Salt Bae can deal with food critics — but he is trying to avoid a bigger threat to his new Manhattan restaurant: the Department of Health.

The chef, whose real name is Nusret Gökçe, was seen wearing black gloves at his Midtown restaurant, Nusr-Et, after an Eater article suggested he committed health code violations in his signature meat-slicing and salt-sprinkling moves that have racked up over 16 million views.

“According to article 81 of New York City’s health code, bare hand contact with food that is ‘ready to eat’ is prohibited,” the food site writes. “And it should be noted that Salt Bae’s fingers are not merely grazing the meats he cuts; he’s all up in there — not that the health code makes distinctions between light touching and heavy petting of meats.”

Gökçe also wears a large gold watch on his left wrist, apparently violating another article 81 clause restricting food service workers from accessorizing — with the exception of wedding rings and medical alert wristbands.

A Department of Health source confirmed the bare hands and jewelry rule to The Post.

The chef’s gloved hands were tweeted by PR hotshot Ronn Torossian, who dissed his dish at Nusr-Et just last week in the Observer.

But he’s not the only one. Gökçe’s newly opened steak joint has left many critics unsatisfied. Complaints include high prices, leathery meats and meager portions.

Salt Bae became an internet sensation after clips of his showy culinary performances went viral. He has opened several restaurants including locations in Turkey, Dubai and Miami.

“We are investigating this complaint,” a Department of Health spokesperson said.

A rep for Salt Bae did not immediately respond to The Post’s inquiries.

Additional reporting by Lauren Steussy