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Cincinnati, OH

Blu Cafe

7301 Vine St

Last inspected Sep 23, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Approved - Minor Violations

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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

5 inspections

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Sep 23, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

5 recorded violations

notedCode 4.5(D)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.5(D) - Nonfood-contact surfaces - cleaning frequency

Inspector’s notes

Nonfood-contact surfaces are not cleaned frequently enough. Observed buildup of grease and debris on metal racks, prep tables, and refrigeration units. Ensure to clean as often as necessary.

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 6.1(I)(3)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(I)(3) - Light bulbs - protective shielding

Inspector’s notes

This rule does not apply to unopened packages that are unaffected by broken glass falling onto them and broken bulb debris can be cleaned from unopened packages. Observed no protective shielding on light above 3 compartment sink. Ensure to provide shielding or shatter proof bulbs.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 5.4(H)Other

Official wording

5.4(H) - Toilet room receptacle - covered

Inspector’s notes

There is no covered receptacle in women's/unisex bathroom. Provide covered receptacle in employee bathroom for feminine hygeine products.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 4.2(J)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.2(J) - Sanitizing solutions - Testing Devices

Inspector’s notes

There is no test kit available for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer.

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 6.4(N)(1)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.4(N)(1) - Maintaining premises: unnecessary items and litter.

Inspector’s notes

There are unnecessary or nonfunctional items and /or litter on the premises. Observed residential refrigerator, hot holding cabinet, small beverage cooler, and soda machine not in use in kitchen. Person in charge noted they do not use and will remove.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 23, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jan 21, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

1 recorded violation

notedCode 5.4(P)Facility maintenance

Official wording

5.4(P) - Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures

Inspector’s notes

A storage area and enclosure for refuse, recyclables, or returnables is to be maintained clean and free of unnecessary items, that is nonfunctional or longer used; and litter. Observed multiple nonfunctional items within facility. Nonfunctional items must be removed.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jan 21, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jan 16, 2026

Not In Compliance

11 recorded violations

notedCode 4.4(D)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.4(D) - Warewashing equipment: Cleaning Frequency

Inspector’s notes

Warewashing equipment and/or components were not cleaned throughout the day or before use.

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 3.4(C)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(C) - Thawing TCS

Inspector’s notes

TCS food was improperly thawed. Observed fish being thawed within stagnant water. Foods must be thawed under cool, running water.

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 5.1(S)(2)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

5.1(S)(2) - Plumbing System- Maintained in Good Repair

Inspector’s notes

Plumbing system is not maintained in good repair. Observed plumbing under 3-compartment sink in disrepair. It must be repaired.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 2.4(A)(1)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(A)(1) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Assignment of Responsibility

Inspector’s notes

No person in charge present in the food facility.

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 3.4(G)(4)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(G)(4) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Ready-to-eat, TCS - date marking

Inspector’s notes

Date marking was not done in a consistent manner according to the code.

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 4.6(C)(3)Contamination

Official wording

4.6(C)(3) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Sanitizing Frequency Utensils/Food Contact Surfaces - Before Use After Cleaning

Inspector’s notes

After being cleaned, food-contact surfaces and utensils were not sanitized using an effective or approved combination of exposure time, chemical concentration, temperature, and/or pH. Observed dishes being cleaned without being sanitized. All dishes must be sanitized.

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 3.2(C)(1)(a)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(C)(1)(a) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Packaged and Unpackaged Food - Separation, Packaging, and Segregation

Inspector’s notes

Ready-to-eat food was not protected from cross-contamination by raw animal food. Observed raw eggs being stored above RTE food. Eggs must be stored below RTE foods.

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 6.4(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

6.4(B)(1) - Cleaning- Frequency and Restrictions

Inspector’s notes

The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Observed a buildup on the floors. They must be 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
notedCode 6.1(I)(1)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(I)(1) - Light bulbs - protective shielding

Inspector’s notes

Light bulbs were not shielded or shatter-resistant in required areas.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 3.2(Q)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(Q) - Food Storage: Preventing Contamination from the Premises

Inspector’s notes

Food items are not protected from contamination during storage. Observed food being stored on the floor. Food must be stored at least 6-inches from the floor.

