Filth Flies Present in Food Areas — NYC Health Violation 04N
Violation code 04N — Filth Flies Present in Food Areas — is a critical pest control violation citing the presence of house flies, fruit flies, drain flies, or other filth flies in food preparation or storage areas. Filth flies are major disease vectors; a single fly can transfer millions of bacteria per landing and transmit pathogens including E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella that cause serious foodborne illness. This violation has been cited over 12,800 times across NYC since inspections began, with Manhattan recording the highest frequency, and represents an immediate risk of rapid food contamination.
What is Violation 04N?
House flies, fruit flies, drain flies, or other filth flies present in establishment.
Eliminate breeding sites: Clean drains daily, Remove standing water, Empty garbage frequently, Install air curtains/screens, Use fly lights away from food, Clean up spills immediately, Locate and eliminate larval breeding sites (drains, garbage, produce).
CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Environmental
Which Boroughs See Violation 04N Most?
Restaurants Cited for Violation 04N (12,881 total)
Related Pest Control Violations
Violation 04N: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is violation 04N in NYC restaurants?
- House flies, fruit flies, drain flies, or other filth flies present in establishment.
- How serious is violation 04N?
- Critical violation. RAPID CONTAMINATION: Flies carry 100+ pathogens on feet and bodies. One fly transfers 2 million bacteria per landing. Feed by vomiting on food. Can contaminate entire prep area in minutes. Major vector for E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella transmission.
- How many NYC restaurants have been cited for violation 04N?
- 12,881 NYC restaurant inspections have included violation 04N, representing 11.64% of all inspections with violations.
- Which borough has the most violation 04N citations?
- Manhattan has the highest number of violation 04N citations among NYC boroughs.
- What must a restaurant do to fix violation 04N?
- Eliminate breeding sites: Clean drains daily, Remove standing water, Empty garbage frequently, Install air curtains/screens, Use fly lights away from food, Clean up spills immediately, Locate and eliminate larval breeding sites (drains, garbage, produce).
- Is violation 04N a critical violation?
- Yes, violation 04N is a critical violation. Critical violations pose the most serious risk to public health and must be corrected immediately.