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
2,838 citations
Brooklyn
2,603 citations
Queens
2,515 citations
Bronx
1,003 citations
Staten Island
396 citations
0
13 citations

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

THE BRKLYN BAKEHAUS
1205 CORTELYOU ROAD, Brooklyn
GRADE Z
Apr 3, 2026
Score: 21
ROASTING PLANT COFFEE
81 ORCHARD STREET, Manhattan
GRADE Z
Apr 2, 2026
Score: 25
STAR CAFE & BAKERY
1251 FULTON STREET, Brooklyn
Apr 2, 2026
Score: 21
JOHNNY DELI & GROCERY
132-07 JAMAICA AVENUE, Queens
GRADE Z
Apr 2, 2026
Score: 32
JOHNNY DELI & GROCERY
132-07 JAMAICA AVENUE, Queens
Apr 2, 2026
MOUETTE
2633 OCEAN AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE Z
Apr 2, 2026
Score: 21
PALMA VERDE / TACOS LA BROADWAY / DRAMMA
1604 BROADWAY, Manhattan
GRADE Z
Apr 2, 2026
Score: 27
ATOMIC WINGS
66 WILLOUGHBY STREET, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Apr 2, 2026
Score: 34
DOMINO'S
965 AMSTERDAM AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE A
Apr 1, 2026
Score: 10
LONE WOLF
1089 BROADWAY, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Apr 1, 2026
Score: 13
LONE WOLF
1089 BROADWAY, Brooklyn
Apr 1, 2026
RPM UNDERGROUND
244 WEST 54 STREET, Manhattan
GRADE Z
Apr 1, 2026
Score: 25
GRADE A
Mar 31, 2026
Score: 10
VIN SUR VINGT
66 WEST 84 STREET, Manhattan
Mar 31, 2026
Score: 21
THE ROGUE PANDA
55 WATER STREET, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Mar 30, 2026
Score: 10
MARI
679 9 AVENUE, Manhattan
Mar 30, 2026
Score: 33
MOTHERS SEAFOOD & MORE
59 GRAHAM AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE Z
Mar 30, 2026
Score: 24
MOCA & CO
193 NEW DORP LANE, Staten Island
GRADE A
Mar 30, 2026
Score: 10
LONGJIANG PORK FEET RICE
37-11 MAIN STREET, Queens
GRADE N
Mar 30, 2026
Score: 29
THE THREE DIAMOND DOOR
211 KNICKERBOCKER AVENUE, Brooklyn
Mar 28, 2026
Score: 23

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.