Brooklyn, NY — The Cookie Corner, a Jewish/Kosher establishment located at 4505 13 Avenue in Brooklyn, received a Grade C health inspection score of 38 points following a March 9, 2026 inspection by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). Inspectors documented one critical violation related to food contamination and adulteration.

What Inspectors Found

During the inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited The Cookie Corner for violation code 04H, which addresses food adulteration and contamination. Specifically, inspectors found that raw, cooked, or prepared food was adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with the establishment's Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan.

This violation carries significant weight in the inspection scoring system due to the direct health risks associated with contaminated food products. The establishment received violations in the cited area but was not closed by health authorities. The inspection data, conducted on March 9, was released by DOHMH on March 12, 2026.

Food Safety Context

Violation code 04H falls under NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes comprehensive food safety standards for all food service establishments operating in New York City. This particular violation relates to fundamental food safety principles outlined in both the NYC Health Code and the FDA Food Code.

Food adulteration and cross-contamination represent serious public health concerns. Cross-contamination can occur when harmful bacteria or allergens transfer from one food item to another, often through improper handling, inadequate separation of raw and cooked foods, or failure to follow established food safety protocols. HACCP plans are systematic preventive approaches to food safety that identify physical, chemical, and biological hazards in production processes.

Under NYC regulations, food service establishments must maintain proper food handling procedures, ensure adequate separation between raw and ready-to-eat foods, monitor food temperatures, and discard potentially hazardous foods that have been compromised. The FDA Food Code, which informs local regulations, establishes that food must be obtained from approved sources and protected from contamination during storage, preparation, and service.

Inspection History

The Cookie Corner has a prior inspection record with DOHMH:

  • October 2, 2024: Score 10 (Grade A)

The establishment's previous inspection seventeen months ago resulted in a Grade A score, indicating compliance with food safety standards at that time. The current inspection represents a significant decline in the documented food safety practices, with the score increasing from 10 to 38 points.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on inspection scores:

  • Grade A: 0-13 points (best food safety practices)
  • Grade B: 14-27 points (acceptable food safety with room for improvement)
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (violations requiring immediate attention)

Scores are cumulative, with points assigned based on the severity and number of violations found during inspection. Critical violations, which pose direct health risks, carry higher point values than general violations. A single critical violation can result in significant points, particularly when related to food contamination or temperature control failures.

Establishments scoring 28 points or higher must post a Grade C card, or they may opt to post a "Grade Pending" card while requesting a re-inspection to improve their score.

Public Health Resources

New York City residents can access current inspection results for any food service establishment through the NYC DOHMH website. The department conducts unannounced inspections of restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments at least once per year, with additional inspections conducted based on complaint investigations or follow-up requirements.

Consumers with food safety concerns about any establishment can file complaints directly with DOHMH through the city's 311 system or online portal. The department investigates all complaints and conducts inspections as warranted by the nature of the reported concerns.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for The Cookie Corner including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.