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
2,844 citations
Brooklyn
2,607 citations
Queens
2,517 citations
Bronx
1,004 citations
Staten Island
398 citations
0
13 citations

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

PROPER FOOD
1211 6 AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE A
Jan 6, 2026
Score: 10
PIZZA ON THE RUN
1627 MERMAID AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Jan 6, 2026
Score: 10
EXQUISITE VIBEZ RESTAURANT BAR & LOUNGE
2308 AC POWELL BOULEVARD, Manhattan
Jan 6, 2026
NYAMINZ & JAMINZ CARIBBEAN KITCHEN
108-10 GUY R BREWER BOULEVARD, Queens
CLOSED
Jan 6, 2026
BLVCK GAMING LOUNGE
3072 BRIGHTON 1 STREET, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Jan 6, 2026
Score: 20
MATARI COFFEE CO
6915 5 AVENUE, Brooklyn
Jan 6, 2026
MATARI COFFEE CO
6915 5 AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Jan 6, 2026
Score: 68
RUMA'S KITCHEN
37-01 61 STREET, Queens
CLOSED
Jan 5, 2026
Score: 104
LA QUINTA MANHATTAN MIDTOWN
333 WEST 38 STREET, Manhattan
Jan 5, 2026
URBAN POPS
518 KINGS HIGHWAY, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Jan 5, 2026
Score: 10
VAN LEEUWEN ICE CREAM
640 BROADWAY, Manhattan
GRADE A
Jan 5, 2026
Score: 13
NEW YORK PHO HOUSE
70-57 PARSONS BOULEVARD, Queens
GRADE N
Jan 5, 2026
Score: 39
NEW YORK PHO HOUSE
70-57 PARSONS BOULEVARD, Queens
GRADE N
Jan 5, 2026
Score: 39
NEW YORK PHO HOUSE
70-57 PARSONS BOULEVARD, Queens
GRADE N
Jan 5, 2026
Score: 39
TAQUERIA GREEN VALLEY
154 CARLTON AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Jan 2, 2026
Score: 64
ORANGE MOON CAFE
1045 1 AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE N
Dec 31, 2025
Score: 24
CAFE ON 5TH, STERLING AFFAIR
1216 5 AVENUE, Manhattan
Dec 30, 2025
Score: 37
CAKES BY ALEJANDRO 1
215 EAST 167 STREET, Bronx
Dec 30, 2025
Score: 25
POPEYE'S CHICKEN & BISCUITS
1375 ROCKAWAY PARKWAY, Brooklyn
Dec 29, 2025
Score: 24
LEON'S BAGELS
181 MULBERRY STREET, Manhattan
GRADE Z
Dec 29, 2025
Score: 26

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.