Queens, NY — Iva's Sweet Parlour, a bakery located at 881 Wyckoff Avenue, received a health inspection score of 36 points during a March 4, 2026 inspection conducted by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). The score places the establishment in Grade C territory, with inspectors documenting three critical violations and one non-critical violation.
What Inspectors Found
The inspection identified multiple food safety concerns requiring immediate attention. Inspectors documented that food contact surfaces were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use and following activities when contamination may have occurred, a violation of NYC Health Code Article 81.
Additionally, inspectors noted the presence of filth flies or food/refuse/sewage associated flies in the establishment's food and non-food areas. These pests, which include house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, drain flies, Phorid flies, and fruit flies, pose direct contamination risks to food preparation and storage areas.
The inspection also revealed that the establishment's manager or supervisor of food operations did not hold a Food Protection Certificate, a mandatory credential under city health regulations. This certification ensures that at least one person in a supervisory role has completed food safety training recognized by the DOHMH.
A non-critical violation was cited regarding waste management. Inspectors found that garbage receptacles did not meet pest-resistant or water-resistant standards, lacked tight-fitting lids, or were not properly covered except during active use. Proper waste disposal protocols are essential for preventing pest attraction and maintaining sanitary conditions.
Food Safety Context
The violations documented at Iva's Sweet Parlour fall under NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes minimum standards for food service establishment operations. The FDA Food Code, which informs New York City's regulations, emphasizes that food contact surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illness transmission.
The presence of filth flies in food preparation areas presents specific public health concerns. These insects can transfer pathogens from unsanitary surfaces to food products, utensils, and preparation surfaces. Bakery operations, which often involve exposed dough, batter, and finished products, require particular attention to pest exclusion and environmental sanitation.
The Food Protection Certificate requirement exists to ensure that food service establishments maintain at least one trained supervisor who understands critical food safety principles, including proper temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and sanitation procedures.
Inspection History
Iva's Sweet Parlour's recent inspection record shows variation in compliance:
- November 15, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
- June 27, 2024: Score 33
- March 30, 2023: Score 7 (Grade A)
The current score of 36 points represents the establishment's highest violation total in available records. The data was released by DOHMH on March 11, 2026, seven days after the inspection occurred.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on point totals from health inspections:
- Grade A: 0-13 points
- Grade B: 14-27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Points are assigned based on the severity and number of violations found during inspections. Critical violations, which pose immediate health risks, carry higher point values than non-critical violations. Establishments have the right to request re-inspection or pursue administrative hearings regarding violations.
The DOHMH conducts unannounced inspections of food service establishments at least once per year, with additional inspections triggered by complaints or follow-up requirements. All inspection results become public record and are available through the city's online restaurant inspection database.
Consumers seeking current information about restaurant inspection results can access the DOHMH website or use the city's mobile inspection app. The agency also operates a complaint hotline at 311 for reporting food safety concerns at any food service establishment.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Iva's Sweet Parlour including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.