Brooklyn, NY — Jay & Son, a Spanish restaurant located at 879 Broadway in Brooklyn, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection on April 13, 2026. Inspectors cited three critical violations, all of which were identified as requiring immediate action. Inspection data was released publicly by DOHMH on April 15, 2026.

The closure followed a single inspection visit that documented conditions across three distinct areas of food and facility safety concern, resulting in a score of 200, which falls in the C range (28 or more points).

What Inspectors Found

All three violations recorded during the April 13 inspection were classified as critical, meaning they represent conditions with the potential to directly contribute to foodborne illness or pose an immediate public health risk.

Violation Code 04H documented that raw, cooked, or prepared food was adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan. HACCP protocols are federally recognized food safety guidelines designed to identify and control biological, chemical, and physical hazards throughout food handling and preparation.

Violation Code 05A noted that the establishment's sewage disposal system was not provided, improper, inadequate, or unapproved. A functioning sewage system is foundational to maintaining sanitary conditions in any food service establishment. Failures in this area can affect handwashing facilities, dishwashing operations, and the overall sanitary integrity of the kitchen environment.

Violation Code 04L recorded evidence of mice or live mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas. The presence of rodents in a food service environment is considered a critical public health concern due to the risk of contamination of food surfaces, utensils, and stored ingredients.

DOHMH noted that violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of the inspection, which is standard procedure during closure visits. The establishment remains closed pending re-inspection and verification that conditions have been corrected.

Food Safety Context

New York City restaurant inspections are conducted under NYC Health Code Article 81, which governs food preparation, storage, handling, and facility maintenance standards for all food service establishments operating within the five boroughs. The code is aligned with the FDA Food Code, a federal reference document updated periodically by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that provides science-based guidance for reducing risk factors associated with foodborne illness.

Under Article 81, inspectors are authorized to order the immediate closure of any establishment where conditions present a public health hazard that cannot be adequately addressed through a notice of violation alone. Closures are issued when inspectors determine that continued operation poses an unacceptable risk to patrons or food handlers.

The three violation categories cited at Jay & Son — food contamination, sewage system failure, and rodent activity — each independently represent grounds for serious concern under both city and federal food safety standards. When documented together during a single inspection, they collectively indicate systemic breakdowns in food safety management.

Inspection History

According to DOHMH records, no prior inspection history is available for Jay & Son at this location.

  • April 13, 2026: Score 200, Grade C, closed by DOHMH — 3 critical violations cited

The absence of prior inspection records may indicate that this is a recently opened establishment or that records have not yet been published for earlier visits. DOHMH typically makes inspection results publicly available within a few days of an inspection occurring.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City uses a letter grade system to communicate restaurant inspection results to the public. Grades are calculated based on the number of points assigned during an inspection, with higher point totals reflecting more serious or numerous violations:

  • Grade A: Score of 0–13 points — meets or exceeds food safety standards
  • Grade B: Score of 14–27 points — some violations identified; re-inspection required
  • Grade C: Score of 28 or more points — significant violations documented; re-inspection required
  • Grade Pending: Issued when a restaurant scores B or C on an initial inspection and is awaiting re-inspection results

A restaurant that receives a score in the B or C range on an initial inspection is re-inspected within 30 to 45 days. The grade posted at the establishment reflects the better of the two scores. Establishments that are closed by order of DOHMH must pass a re-inspection before they are permitted to reopen.

More About This Restaurant

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