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)

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
41-19 BELL BOULEVARD, Queens
GRADE A
Dec 23, 2025
Score: 12
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
41-19 BELL BOULEVARD, Queens
GRADE A
Dec 23, 2025
Score: 12
SHILA BAR & WINE
629 CRESCENT AVENUE, Bronx
GRADE A
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 10
SHILA BAR & WINE
629 CRESCENT AVENUE, Bronx
GRADE A
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 10
SHILA BAR & WINE
629 CRESCENT AVENUE, Bronx
GRADE A
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 10
FARMERS PIZZA & GRILL
117-25 FARMERS BOULEVARD, Queens
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 56
FARMERS PIZZA & GRILL
117-25 FARMERS BOULEVARD, Queens
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 56
FARMERS PIZZA & GRILL
117-25 FARMERS BOULEVARD, Queens
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 56
FARMERS PIZZA & GRILL
117-25 FARMERS BOULEVARD, Queens
Dec 22, 2025
PRONTO RESTAURANT
3297 RICHMOND AVENUE, Staten Island
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 22
PRONTO RESTAURANT
3297 RICHMOND AVENUE, Staten Island
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 22
PRONTO RESTAURANT
3297 RICHMOND AVENUE, Staten Island
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 22
CALYER CAFE & KITCHEN
519 MYRTLE AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 10
CALYER CAFE & KITCHEN
519 MYRTLE AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 10
CALYER CAFE & KITCHEN
519 MYRTLE AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 10
VAN LEEUWEN ICE CREAM
550 VANDERBILT AVENUE, Brooklyn
Dec 22, 2025
VAN LEEUWEN ICE CREAM
550 VANDERBILT AVENUE, Brooklyn
Dec 22, 2025
VAN LEEUWEN ICE CREAM
550 VANDERBILT AVENUE, Brooklyn
Dec 22, 2025
VAN LEEUWEN ICE CREAM
550 VANDERBILT AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 13
PROPAGANDA
360 BEDFORD AVENUE, Brooklyn
Dec 22, 2025
Score: 29

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.