Non-food Contact Surfaces Not Clean — NYC Health Violation 10F
Violation code 10F—Non-food Contact Surfaces Not Clean—is a minor violation in which countertops, walls, equipment exteriors, or other surfaces that do not directly touch food are not kept clean, properly sealed, or properly maintained. While classified as minor, this violation poses an indirect contamination risk: dirty surfaces harbor bacteria and pests, which employees may then transfer to food or food-preparation areas, and accumulated debris attracts roaches and rodents that can spread contamination throughout a facility. Since 2012, NYC DOHMH inspectors have cited this violation 46,048 times across the city, with Manhattan accounting for the most citations, reflecting its status as a common environmental sanitation issue.
What is Violation 10F?
Non-food contact surfaces or equipment not kept clean, not properly sealed, or not properly maintained.
Clean all non-food surfaces regularly: Walls, ceilings, floors daily in food areas, Equipment exteriors, Storage shelves, Light fixtures monthly. Seal cracks. Repair damaged surfaces. Maintain cleaning schedule. Assign responsibilities.
CDC Risk Factor: Environmental Contamination
Which Boroughs See Violation 10F Most?
Restaurants Cited for Violation 10F (46,048 total)
Related Physical Facility Violations
Violation 10F: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is violation 10F in NYC restaurants?
- Non-food contact surfaces or equipment not kept clean, not properly sealed, or not properly maintained.
- How serious is violation 10F?
- Minor violation. INDIRECT CONTAMINATION: Dirty non-food surfaces harbor pests and bacteria. Employees touch these surfaces then food. Accumulation attracts roaches and rodents. Creates reservoir of contamination that spreads throughout facility.
- How many NYC restaurants have been cited for violation 10F?
- 46,048 NYC restaurant inspections have included violation 10F, representing 41.62% of all inspections with violations.
- Which borough has the most violation 10F citations?
- Manhattan has the highest number of violation 10F citations among NYC boroughs.
- What must a restaurant do to fix violation 10F?
- Clean all non-food surfaces regularly: Walls, ceilings, floors daily in food areas, Equipment exteriors, Storage shelves, Light fixtures monthly. Seal cracks. Repair damaged surfaces. Maintain cleaning schedule. Assign responsibilities.
- Is violation 10F a critical violation?
- No, violation 10F is classified as a minor violation. However, all violations must be corrected to maintain a passing health grade.