Brooklyn, NY — Fonda Garibaldi, a Mexican restaurant at 6732 13th Avenue in Brooklyn, received a score of 42 during a New York City health inspection conducted on February 4, 2026, placing it in the Grade C category. Inspectors documented evidence of mice on the premises and cited the establishment for improper pesticide handling.
The inspection data was released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 27, 2026, approximately three weeks after the inspection took place.
What Inspectors Found
During the February 4 inspection, DOHMH inspectors identified two violations at Fonda Garibaldi — one critical and one non-critical.
The critical violation, recorded under Code 04L, documented evidence of mice or live mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas. Under New York City's inspection scoring system, evidence of pests in a food service establishment is classified as a critical violation due to the direct risk rodents pose to food safety and public health. Mice can contaminate food and food preparation surfaces with pathogens including Salmonella and Hantavirus.
The non-critical violation, recorded under Code 08C, cited the restaurant for pesticide-related issues. Specifically, inspectors noted that pesticide was not properly labeled or was being used by an unlicensed individual, that pesticide or other toxic chemicals were improperly used or stored, and that an unprotected or unlocked bait station was in use. While classified as non-critical, improper pesticide handling in a food service environment raises concerns about chemical contamination of food and food contact surfaces.
The combination of these two violations resulted in the total score of 42, well above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C designation.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework for food service establishments in New York City. Under these regulations, all restaurants are required to maintain their premises free of pests and to ensure that any pest management activities are conducted by licensed professionals using properly labeled products.
The FDA Food Code, which serves as a model for local food safety regulations nationwide, classifies the presence of rodents in food establishments as a priority violation requiring immediate corrective action. The Code specifies that food establishments must implement integrated pest management practices and that all pesticide applications must comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Restaurants found with evidence of mice activity are typically required to engage licensed pest control operators and demonstrate that corrective measures have been taken. The improper use of pesticides can compound food safety risks, as unlabeled or improperly applied chemicals may contaminate food preparation areas.
Inspection History
Fonda Garibaldi has no prior inspection history available in the DOHMH public database. The February 4, 2026 inspection represents the first recorded inspection for this establishment in the current dataset. This may indicate that the restaurant is a relatively new establishment, or that prior records predate the current public reporting system.
The action recorded for this inspection noted that violations were cited in the identified areas. No closure was recorded as part of this inspection cycle.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total points accumulated during health inspections. Points are assigned for each violation found, with more serious violations carrying higher point values. The grading scale is as follows:
- Grade A: 0 to 13 points — The restaurant is in substantial compliance with food safety regulations
- Grade B: 14 to 27 points — The restaurant has moderate violations that require correction
- Grade C: 28 or more points — The restaurant has significant violations that need to be addressed
Fonda Garibaldi's score of 42 places it in the Grade C range. Restaurants receiving a Grade C may request a re-inspection or an adjudicatory hearing through the DOHMH administrative tribunal process.
Consumers can look up restaurant inspection results for any NYC food service establishment through the DOHMH public database or by checking the letter grade posted at the restaurant's entrance, as required by local law.
For more information about NYC restaurant inspections and food safety, visit the DOHMH website or contact 311.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Fonda Garibaldi including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.