Critical Violation Code 04A NYC Health Code §81.15

Food Protection Certificate Not Held by Supervisor — NYC Health Violation 04A

Overview

Violation code 04A penalizes restaurants that fail to have a supervisor holding a current NYC Food Protection Certificate on duty during operating hours. This is a critical violation because certified managers have demonstrated food safety knowledge that directly prevents foodborne illness outbreaks—establishments without certified supervisors have 2.5 times more critical violations and 60% higher outbreak risk. Across NYC, this violation has been cited 9,364 times, most frequently in Manhattan, reflecting a persistent gap in food safety management standards.

9,364
Times Cited in NYC
8.46%
of Inspections
Critical
Severity Level
Manhattan
Most Common Borough

What is Violation 04A?

At least one supervisor with NYC Food Protection Certificate must be present during all hours of operation.

What restaurants must do to fix this

Obtain Food Protection Certificate immediately through NYC-approved course. Certificate holder must be present ALL operating hours. Post certificate conspicuously. Maintain valid certification (renew every 5 years). Train all staff on food safety basics.

CDC Risk Factor: Poor Personal Hygiene - Knowledge Factor

NYC DOHMH Guidelines → CDC Food Safety Reference →

Which Boroughs See Violation 04A Most?

Manhattan
2,840 citations
Brooklyn
2,605 citations
Queens
2,516 citations
Bronx
1,003 citations
Staten Island
396 citations
0
13 citations

Restaurants Cited for Violation 04A (9,364 total)

SUBWAY
40-24 COLLEGE POINT BOULEVARD, Queens
Feb 6, 2026
Score: 24
EL REY
25-21 ASTORIA BOULEVARD, Queens
Feb 6, 2026
Score: 32
HEMO
6905 5 AVENUE, Brooklyn
Feb 6, 2026
Score: 23
LIMONCITO CON RON
86-01 NORTHERN BOULEVARD, Queens
GRADE N
Feb 6, 2026
Score: 37
SABORES DE MI TIERRA
276 KNICKERBOCKER AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE Z
Feb 6, 2026
Score: 26
NEW YORKER HOTEL KITCHEN
481 8 AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE A
Feb 5, 2026
Score: 12
LULO RESTAURANT
1626 ST NICHOLAS AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE Z
Feb 5, 2026
Score: 21
LA COCINITA MIA
442 LORIMER STREET, Brooklyn
Feb 5, 2026
PADI D' NYC
135 WEST 50 STREET, Manhattan
Feb 5, 2026
Score: 31
GONG FU XIAO LONG BAO
6020 8 AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Feb 5, 2026
Score: 12
MURRAY CAFE
165 LEXINGTON AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE A
Feb 5, 2026
Score: 13
D'LA PARA PICA POLLO
151 NAGLE AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE N
Feb 5, 2026
Score: 33
PARIS BAGUETTE
1602 KINGS HIGHWAY, Brooklyn
Feb 5, 2026
PARIS BAGUETTE
1602 KINGS HIGHWAY, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Feb 5, 2026
Score: 38
PARIS BAGUETTE
1602 KINGS HIGHWAY, Brooklyn
Feb 5, 2026
ROMEO'S PIZZA AND PASTA
103-20 LIBERTY AVENUE, Queens
Feb 4, 2026
Score: 29
HIDDEN GROUNDS
400 UNION AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Feb 4, 2026
Score: 13
T.CAFE / BAKERY
96 SOUTH STREET, Manhattan
GRADE A
Feb 4, 2026
Score: 10
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT
290 WILD AVENUE, Staten Island
GRADE A
Feb 4, 2026
Score: 10
LOFT STUDIO CAFE
201-04 NORTHERN BOULEVARD, Queens
GRADE Z
Feb 4, 2026
Score: 21

Violation 04A: Frequently Asked Questions

What is violation 04A in NYC restaurants?
At least one supervisor with NYC Food Protection Certificate must be present during all hours of operation.
How serious is violation 04A?
Critical violation. KNOWLEDGE GAP: Establishments without certified managers have 2.5x more critical violations. Lack of food safety knowledge directly correlates with foodborne illness outbreaks. Certified managers reduce outbreak risk by 60% through proper training and oversight.
How many NYC restaurants have been cited for violation 04A?
9,364 NYC restaurant inspections have included violation 04A, representing 8.46% of all inspections with violations.
Which borough has the most violation 04A citations?
Manhattan has the highest number of violation 04A citations among NYC boroughs.
What must a restaurant do to fix violation 04A?
Obtain Food Protection Certificate immediately through NYC-approved course. Certificate holder must be present ALL operating hours. Post certificate conspicuously. Maintain valid certification (renew every 5 years). Train all staff on food safety basics.
Is violation 04A a critical violation?
Yes, violation 04A is a critical violation. Critical violations pose the most serious risk to public health and must be corrected immediately.