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)

DUNKIN store #1115
625 8 AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE A
Feb 3, 2026
Score: 10
WOK UP
22 WEST 38 STREET, Manhattan
GRADE N
Feb 3, 2026
Score: 31
WOK UP
22 WEST 38 STREET, Manhattan
GRADE N
Feb 3, 2026
Score: 31
CHOCO WONKA
12-27A 150 STREET, Queens
GRADE A
Feb 3, 2026
Score: 12
WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND
500 WEST 33 STREET, Manhattan
GRADE A
Feb 2, 2026
Score: 10
876 CARIBBEAN EATERY
153-41 ROCKAWAY BOULEVARD, Queens
Feb 2, 2026
Score: 26
DURAR CAFE
996 AMSTERDAM AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE N
Feb 2, 2026
Score: 31
DURAR CAFE
996 AMSTERDAM AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE N
Feb 2, 2026
Score: 31
DURAR CAFE
996 AMSTERDAM AVENUE, Manhattan
Feb 2, 2026
CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL #3056
1730 BEDFORD AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Feb 2, 2026
Score: 29
ACE’S PIZZA
423 TROUTMAN STREET, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Feb 2, 2026
Score: 25
ACE’S PIZZA
423 TROUTMAN STREET, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Feb 2, 2026
Score: 25
BAY RIDGE DINER
8017 5 AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Jan 31, 2026
Score: 15
Crispy Burger
4505 8 AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Jan 31, 2026
Score: 18
GOLD STAR BEER COUNTER
340 STERLING PLACE, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Jan 30, 2026
Score: 13
EL SAZON DE PETRICA
4718 4 AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Jan 30, 2026
Score: 52
TAPYORKA
31-05 36 AVENUE, Queens
GRADE N
Jan 30, 2026
Score: 36
SUBWAY
165-58 BAISLEY BOULEVARD, Queens
GRADE A
Jan 28, 2026
Score: 12
THE CORNER SPOT
22-80 STEINWAY STREET, Queens
GRADE Z
Jan 28, 2026
Score: 22
THE MAC SHACK
320 MALCOLM X BOULEVARD, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Jan 28, 2026
Score: 10

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.