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)

BAR 42
400 WEST 42 STREET, Manhattan
GRADE A
Jan 17, 2026
Score: 10
GUAC TIME MEXICAN GRILL
961 JEWETT AVENUE, Staten Island
GRADE Z
Jan 17, 2026
Score: 27
JIN XI
36-22A UNION STREET, Queens
GRADE N
Jan 17, 2026
Score: 29
CAFE O'TE BY HOUSE BROOKLYN
38 NORMAN AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Jan 17, 2026
Score: 25
CARVEL
20-24 MOTT AVENUE, Queens
Jan 17, 2026
CARVEL
20-24 MOTT AVENUE, Queens
GRADE N
Jan 17, 2026
Score: 22
CARVEL
20-24 MOTT AVENUE, Queens
GRADE N
Jan 17, 2026
Score: 22
CAFE MIA
1128 BROADWAY, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Jan 17, 2026
Score: 38
LUNA CAFE
601 EAST 187 STREET, Bronx
Jan 17, 2026
LUNA CAFE
601 EAST 187 STREET, Bronx
Jan 17, 2026
CROWN FRIED CHICKEN
168-29 HILLSIDE AVENUE, Queens
Jan 16, 2026
Score: 29
SUBSTANCE VITALITY BAR
2268 BROADWAY, Manhattan
GRADE A
Jan 15, 2026
Score: 12
POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN
3017 MERMAID AVENUE, Brooklyn
Jan 15, 2026
WITCH TOPOKKI
330 7 AVENUE, Manhattan
Jan 15, 2026
Score: 30
NY AXE THROWING RANGE
98 NORTH 11 STREET, Brooklyn
GRADE Z
Jan 15, 2026
Score: 17
CHILL TAVERN BBQ
137-38 NORTHERN BOULEVARD, Queens
GRADE N
Jan 15, 2026
Score: 57
CHILL TAVERN BBQ
137-38 NORTHERN BOULEVARD, Queens
GRADE N
Jan 15, 2026
Score: 57
TAQUERIA AL PASTOR
1966 3 AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE A
Jan 15, 2026
Score: 12
KENNEDY FRIED CHICKEN
433 DEKALB AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Jan 15, 2026
Score: 20
LOVE MAMA
174 2 AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE N
Jan 15, 2026
Score: 24

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.