Queens, NY — Gotta Getta Bagel, located at 107-09 71 Avenue in Forest Hills, received a score of 44 following a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on March 26, 2026. The score places the establishment in Grade C range, which begins at 28 points. Inspection data was released by DOHMH on April 8, 2026.

Inspectors documented two critical violations and one non-critical violation during the visit.

What Inspectors Found

The most significant violation cited was Code 05D, which covers hand washing access. Inspectors recorded that a hand washing facility was not accessible, obstructed, or being used for a purpose other than hand washing. Proper hand washing infrastructure — including accessible facilities with hot and cold running water at adequate pressure, soap, and an approved hand-drying device — is a foundational requirement in any food service environment. Facilities that are blocked or repurposed remove a critical line of defense against cross-contamination.

The second critical violation, Code 04A, noted that no manager or supervisor of food operations on the premises held a Food Protection Certificate (FPC). Under NYC Health Code requirements, at least one certified food protection manager must be present and responsible for overseeing food operations during business hours. The FPC is issued following completion of an approved food safety course and examination.

A non-critical violation, Code 20-04, was also recorded. Inspectors noted that required postings were absent, including a choking first aid poster, an alcohol and pregnancy warning sign, and signage indicating the availability of resuscitation equipment such as exhaled air resuscitation masks and latex gloves. These postings are mandated under city health regulations and are intended to ensure staff and patrons have access to emergency information.

Food Safety Context

Hand washing is identified under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code as one of the primary controls for preventing foodborne illness in commercial food establishments. Handwashing stations must remain unobstructed and fully functional at all times food is being prepared or served. When a facility is blocked or diverted to other uses, the risk of pathogen transmission from hands to food surfaces increases.

The Food Protection Certificate requirement similarly exists to ensure that at least one individual in each establishment has documented training in safe food handling, temperature control, sanitation, and related practices. Its absence does not necessarily indicate that unsafe practices are occurring, but it does mean there is no certified oversight on the premises as required by regulation.

Inspection History

Gotta Getta Bagel has a mixed inspection record over the past two years:

  • April 27, 2026: Score 45 (Grade Z)
  • March 26, 2026: Score 44 (Grade C) — current inspection
  • March 3, 2025: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • December 6, 2024: Score 10 (Grade P)
  • November 26, 2024: Score 47 — closed by DOHMH
  • September 26, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
  • September 4, 2024: Score 74

The establishment was previously closed by DOHMH following a score of 47 in November 2024, and has now recorded back-to-back inspections in the Grade C range in early 2026. Prior to that period, the restaurant had maintained Grade A scores across multiple inspections in 2024 and 2025.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

DOHMH assigns letter grades to restaurants based on their inspection scores. The grading scale is as follows:

  • A: 0–13 points (fewest violations)
  • B: 14–27 points
  • C: 28 or more points

Restaurants have the option to request a re-inspection before a grade is posted publicly. Scores reflect the number and severity of violations identified at the time of inspection and do not necessarily indicate the current condition of the establishment.

Consumers can view complete inspection records, including individual violation details and historical scores, through the NYC Restaurant Inspection Results database available at the DOHMH website.

More About This Restaurant

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