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 5.4(P)Facility maintenance

Official wording

5.4(P) - Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures

Inspector’s notes

A storage area and enclosure for refuse, recyclables, or returnables is to be maintained clean and free of unnecessary items, that is nonfunctional or longer used; and litter. Observed multiple nonfunctional items within facility. Nonfunctional items must be removed.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jan 16, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 3, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

notedCode 4.5(A)(2)(3)Food temperature

Official wording

4.5(A)(2)(3) - Food-Contact Surfaces of Cooking Equipment and Pans and Nonfood-Contact Surfaces Equipment

Inspector’s notes

Nonfood contact surfaces of equipment are to be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Reach in freezer needs to be defrosted. Spoke with owner of operation, plans on defrosting freezer soon.

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 3.5(D)(6)Other

Official wording

3.5(D)(6) - Other Forms of Information

Inspector’s notes

The license holder did not notify customers of the presence of major allergens as an ingredient in unpackaged food items served or sold to the customer. At time of inspection was not able to verify allergen notification for customers. Owner of operation said he is adding to new menu soon.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 2.4(A)(3)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(A)(3) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Certified Manager

Inspector’s notes

No manager had Ohio manager certification in food protection. Spoke with owner of operation and he is signing up for the next available Servsafe course.

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 3, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Sep 15, 2025

Not In Compliance

7 recorded violations

notedCode 4.5(A)(2)(3)Food temperature

Official wording

4.5(A)(2)(3) - Food-Contact Surfaces of Cooking Equipment and Pans and Nonfood-Contact Surfaces Equipment

Inspector’s notes

Nonfood contact surfaces of equipment are to be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Observed heavy ice buildup within freezer. Spoke with manager about defrosting.

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 3.5(D)(6)Other

Official wording

3.5(D)(6) - Other Forms of Information

Inspector’s notes

The license holder did not notify customers of the presence of major allergens as an ingredient in unpackaged food items served or sold to the customer. Could not verify an allergen warning for unpackaged foods. Spoke with manager about creating a small sign or adding a warning to the menu/online.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 2.4(C)(16)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.4(C)(16) - I. Employee Health - Person in Charge - Duties

Inspector’s notes

Food employees and conditional employees are not informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibilities to report to the person in charge, information about their health as it relates to diseases transmissible through food. Was not able to verify employee health reporting policy. Spoke with manager about having each employee read and sign and keep on file for inspections.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 2.4(A)(3)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(A)(3) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Certified Manager

Inspector’s notes

No manager had Ohio manager certification in food protection. Was not able to verify level 2 manager certification for risk level 3 food service. Spoke with manager about taking an approved course from ODH food safety manager courses and exams.

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 2.4(C)(18)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.4(C)(18) - I. Employee Health - Written Procedures for Cleaning Up Vomiting and Diarrheal Events

Inspector’s notes

No/inadequate written procedures for response to vomiting/diarrheal events. Gave manager Ohio Department of Health's guidance for cleaning and disinfecting vomit in a kitchen.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 5.1(O)(2)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(O)(2) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using a handwashing sink - Operation and Maintenance

Inspector’s notes

Handwashing facility is being used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a hose splitter hooked up to hand sink to connect water supply so chemical dispenser for mopping, etc. Spoke with manager about keeping hand sink open and accessible. If chemicals are needed, hook up hose and then detach after you have what you need.

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 3.4(F)(1)(b)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(F)(1)(b) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety Food - Cold Holding

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F. Observed ranch dressing at 50° F, spoke with manager about repairing or adjusting fridge temp to 41° F or below. Not a significant amount of TCS foods in fridge at time of inspection.

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 15, 2025 · Original Source

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