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Restaurant · Wake County, NC

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

1264 W Williams St

Last inspected Aug 4, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Score 95.5

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

1 - Inspection

Aug 4, 2026

Score 95.5

Official score: 95.5 · Understand this area’s scale

7 recorded violations

notedCode 3-501.14(B)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling time & temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.14(B); Priority; Watermelon cooling from ambient temp since this morning was observed between 43 and 47F in smoothie fliptop unit. Roasted sweet potato prepared from a commercial package and cooling since 9:26am was observed at 50 - 62F in reach-in unit. TCS foods shall be cooled within 4 hours to 41F or less if prepared from ingredients at ambient temperature. CDI- foods voluntarily discarded.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 3-501.16 (A)(2)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A)(2); Priority; Multiple TCS foods observed in fliptop refrigeration above 41F (see temp chart). TCS foods shall be maintained at 41F or less in refrigeration. CDI- foods more than 4 hours old were voluntarily discarded. Other foods placed on ice or moved to walk-in to cool. Refrigeration ambient temperature was at least 41F. Keep foods covered; use ice bags to cool and keep doors/lids closed to help maintain temperature if necessary.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 7-201.11Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-201.11; Priority; Bulk bleach bottle stored on shelf above three compartment sink. Poisonous or toxic materials shall be stored so that they do not contaminate equipment; utensils; food or single-use articles. CDI- bottle moved to chemical storage area. No point taken.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
notedCode 3-501.15Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15; Priority Foundation; Cut watermelon and sweet potato did not cool fast enough due to ineffective cooling methods. Cooling shall be accomplished by using one or more of the following methods based on the type of food being cooled: (1) Placing the food in shallow pans; (2) Separating the food into smaller or thinner portions; (3) Using rapid cooling equipment (freezer/walk-in cooler); (4) Stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath; (5) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; (6) Adding ice as an ingredient; or (7) Other effective methods. Leave foods vented or uncovered if protected from overhead contamination until cooling is complete. CDI- foods voluntarily discarded.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 3-305.11Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11; Core; Two boxes of food were observed on freezer floor. Food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food in a clean; dry location; where it is not exposed to splash; dust; or other contamination; and at least 6 inches above the floor. CDI - boxes placed on shelf. No point taken

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 4-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11; Core; Ice scoop holder is cracked at the bottom. Blender base on one blender is badly damaged and metal frame is exposed and rusting. Equipment shall be kept in good repair. Replace these items. 4-202.11; Priority Foundation; Laminated recipe cards are taped to cutting board in front of sandwich prep area. Edges of tape are peeling and prevent proper cleaning. Multiuse food-contact surfaces shall be: (1) Smooth; (2) Free of breaks; open seams; cracks; chips; inclusions; pits; and similar imperfections; (3) Free of sharp internal angles; corners; and crevices; (4) Finished to have smooth welds and joints CDI- PIC removed the cards and tape. Utilize an alternative method of displaying or reading recipe cards so food-contact surface is not compromised.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 6-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.11; Core; FRP wall coating is in poor repair at wall joints above mop sink. Wall joint caulking is also coming apart in this location. Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Repair this area. Full point may be taken for repeat violations.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Aug 4, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Oct 2, 2025

Score 98.5

Official score: 98.5 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

notedCode 3-304.12 (E)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

In-use utensils: properly stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.12 (E); Core; Ice scoop was stored in soiled holder. Brown residue observed on bottom of holder. In-use utensils; such as ice scoops or utensils for non-TCS food; must be stored in a clean and protected location. CDI- Holder and scoop removed for cleaning.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 4-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11; Core; Ice scoop holder is cracked at the bottom. Several metal container lids were observed rusting underneath and the shiny coating on top is flaking. Coating on base of blender is peeling which prevents easy cleaning. Equipment shall be kept in good repair. Replace these items. 4-202.16; Core; Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be free of unnecessary ledges; projections; and crevices; and designed and constructed to allow easy cleaning and to facilitate maintenance. Replace flaking and rusting container lids.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 6-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.11; Core; FRP wall coating is in poor repair at wall joints above mop sink. Wall joint caulking is also coming apart in this location. Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Repair this area.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Oct 2, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jan 8, 2025

