NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — A popular Queens bakery was closed this week after being hit with a slew of violations from the New York City Department of Health.
Martha’s County Bakery, located on Austin Street in Forest Hills, was closed by the Health Department on Monday, according to city records.
In the report, health inspectors noted they found a number of unsanitary conditions inside the restaurant, including a fly infestation, contaminated surfaces and soiled sanitization equipment.
The Health Department added that employees were wearing soiled garments and failed to use hair nets while preparing food. Additionally, the facility was reportedly not “vermin proof.”
Posts on social media showed several “closed” signs posted on the restaurant and a notice to patrons from the owner, claiming that the restaurant was closed for “plumbing issues.”
“Due to plumbing issues and construction work, we will be closed until further notice,” the letter read.
Patch was the first to report the story and noted the closure has prompted outrage from many locals in a Rego Park/Forest Hills community group on Facebook.
“Glad it's only temporary. I need my caramel mousse cake,” the outlet reported one user wrote.
Others were quick to point out that the notice from the bakery’s owner seemed to be disingenuous, according to the report, while others claimed to have seen the unsanitary conditions themselves.
It remains unclear when the Forest Hills eatery will reopen.
Martha’s County Bakery on Austin Street is part of a Queens-based bakery chain. The store’s other locations – in Astoria, Bayside and Williamsburg – remain open.