Restaurant · Wake County, NC

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Name: Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Address: 1940 Golden Spur Ln, Wake County, NC

1940 Golden Spur Ln

Last inspected Aug 18, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Score 98.5

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Tropical Smoothie Cafe has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

Own this restaurant? Add an inspection badge to your website · Inspection prep checklist

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

The full inspection history

2 inspections

1 - Inspection

Aug 18, 2026

Score 98.5

Official score: 98.5 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

majorCode 3-302.12 Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)- Need to replace the worn labels on all working ingredient containers. Food that is easily and unmistakably recognizableFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food properly labeled: original container

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12 Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)- Need to replace the worn labels on all working ingredient containers. Food that is easily and unmistakably recognizable; such as dry pasta; is exempt. However; working containers holding food or food ingredients removed from their original packaging for use in the food establishment such as cooking oils; flour; herbs; potato flakes; salt; spices; and sugar must be labeled with the common name of the food.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

minorCode —Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-501.12 Cutting Surfaces (C)- Noted multiple scratched and scored cutting boards used within the establishment. Discussed replacing out noted cutting boards. Ensure all cutting boards are smooth and easily cleanable.

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

minorCode 4-601.11 (B) and (C) EquipmentCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11 (B) and (C) Equipment; Food-Contact Surfaces; Nonfood Contact Surfaces; and Utensils (C)- Detail cleaning needed for the interior surfaces of prep cooler units. Food contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations.

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

minorCode 6-501.12 CleaningCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12 Cleaning; Frequency and Restrictions- Noted an accumulation of ice build up along the interior base of the walk in freezer unit. (A)PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except for cleaning that is necessary due to a spill or other accident; cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing.

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 18, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Sep 12, 2025

Score 98.5

Official score: 98.5 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

notedCode 2-103.11(O) Ensure food employees are informed of their responsibility to report required symptomsPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

Management; food & conditional employee; knowledge; responsibilities & reporting

Inspector’s notes

2-103.11(O) Ensure food employees are informed of their responsibility to report required symptoms; illnesses and exposure.-PF; Establishment had an expired Employee Health Policy (Only big 5 not 6). CDI: REHS emailed PIC correct form.

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

notedCode 3-501.17 Date mark/label all TCS foods that are ready-to-eat once opened or prepared and held more than 24hrs. -PfFood source and labeling

Official wording

Proper date marking & disposition

Inspector’s notes

3-501.17 Date mark/label all TCS foods that are ready-to-eat once opened or prepared and held more than 24hrs. -Pf; Tomatoes and guac on make line not date marked. CDI: Items discarded. 3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired; if it is not been labeled; or if the label is incorrect. -P; Several items inside walk in and on make line past 7 days; some past the establishments one day date marking; and rice was still frozen but date on rice had exceeded 7 days. CDI: Items discarded and rice was dated correctly. If establishment is requiring only one; three or 7 days then those dates need to be followed. Also; once food items are removed from freezer the date of the removal from freezer shall be day one.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Sep 12, 2025 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby

Score 98.5

U Shogun Sushi Kitchen & Bar

Wendell · Wake County, NC·Restaurant

Jul 7, 20266 recorded violations

Score 97

Duck Donuts #213

Wendell · Wake County, NC·Restaurant

Aug 3, 20266 recorded violations

Score 97.5

Sonder Coffee

Wendell · Wake County, NC·Restaurant

Feb 18, 20262 recorded violations

Score 95

Don Beto's Tacos Tequila

Wendell · Wake County, NC·Restaurant

Mar 10, 20268 recorded violations