Martha’s Country Bakery in Forest Hills, pictured, was shut down by the Health Dept. Monday (Photos Provided to Queens Post)
Aug. 25, 2021 By Christian Murray
A Forest Hills bakery known for its long lines and popular pastries has been closed by the Health Dept.—prompting an avalanche of criticism from residents.
Martha’s County Bakery on Austin Street, which is part of a Queens-based bakery chain, was shut down by the Health Dept. on Monday, according to city records. The other Martha’s locations—in Astoria, Bayside and Williamsburg—remain open.
The Austin Street establishment was hit with a number of violations, with an inspector finding flies, contaminated surfaces and employees wearing unclean garments. Patch was first to report the story.
Signage posted Monday by the DOH at Martha’s Country Bakery at 70-28 Austin St. (Photo provided to Queens Post)
A Forest Hills resident posted a picture to a popular Facebook group of a Dept. of Health notice saying that Martha’s had been ordered “Closed.”
The resident also posted a photo put up by the owners that claimed the store had been shuttered stemming from plumbing issues.
“Due to plumbing issues and construction work we will be closed until further notice,” the notice read.
The abrupt closure has led to flurry of Facebook comments since Monday. By Wednesday afternoon, more than 230 comments had been posted.
“This place was so dirty the last time I went there, I am surprised the health department didn’t close it sooner,” one commenter said.
Another said: “It must have been really bad for the health department to close them.”
Several residents criticized the bakery for making it appear that the closure was construction related. “That “plumbing issue” letter is bulls$$t,” one person wrote. Another said: “It has nothing to do with construction it was a fly infestation!!”
Signage posted this week by the owners of Martha’s Country Bakery at 70-28 Austin St. (Photo provided to Queens Post)
But the popular bakery does have fans.
“Glad it’s only temporary. I need my caramel mousse cake,” wrote one person.
“NOOOOOOOO, how will I survive without my weekly carrot cake!” read another comment.
“So sad! I love their pastries.”
The bakery racked up a whopping 66 points. The DOH assigns points based on each infringement and the level risk it presents. For instance, critical violations carry a minimum of 5 points each.
An eatery scores an A grade when it scores between 0-13 points; a B when it is between 14-27; and a C for 28 or more.
The Health Dept., however, typically only closes a venue down when a violation cannot be corrected at the time of inspection.
1) Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, trans portation, display or service.
2) Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.
3) Wiping cloths soiled or not stored in sanitizing solution.
4) Hot food item not held at or above 140º F.
5) Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
6) Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non- food areas. Filth flies include house flies, little house flies, blow flies,
bottle flies and flesh flies. Food/refuse/sewage-associated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies.
7) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
8) Non-food contact surface improperly constructed. Unacceptable material used. Non-food con tact surface or equipment improperly maintained and/or not properly sealed, raised,
spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.
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21 Comments
What a shame (on them). This would normally be my go-to bakery, but I thank the health dept. for not allowing them to subject their loyal patrons to unsanitary conditions and possible illness, especially at a time when we should be most conscious of cleanliness. Gross.
How gross!!!! Can’t believe they disrespect their customers’ health to this extend. Won’t be going there anytime soon.
I feel bad for the people that work there. I know the manager doesn’t give a dam about the employees. She’ll keep the place open after midnight as long as people go there. No bakery needs to be open after 10:00! As long as you’re open, people will show up. She doesn’t care that the employees have to leave at 1:00 a,m. and travel home, especially with the homeless that hang out on Austin Street and Continental Avenue. I’ve lived in FH for many years and have only seen this the last couple of years (before Covid). The precinct isn’t far from there – why don’t they do something?
Shame
Wow
May be they will come to their senses and bring the prices down. But honestly, the health dept should close every Chinese restaurant for roaches, mice and other crap running around. It’s not fare.
I had purchased a pie from them for my friend who had just finished cancer chemo. It had mold on it. I brought it back. I got a refund but no apology.
WOW……disgusting!!!!! 🙁
The place seemed busy to me I went in once looking for sugarfree items nothing I should eat
Magnolia bakery my number one bakery❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Yes…..especially their Coconut Cake!!!
Thank goodness for the other locations. I love the williamsburgh marthas – friendly and clean!!
I hope that location is clean!!!!
I love that bakery I always found clean good employees I am shocked to here them close due to cleanliness.
Omg
It’s not as unusual as people think. Having worked with restaurants they all try hard to keep out insects and rodents. Especially when they need to use a basement.
It seems the cakes and such come from a common kitchen someplace else so probably the cakes are all fine.. as long as they stored carefully.. if you ride the subway you see what is lurking all around us.. I am sure once they reopen all will be fine
I found it very overpriced and my own cupcakes taste better from a mix..sorry , but some of their cakes were overly sweet .went in only a few times ..won’t miss it.
Wow They look clean they did not care about people getting sick so sad.
Thank God the DOH caught the problem on time, otherwise the living bacteria in there could have killed us. I will never go back there again.
Those supposedly delicious desserts, are expensive overpriced dead flies that you are eating! Please think twice before visiting Martha’s again. Even if they do reopen. YUCK!
Martha’s is disgusting! With the outlandish prices they charge for extremely small portions the least they can do is keep the place clean. The numerous health violations pose a risk to the people that patronage the establishment. It’s a shame they are not more concerned about cleanliness and the health of their customers.