Brooklyn, NY — Jamaican Family Pot, a Caribbean restaurant located at 9103 Avenue L in Brooklyn, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on January 12, 2026. The restaurant received a score of 55, well above the 28-point threshold that triggers a C grade, and was ordered to cease operations after inspectors documented critical food safety violations.

The closure data was released by DOHMH on February 6, 2026, as part of the city's routine publication of restaurant inspection results.

What Inspectors Found

During the January 12 inspection, DOHMH inspectors identified two violations at the establishment — one critical and one non-critical.

The critical violation, cited under code 02B, involved hot time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items not being held at or above 140 °F. TCS foods include items such as cooked meats, rice, beans, and other prepared dishes that require strict temperature control to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When these foods fall below the 140 °F threshold, they enter the temperature "danger zone" between 41 °F and 140 °F, where pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium perfringens can multiply rapidly.

The non-critical violation, cited under code 10B, related to plumbing and drainage deficiencies. Inspectors documented issues with anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices not being provided where required, along with improper disposal of condensation or liquid waste. While classified as non-critical, plumbing deficiencies can contribute to unsanitary conditions and potential contamination risks if left unaddressed.

The combination of these violations resulted in the establishment being closed by DOHMH, with the agency noting that violations requiring immediate action were addressed.

Food Safety Context

The decision to close a restaurant is among the most significant enforcement actions available to DOHMH under NYC Health Code Article 81, which governs food service establishments across the five boroughs. Closures are typically ordered when inspectors determine that conditions present an imminent threat to public health.

Improper hot food holding temperatures represent one of the most commonly cited critical violations in New York City restaurants and are directly linked to foodborne illness outbreaks. The FDA Food Code establishes 140 °F as the minimum holding temperature for hot TCS foods, a standard adopted by New York City's health code. Foods held below this temperature for extended periods can support bacterial growth to levels capable of causing illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, improper temperature control is among the top five risk factors contributing to foodborne illness in retail food establishments. Restaurants are required to monitor food temperatures regularly and maintain proper holding equipment to ensure compliance.

Inspection History

A review of Jamaican Family Pot's inspection history shows a pattern of elevated scores in recent years:

  • January 27, 2026: Score of 2, Grade Z designation, establishment reopened
  • November 3, 2025: Score of 25
  • September 10, 2024: Score of 27, Grade B
  • August 8, 2024: Score of 61

The restaurant's records indicate that following the January 12 closure, Jamaican Family Pot was reinspected on January 27, 2026, and received a score of 2 — a significant improvement that resulted in the establishment being permitted to reopen. The Grade Z designation recorded at that reinspection indicates the score was achieved during a reopening inspection following a closure.

The August 2024 inspection, which resulted in a score of 61, suggests the establishment has previously encountered substantial compliance challenges. A score of 61 indicates multiple violations were documented during that visit. The subsequent September 2024 inspection showed improvement with a score of 27, just below the Grade C threshold of 28 points, earning a Grade B.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on inspection scores:

  • A: 0 to 13 points — lowest number of violation points, best grade
  • B: 14 to 27 points — moderate number of violation points
  • C: 28 or more points — highest number of violation points

Lower scores indicate fewer and less severe violations. Restaurants that receive a B or C grade on an initial inspection are offered a reinspection opportunity to improve their score. Establishments that are closed must correct all cited violations and pass a reinspection before resuming operations.

Jamaican Family Pot's January 12 score of 55 placed it significantly above the C-grade threshold of 28 points.

Residents and diners can look up the latest inspection results for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH public database, available online at the NYC Open Data portal. Inspection records, scores, and violation details are updated regularly as new data is released by the agency.

More About This Restaurant

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