NYC Rules of the City of New York

§ 81.39 — Food Service Establishments and Non-Retail Food Processing Establishments; Sealing of Unclean Equipment, Utensils and Vehicles; Denial, Suspension and Revocation of Permits; Enforcement.

Brooklyn since 2014All five boroughsSame-day response during business hours

What is NYC RCNY § 81.39?

Quick Answer

(a) When, in the opinion of an inspector or authorized employee of the Department, any equipment, utensil or vehicle in a food service establishment or non-retail food processing establishment presents an imminent health hazard, is in an unclean condition, or in disrepair or damaged to such an extent so as to render it

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

Michael Nacmias - Founding PartnerMichael Sargo - Partner
From the team atNacmias Law Firm, PLLCBrooklyn-based attorneys representingproperty owners across all five boroughsMeet the team →

§ 81.39 Food Service Establishments and Non-Retail Food Processing Establishments; Sealing of Unclean Equipment, Utensils and Vehicles; Denial, Suspension and Revocation of Permits; Enforcement.

RCNY § 81.39

(a)When, in the opinion of an inspector or authorized employee of the Department, any equipment, utensil or vehicle in a food service establishment or non-retail food processing establishment presents an imminent health hazard, is in an unclean condition, or in disrepair or damaged to such an extent so as to render it unsafe, such equipment, utensil, vehicle or any part thereof may be ordered sealed and its use immediately discontinued upon the approval of the director of the bureau of the Department enforcing this Article. Upon such sealing, the representative of the Department shall affix thereto labels or conspicuous signs bearing the word "unclean" or any other wording necessary to describe the sanitary condition or safety of the sealed equipment, utensil or vehicle, and he or she shall also prepare or cause to be prepared an order of the Commissioner or Department. The order and notice shall direct the discontinuance of the use or operation of the unclean article until it shall have been cleaned and made sanitary and safe, and the seals, labels or signs removed by a representative or with the authorization of the Department.

(b)When a food service establishment or non-retail food processing establishment is found upon inspection to be operating without a valid permit in violation of 24 RCNY Health Code § 81.05, the Department may order such establishment to close and cease all food operations immediately, and to remain closed until the establishment or operation has obtained and displays a valid permit.

(c)In addition to the forfeitures and penalties set forth in 24 RCNY Health Code Articles 3 and 5 of this Code, the Department may deny, suspend or revoke any permit or authorization issued pursuant to this Article when serious, repeated or persistent violations of any of the provisions of this Code have been found, or where interference with personnel of the Department in the performance of their duties or a violation of 24 RCNY Health Code § 5.17 occurs. Any person ordered to cease operation and service pursuant to this Article shall comply with such order immediately, and shall thereafter be provided with an opportunity to be heard pursuant to rule of the Department.

(d)The Department may deny or suspend a permit or authorization and order immediate cessation of operations and/or service of food at a food service establishment or non-retail food processing establishment if continued operation is an imminent hazard to public health. Any person ordered to cease operations and/or service of food pursuant to this subsection shall comply with such order immediately, and shall thereafter be provided with an opportunity to be heard pursuant to rule of the Department.

(e)Any order or notice issued pursuant to this section shall be served by personal delivery to the owner or person in charge of the food establishment, or by any method authorized by §§ 17-141 or 17-148 of the New York City Administrative Code, and an original thereof shall be filed with the Department.

(f)Seals, labels, signs, notices and orders affixed by the Department shall not be removed except by order of the Commissioner or his or her designated representative and not until the objectionable condition is removed or corrected.

Common Questions

Our team

Meet the people you will work with

Free case review

Have a matter that touches § 81.39?

Free 15-minute case review with the attorney handling your matter. Same-day response during business hours across all five boroughs — OATH hearings, Housing Court, and real estate closings.

Or email us

[email protected]

An attorney reads every message.

  • Same-day response

    During business hours

  • Direct attorney access

    Same lawyer from intake to close

  • Flat-fee pricing

    On most OATH and closing matters