

Food service establishments in New York City have the right to request re-inspection after addressing cited violations. Many businesses work with licensed plumbers and food safety consultants to correct identified issues before scheduling a follow-up inspection.

The DOHMH inspection system is designed to be transparent, with all inspection results publicly accessible through the city's online database. Consumers can look up any restaurant's current grade, inspection history, and specific violations cited.

For more information about NYC restaurant inspections, food safety standards, or to look up inspection records for any establishment, visit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website at nyc.gov/health/foodsafety.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Emerald Bakery And Cafe including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.