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)

5 STAR PIZZA
295 EAST GUN HILL ROAD, Bronx
GRADE Z
Mar 23, 2026
Score: 21
FITRITION
32-55 FRANCIS LEWIS BOULEVARD, Queens
GRADE Z
Mar 21, 2026
Score: 19
BOTANICA
220 CONOVER STREET, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Mar 21, 2026
Score: 12
ROMPE CHIMI
3326 FULTON STREET, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Mar 20, 2026
Score: 12
CURRY LEAF INDIAN CUISINE
435 MENAHAN STREET, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Mar 20, 2026
Score: 12
DELICIAS CELAYA
34-15 103 STREET, Queens
GRADE N
Mar 20, 2026
Score: 27
SUBWAY
87-04 ASTORIA BOULEVARD, Queens
Mar 19, 2026
Score: 29
JERUSALEM STEAKHOUSE
1319 AVENUE J, Brooklyn
Mar 19, 2026
JERUSALEM STEAKHOUSE
1319 AVENUE J, Brooklyn
GRADE N
Mar 19, 2026
Score: 21
MILKY ICE
130 EAST 57 STREET, Manhattan
GRADE N
Mar 19, 2026
Score: 92
MILKY ICE
130 EAST 57 STREET, Manhattan
Mar 19, 2026
SEA WOLF
19 WYCKOFF AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE Z
Mar 18, 2026
Score: 34
CHEZ NICK
1737 YORK AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE N
Mar 18, 2026
Score: 22
KIJITORA COFFEE
578 DRIGGS AVENUE, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Mar 18, 2026
Score: 12
HELL'S KITCHEN PICKLEBALL CLUB
660 12 AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE N
Mar 18, 2026
Score: 31
FAT BOYS BURGERS
231 1 AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE N
Mar 18, 2026
Score: 38
FLORENCIA
2925 AVENUE P, Brooklyn
Mar 17, 2026
Score: 38
TANYA'S APOTHECARY
1531 70 STREET, Brooklyn
Mar 17, 2026
THE ICE BOX-RALPH'S FAMOUS ITALIAN ICES
264-21 UNION TURNPIKE, Queens
GRADE A
Mar 16, 2026
Score: 10
Da Gennaro
129 MULBERRY STREET, Manhattan
Mar 12, 2026
Score: 20

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.