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

notedCode 5-205.11Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-205.11; Priority Foundation; A large cardboard box of smoothies sitting on top of the front handwashing sink; rendering it unusable. Handwashing sinks may be used for handwashing only. This is not a storage area and it discourages handwashing. CDI - Cardboard box removed from handwashing sink area.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 7-201.11Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-201.11; Priority; Various cleaners and chemicals stored above paper products including; but not limited to paper towels; napkins; and toilet paper. Poisonous or toxic materials shall be stored so that they do not contaminate single-service and single-use articles. CDI - PIC to move chemicals below single-service/use items.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
notedCode 4-602.13Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13; Core; All prep line cooler interiors soiled with food and debris. Surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Increase cleaning frequency.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 6-501.12Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12; Core; Walls behind coolers and the handwashing sink in the front prep area are soiled with food splatter and debris. Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Increase cleaning frequency.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jan 8, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jul 26, 2024

Score 98

Official score: 98 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

majorCode 4-601.11 (A)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Various utensils stored as clean soiled with food and debris. Food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI - Items moved to be thoroughly cleaned.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
criticalCode 7-201.11Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-201.11; Priority; Various cleaners and chemicals stored above sandwich bags and food-grade paper used for food preparation. Poisonous or toxic materials shall be stored so that they do not contaminate single-service and single-use articles. CDI - PIC to move chemicals below single-service/use items.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
minorCode 4-602.13Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13; Core; Walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer gaskets soiled with pink and brown accumulation. The cleanliness of all prep line coolers has improved tremendously. Surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jul 26, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Feb 19, 2024

Score 96

Official score: 96 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

minorCode 2-102.12 (A)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

2-102.12 (A); Core; PIC is not a Certified Food Protection Manager. Must have a CFPM on site during all hours of operation.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
majorCode 4-601.11 (A)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Multiple utensils stored as clean soiled with food debris. Food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI - Items moved to be thoroughly cleaned.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
criticalCode 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Multiple TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods holding above 41 F in the make line cooler. Refer to temperature chart above. TCS foods shall hold at 41 F or below. CDI - Bags of ice added to facilitate cooling. Inspection conducted during a busy period.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 3-305.11Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11; Core; Containers of food stored in pooled water in the bottom of the smoothie prep refrigerator. Store food on clean dry surfaces.; 3-305.11; Core; Boxes of food stored on the floor. Food shall be stored at least 6 inches above the floor to prevent contamination.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
minorCode 4-602.13Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13; Core; All prep line cooler interiors soiled with food debris. Walk-in cooler and all prep cooler gaskets soiled with food debris and accumulation. Surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Increase cleaning frequency.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Feb 19, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Nov 7, 2023

Score 98.5

Official score: 98.5 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

criticalCode 2-301.12Handwashing

Official wording

Hands clean & properly washed

Inspector’s notes

2-301.12; Priority; Following handwashing; an employee did not dry their hands with a hand drying device. Food employees shall immediately follow the cleaning procedure with thorough drying using a drying device such as paper towels. CDI - Employee educated. Hands re-washed.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 6-501.111Pests

Official wording

Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111; Core; Fruit flies observed in facility. The premises shall be maintained free of insects; rodents; and other pests. Increase pest control measures.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
minorCode 3-305.11Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11; Core; Containers of kale and spinach stored in pooled water in the bottom of the smoothie prep refrigerator. Store food on clean dry surfaces.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
minorCode 4-903.11(A)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(A); (B) and (D); Core; Containers holding clean utensils soiled with food debris. Cleaned equipment and utensils shall be stored in a clean location.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
minorCode 4-602.13Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13; Core; All make line cooler interiors soiled with food debris. Gaskets (all make line) soiled with food debris and pink/black accumulation. Surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Increase cleaning frequency.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Nov 7, 2023 · Original Source

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