Brooklyn, NY — Pan Rico Ambateno Bakery, located at 198 Wyckoff Avenue in Brooklyn, received a Grade C following a New York City health inspection conducted April 7, 2026. Inspectors documented two critical violations and one non-critical violation, resulting in a score of 48 — well above the 28-point threshold for a C grade. Inspection data was released by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on April 9, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors cited Pan Rico Ambateno Bakery for three violations during the April inspection.

The first critical violation, Code 06C, documented that food, supplies, or equipment were not adequately protected from potential sources of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, or service. Specifically, condiments were not provided in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor — a requirement intended to prevent cross-contamination between customers.

The second critical violation, Code 05C, identified that food contact surfaces, reusable containers, or equipment were improperly constructed, placed, or maintained, or made from unacceptable materials. Inspectors also noted that a culinary sink or other acceptable alternative method for washing food was not provided. Proper washing of food contact surfaces is a foundational requirement under food safety standards.

A non-critical violation, Code 08A, was also recorded, noting that the establishment was not free of harborage conditions or circumstances conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests.

Food Safety Context

Critical violations are categorized as such because they represent conditions most directly associated with foodborne illness risk. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, operators are required to protect food from contamination at every stage — from storage through service — and to maintain food contact surfaces in a sanitary and structurally sound condition.

Code 06C addresses a well-documented transmission pathway: shared condiment containers that are handled repeatedly by multiple customers can serve as vectors for cross-contamination. Single-service containers or vendor-dispensed condiments eliminate this risk.

Code 05C violations are significant because improperly maintained food contact surfaces — including cutting boards, prep surfaces, and containers — can harbor pathogens even after routine cleaning, particularly if surface materials are cracked, porous, or otherwise degraded. The absence of an adequate food-washing sink compounds this concern by limiting the establishment's ability to properly clean produce and equipment.

Non-critical violations such as Code 08A do not directly involve food handling but can create conditions that escalate into more serious problems if left unaddressed. Pest harborage conditions are subject to correction orders and reinspection under DOHMH protocols.

Inspection History

Pan Rico Ambateno Bakery has received below-grade scores across its recent inspection record:

  • June 17, 2026: Score 38
  • February 12, 2026: Score 29 (Grade N)
  • April 7, 2026: Score 48 (Grade C)

The February 2026 inspection resulted in a Grade N designation, which is assigned when a restaurant's initial score falls in the B or C range and the establishment opts for or is subject to a re-inspection before a final grade is issued. The April 2026 inspection score of 48 represents the highest recorded score across this period, indicating the violations identified have not been fully corrected between inspection cycles.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's letter-grade system is based on the total points assigned during a DOHMH inspection. Each violation carries a point value depending on its severity and public health risk:

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

Grades are required to be posted in a visible location at restaurant entrances. Establishments that receive a B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection before a final grade is assigned. Critical violations generally carry higher point values than non-critical violations, which is reflected in the scoring structure.

Consumers can review inspection records for any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH's online Restaurant Inspection Results database at nyc.gov. Complaints about restaurant conditions can be submitted through 311 or the 311 online portal.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Pan Rico Ambateno Bakery including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.