Manhattan, NY — Ralph's Italian Ices at 1588 1st Avenue received a Grade B rating with a score of 27 points following a routine health inspection conducted on March 9, 2026, according to data released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on March 11.
The score of 27 places the frozen desserts establishment at the maximum threshold for a Grade B, one point away from Grade C territory. This marks the first time the business has fallen below an A grade since reopening in 2022.
What Inspectors Found
Health inspectors documented one non-critical violation during the inspection. The establishment was cited under violation code 08A for not being free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests.
This violation indicates that inspectors identified environmental conditions that could attract or shelter pests, even if active pest presence was not documented. Such conditions may include gaps in walls or floors, improper storage of materials, inadequate sealing around pipes or doors, or accumulation of debris in areas that could provide shelter for vermin.
The inspection resulted in violations being cited, but the establishment was not ordered to close. The business continues to operate with its new Grade B posting.
Food Safety Context
Under NYC Health Code Article 81, food service establishments must maintain conditions that prevent pest entry and harborage. Violation code 08A specifically addresses environmental conditions that make premises vulnerable to pest activity, distinct from violations documenting active pest presence.
The FDA Food Code emphasizes that effective pest control requires both active management and eliminating conditions conducive to pest presence. Structural maintenance, proper sanitation, and removal of potential harborage sites are considered foundational requirements for food safety management.
A score of 27 points represents significant sanitation concerns under the city's grading system. While establishments can earn up to 13 points and still receive a Grade A, scores between 14-27 points result in Grade B, and scores of 28 or higher result in Grade C.
Inspection History
Ralph's Italian Ices has a documented inspection history showing previous compliance:
- June 26, 2024: Score 12 (Grade A)
- August 17, 2022: Score 10 (Grade A)
- August 2, 2022: Score 35
The August 2022 inspection resulted in a score that would have placed the establishment in Grade C territory. The business subsequently received Grade A ratings in both 2022 and 2024 before the current Grade B result.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
The New York City Department of Health assigns letter grades based on point accumulation during inspections:
- Grade A: 0-13 points
- Grade B: 14-27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Establishments scoring 14 points or higher may request a re-inspection to attempt to lower their score and improve their grade. The most recent grade must be posted prominently at the establishment entrance.
The March 9 inspection data represents findings from the date of inspection. Conditions may have changed since the inspection was conducted. Consumers can verify current grades and inspection history through the NYC DOHMH restaurant inspection database at nyc.gov/health.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Ralph's Italian Ices including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.