Manhattan, NY — M & W Bakery, located at 25 East Broadway in Manhattan, was re-closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on July 27, 2026, following a follow-up inspection that took place just four days after an initial closure. The bakery received a score of 11 points during the re-inspection — a score that falls within the A grade range — but the establishment was nonetheless ordered closed again by inspectors.

The inspection data was released by DOHMH on July 29, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the July 27 inspection, a single non-critical violation was documented under Code 08A: the establishment was found not to be free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests.

While no critical violations were identified during this visit, the presence of pest-conducive conditions was sufficient grounds for DOHMH to order the establishment re-closed. Pest harborage conditions are evaluated under both NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, which establish requirements for maintaining food service environments free of conditions that could attract or sustain pests.

The re-closure follows an initial closure on July 23, 2026, during which the bakery recorded a score of 38 — a significantly higher score indicating a greater number or severity of violations at that time.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 governs food service establishments throughout the five boroughs and sets standards for sanitation, food handling, pest control, and facility maintenance. Pest harborage violations, classified under Code 08A, address the physical conditions within a facility that could allow rodents, insects, or other pests to nest or find shelter. These conditions include gaps in walls or flooring, improperly stored materials, or accumulated clutter that creates sheltering opportunities.

The FDA Food Code, which informs local health regulations nationally, similarly treats pest prevention as a foundational element of food safety. The presence of pests or conditions conducive to their presence can threaten food safety through contamination of food, food-contact surfaces, and equipment.

Even when no critical violations are cited during an inspection, DOHMH retains authority to close an establishment if inspectors determine that conditions pose a risk to public health or that compliance with prior closure orders has not been fully achieved.

Inspection History

M & W Bakery's recent inspection record reflects a period of elevated scrutiny following years of generally acceptable scores:

  • July 27, 2026: Score 11, re-closed by DOHMH
  • July 23, 2026: Score 38, closed by DOHMH
  • July 1, 2026: Score 63 (Grade Z)
  • May 21, 2026: Score 34
  • January 16, 2025: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • May 21, 2024: Score 21 (Grade B)
  • May 10, 2024: Score 66
  • April 12, 2023: Score 8 (Grade A)
  • March 15, 2022: Score 12 (Grade A)

The pattern shows that from 2022 through early 2025, the bakery maintained scores consistent with Grade A performance. Beginning in mid-2024, scores rose considerably, with a score of 66 recorded in May 2024. The most recent inspection cycle beginning in July 2026 has resulted in two closures within a five-day period.

A Grade Z designation, as recorded on July 1, 2026, is assigned when an establishment is under an active closure order or when a grade card is not yet available for posting following a re-inspection.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

DOHMH assigns letter grades to food service establishments based on inspection scores. The grading scale is as follows:

  • Grade A: Score of 0 to 13 points
  • Grade B: Score of 14 to 27 points
  • Grade C: Score of 28 points or more

Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. Points are assessed based on the number and type of violations documented, with critical violations — those most directly linked to foodborne illness risk — carrying higher point values than non-critical violations.

An establishment that receives a score in the Grade A range during a re-inspection following a closure may still be kept closed if DOHMH inspectors determine that conditions have not been fully corrected or that additional compliance steps are required before reopening can be authorized.

Resources

Consumers can look up inspection records for any permitted food service establishment in New York City through the DOHMH Restaurant Inspection Results database, available through the NYC Open Data portal. Records include all inspection dates, scores, violation codes, and enforcement actions taken. Inspection data is typically released within 24 to 72 hours of the inspection date.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for M & W Bakery including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.