Queens, NY — Shakalaka Bakery, located at 136-76 Roosevelt Avenue in Flushing, received a Grade B following a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene inspection conducted on March 17, 2026. The establishment scored 26 points — the highest score within the Grade B range and a single point below the Grade C threshold.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented one critical violation during the visit: Code 04L, which records evidence of mice or live mice in a food or non-food area of the establishment. No non-critical violations were cited.

Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and FDA Food Code guidelines, rodent presence in a food service establishment is classified as a critical violation due to the potential for contamination of food, food contact surfaces, and food storage areas. Evidence of mice can include droppings, gnaw marks, nesting materials, or direct observation of live animals.

A score of 26 places the bakery at the upper limit of the Grade B range. The grading scale assigns penalty points per violation based on severity and scope; a score one point higher would have resulted in a Grade C designation.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes standards for food handling, facility maintenance, and pest control in licensed food service establishments. The FDA Food Code, which informs city regulations, identifies rodent activity as a serious public health concern because mice can transmit foodborne pathogens and contaminate surfaces and products.

Establishments that receive a Grade B or C are required to post their letter grade card visibly at the point of entry. A Grade B indicates violations were identified but the establishment remained open and operational following the inspection.

Inspection History

Shakalaka Bakery's recent inspection record is as follows:

  • March 17, 2026: Score 26 (Grade B), one critical violation cited
  • February 14, 2025: Score 12 (Grade A), no closure action
  • November 22, 2023: Score 21 (Grade B)

The February 2025 inspection resulted in a Grade A, reflecting a marked improvement. The current score represents a return to the Grade B range the bakery previously received in late 2023, though the 26-point score is notably higher than prior B-range results.

Data from this inspection was released by DOHMH on March 19, 2026, two days after the inspection was conducted.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City uses a letter grading system based on inspection scores:

  • A: 0–13 points (fewest violations)
  • B: 14–27 points
  • C: 28 or more points

Scores reflect the number and severity of violations identified at the time of inspection. Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. Establishments graded B or C may request a re-inspection, at which point a new grade may be issued.

Consumers can review the full inspection history for any licensed food service establishment in New York City through the DOHMH Restaurant Inspection Results database, available at nyc.gov.

More About This Restaurant

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