Grade BFrozen Desserts

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

1317 EAST 17 STREET, Brooklyn, 11230

Should you eat here?

Mostly OK — but 2 critical violations were found at the latest inspection (4 months ago). Details below.

Last inspected Mar 19, 2026 · New York City health department

What the inspector found on Mar 19, 2026

  • Food was not kept hot or cold enough. Wrong temperatures let bacteria grow.

    Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.

    Critical
  • An issue with how food is prepared, protected, or handled during service.

    Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.

    Critical
  • A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.

    Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.

  • A paperwork or posting requirement, such as permits, certificates, or required signs.

    Allergen or intolerance notice not translated into common language when required

  • A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.

    Mechanical or natural ventilation not provided, inadequate, improperly installed, in disrepair or fails to prevent and control excessive build-up of grease, heat, steam condensation, vapors, odors, smoke or fumes.

  • Food was not stored, covered, labeled, or dated properly.

    Pesticide not properly labeled or used by unlicensed individual. Pesticide, other toxic chemical improperly used/stored. Unprotected, unlocked bait station used.

Inspection history

DateResultTypeViolations
Mar 19, 2026Grade BPre-permit (Operational) / Re-inspection6 (2 critical)
Jul 10, 2025Grade PendingPre-permit (Operational) / Initial Inspection7 (4 critical)

Problems that keep coming back

Issues cited at more than one inspection — a better signal than any single visit.

  • 2×An issue with how food is prepared, protected, or handled during service.
  • 2×A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
  • 2×Food was not stored, covered, labeled, or dated properly.

Around this address

City records for the building itself, not this restaurant’s inspection.

  • 8 rodent inspections on record, 5 finding rat activity.

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