Brooklyn, NY — Ibakery, a bakery located at 5920 8th Avenue in Brooklyn, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following a routine inspection conducted on March 11, 2026. The establishment received a score of 39 points, corresponding to a Grade C rating, and inspectors cited violations that required immediate corrective action before the business could resume operations.

The inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 13, 2026, as part of the agency's ongoing public health monitoring of food service establishments across New York City.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 11 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented two violations at Ibakery, including one classified as critical to food safety.

The critical violation involved evidence of rats or live rats in the establishment's food or non-food areas (Code 04K). This violation represents a significant public health concern as rodent activity can contaminate food products, food contact surfaces, and packaging materials. Rodents are known vectors for various pathogens and can compromise the safety of food prepared for public consumption.

Inspectors also cited a non-critical violation related to pesticide use and storage (Code 08C). The violation noted that pesticide was not properly labeled or used by an unlicensed individual, or that pesticides and other toxic chemicals were improperly used or stored. The citation also referenced an unprotected, unlocked bait station on the premises. While classified as non-critical, improper pesticide handling in a food preparation environment presents risks of chemical contamination.

The combination of these violations, along with other sanitary conditions documented during the inspection, resulted in the establishment being closed by DOHMH. The closure notice indicates that violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of inspection.

Food Safety Context

The violations cited at Ibakery relate to fundamental requirements established under NYC Health Code Article 81, which governs food service establishment operations in New York City. Article 81 requires food service operators to maintain premises free from rodent harborage and activity, and to implement effective pest control measures.

Evidence of rodent activity in a food establishment violates multiple provisions of the health code. Rodents can contaminate food through direct contact, droppings, urine, and hair. They can also gnaw through packaging and damage storage areas. The presence of rodents indicates a breakdown in sanitation practices, structural maintenance, or pest control protocols.

The FDA Food Code, which informs New York City's regulations, requires that food establishments be maintained free of pests and that any pesticides used be applied in accordance with manufacturer instructions and applicable regulations. Pesticide application in food service environments must be performed carefully to prevent contamination of food, utensils, and food contact surfaces.

For a bakery operation specifically, these violations raise particular concerns. Bakery products often involve flour, sugar, and other dry goods that can attract rodents if not properly stored. Production areas, storage rooms, and waste management zones must be maintained to prevent pest access and harborage.

Inspection History

DOHMH records show Ibakery has been inspected multiple times over the past several years, with varying results:

  • March 11, 2026: Score 39 (Grade C), Closed by DOHMH
  • September 23, 2024: Score 10 (Grade A)
  • January 8, 2024: Score 23 (Grade B)
  • August 17, 2023: Score 20
  • January 31, 2023: Score 24 (Grade B)
  • October 7, 2022: Score 21
  • March 2, 2022: Score 11 (Grade A)
  • January 20, 2022: Score 21

The inspection history indicates that Ibakery has previously achieved Grade A ratings, most recently in September 2024 with a score of 10 points. However, the establishment has also received Grade B ratings on multiple occasions, reflecting moderate sanitary violations. The March 2026 inspection represents a significant decline from the establishment's September 2024 performance.

The closure action taken on March 11, 2026 marks the first documented closure in the available inspection history for this location.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on points accumulated during sanitary inspections. The grading scale operates as follows:

  • Grade A: 0-13 points (good sanitary conditions)
  • Grade B: 14-27 points (moderate sanitary violations)
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (substantial sanitary violations)

Violations are assigned point values based on their severity and potential public health impact. Critical violations, which pose immediate health risks, carry higher point values than non-critical violations. A single critical violation can result in enough points to affect an establishment's grade significantly.

When an establishment is closed by DOHMH, it must address all violations requiring immediate correction and pass a re-inspection before it can reopen to the public.

Public Information and Resources

New York City maintains a publicly accessible database of restaurant inspection results at nyc.gov/health. The database allows residents and visitors to review current and historical inspection results for food service establishments throughout the city.

Consumers with questions about food service establishment inspections or food safety concerns can contact the DOHMH Food Safety and Community Hygiene Bureau. The agency encourages the public to report unsanitary conditions at restaurants through the 311 system.

This article is based on inspection data released by DOHMH as of March 13, 2026. Inspection results represent conditions documented at the time of the inspection and may not reflect current conditions at the establishment.

More About This Restaurant

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