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)

QBK SPORTS
41-20 39 STREET, Queens
GRADE A
Feb 25, 2026
Score: 12
THE MUNCHIES
1747 FULTON STREET, Brooklyn
GRADE Z
Feb 25, 2026
Score: 23
SSAM TONG
41-08 149 PLACE, Queens
GRADE A
Feb 25, 2026
Score: 10
REYES ANTOJITOS DOMINICANOS
47-54 46 STREET, Queens
GRADE N
Feb 25, 2026
Score: 35
REYES ANTOJITOS DOMINICANOS
47-54 46 STREET, Queens
GRADE N
Feb 25, 2026
Score: 35
SWEET MOMENT
2655 RICHMOND AVENUE, Staten Island
GRADE N
Feb 21, 2026
Score: 25
LIVE LONG JUICE BAR
131-20 MERRICK BOULEVARD, Queens
GRADE Z
Feb 20, 2026
Score: 15
BROOKLYN ROASTING COMPANY
1 UNIVERSITY PLAZA, Brooklyn
Feb 20, 2026
BAYA BAR
2110 RICHMOND ROAD, Staten Island
GRADE Z
Feb 20, 2026
Score: 23
BAKER FALLS
192 ALLEN STREET, Manhattan
GRADE N
Feb 20, 2026
Score: 47
CALEDONIA
1609 2 AVENUE, Manhattan
GRADE A
Feb 19, 2026
Score: 12
SR 101 MEAT SHOP
116-01 101 AVENUE, Queens
GRADE Z
Feb 19, 2026
Score: 28
MR WEEK
128 SAND LANE, Staten Island
GRADE A
Feb 19, 2026
Score: 10
DUBAI LOUNGE & RESTAURANT LLC
1579 SAINT NICHOLAS AVENUE, Manhattan
Feb 19, 2026
POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN
120-32 QUEENS BOULEVARD, Queens
GRADE A
Feb 19, 2026
Score: 12
DEVOCION
148 GRAND STREET, Brooklyn
GRADE A
Feb 19, 2026
Score: 12
ASIAN KABAB & CURRY
496 CRESCENT STREET, Brooklyn
Feb 18, 2026
Score: 68
ABOUT COFFEE
445 COLUMBUS AVENUE, Manhattan
Feb 18, 2026
Score: 17
CHOCO LAND PRINCESOSNY
5227 BROADWAY, Bronx
GRADE A
Feb 18, 2026
Score: 12
HADJA MARLEY
1139 FULTON STREET, Brooklyn
Feb 17, 2026
Score: 21

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.