Bronx, NY — J.e. Bakery, located at 743 Astor Avenue in the Bronx, received a Grade C following a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene inspection conducted on April 3, 2026. The bakery scored 58 points, well above the 28-point threshold that results in a C grade. Inspection data was released publicly by DOHMH on April 6, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
The April inspection documented one critical violation and one non-critical violation.
The critical violation, cited under Code 02G, involved cold temperature control for safety (TCS) foods held above required temperature limits. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, cold TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Smoked or processed fish must be kept at 38°F or below, and intact raw eggs must remain at 45°F or below. Inspectors identified that foods at the establishment were not being held within these required ranges.
The non-critical violation, cited under Code 08A, noted that the establishment was not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This type of violation indicates that physical conditions at the premises — such as gaps, clutter, or debris — could allow pests to shelter or breed on site.
Both violations contributed to the final score of 58.
Food Safety Context
Temperature control is one of the most fundamental requirements in food service safety. When cold foods are held above required temperatures, bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli can multiply to levels that pose a risk to consumers. NYC Health Code Article 81 mandates specific temperature thresholds for different food types, requirements that align with the FDA Food Code's framework for reducing foodborne illness risk.
Pest harborage conditions, while classified as non-critical in this inspection cycle, are taken seriously by DOHMH because the presence of conditions that attract or shelter pests can lead to food contamination. Inspectors assess structural conditions, sanitation practices, and facility maintenance as part of a comprehensive review.
A score of 58 points places J.e. Bakery significantly into Grade C territory. Establishments in this range are typically required to post their grade card prominently and may be subject to re-inspection.
Inspection History
The April 2026 inspection is not the first time J.e. Bakery has received an elevated score. The available inspection record shows a pattern of recurring violations:
- May 11, 2026: Score 36 (Grade Z)
- October 1, 2025: Score not recorded
- February 5, 2025: Score 19 (Grade B)
- December 17, 2024: Score 20
- March 8, 2024: Score 26
- August 23, 2023: Score 36
The February 2025 and December 2024 inspections both resulted in scores below 28, placing the establishment in Grade A and Grade B ranges respectively during those cycles. However, the two most recent scored inspections — August 2023 and April 2026 — recorded scores of 36 and 58, both within Grade C range. The May 2026 entry with a Grade Z designation typically reflects a score recorded during a reinspection cycle before a final grade is assigned.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system is based on the total number of points assessed during an inspection. A lower score indicates fewer violations and better compliance:
- A: 0 to 13 points
- B: 14 to 27 points
- C: 28 points or more
Inspections are unannounced and conducted by DOHMH inspectors who assess food handling practices, facility conditions, temperature controls, employee hygiene, and pest prevention measures, among other factors. Restaurants that score 14 points or higher during an initial inspection are typically subject to a follow-up reinspection.
Consumers can look up inspection records for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH's public database at the NYC Open Data portal or through the city's restaurant inspection lookup tool. All inspection results are public record under New York State law.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for J.e. Bakery including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.