Facility Not Free from Harborage Conditions — NYC Health Violation 08A
Violation code 08A—Facility Not Free from Harborage Conditions—is a major violation indicating that a restaurant has physical conditions attracting or allowing pests to live and breed on premises. Gaps, standing water, clutter, or other structural issues create harborage for rodents that carry 35+ diseases and flies that transmit 100+ pathogens, posing ongoing contamination risk to food and surfaces. This violation has been cited over 30,000 times across NYC since inspections began, with Manhattan recording the highest frequency, reflecting its classification as an environmental contamination risk by CDC standards.
What is Violation 08A?
Conditions exist that attract or allow pests to harbor in establishment.
Eliminate ALL harborage conditions: Seal cracks/holes (1/4 inch for mice, 1/2 inch for rats), Fix leaking pipes, Remove clutter/unused equipment, Eliminate standing water, Clean grease accumulation, Maintain 6 inches clearance from walls, Remove cardboard storage.
CDC Risk Factor: Environmental Contamination
Which Boroughs See Violation 08A Most?
Restaurants Cited for Violation 08A (30,146 total)
Related Physical Facility Violations
Violation 08A: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is violation 08A in NYC restaurants?
- Conditions exist that attract or allow pests to harbor in establishment.
- How serious is violation 08A?
- Major violation. PEST ATTRACTION: Harborage conditions support pest infestations. Gaps allow entry of rodents carrying 35+ diseases. Standing water breeds flies that spread 100+ pathogens. Clutter provides nesting for pests. Creates ongoing contamination risk.
- How many NYC restaurants have been cited for violation 08A?
- 30,146 NYC restaurant inspections have included violation 08A, representing 27.25% of all inspections with violations.
- Which borough has the most violation 08A citations?
- Manhattan has the highest number of violation 08A citations among NYC boroughs.
- What must a restaurant do to fix violation 08A?
- Eliminate ALL harborage conditions: Seal cracks/holes (1/4 inch for mice, 1/2 inch for rats), Fix leaking pipes, Remove clutter/unused equipment, Eliminate standing water, Clean grease accumulation, Maintain 6 inches clearance from walls, Remove cardboard storage.
- Is violation 08A a critical violation?
- No, violation 08A is classified as a major violation. However, all violations must be corrected to maintain a passing health grade.