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Cincinnati, OH

Cantina

1200 Broadway

Last inspected Aug 6, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Approved - Minor Violations

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Aug 6, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

2 recorded violations

notedCode 4.4(A)(2)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.4(A)(2) - Equipment - Good Repair and Proper Adjustment

Inspector’s notes

Equipment components were not intact, tight or properly adjusted. Observed the dishwasher in the basement is currently not working. PIC stated that all dishes are being washed and sanitized in the three compartment sink.

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 3701-21-22Other

Official wording

3701-21-22 - Food Choking Standards

Inspector’s notes

Facility did not have accessible instructions for removing food of a choking victim accessible to the public as well as food employees.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Aug 6, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jul 30, 2026

Not In Compliance

14 recorded violations

notedCode 3.2(K)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

3.2(K) - In-use utensils - between-use storage

Inspector’s notes

In-use utensils are improperly stored. Observed several ice scoops throughout the facility that were stored on unsanitized surfaces. Ensure ice scoops are stored on sanitized surfaces or in a clean protected 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
notedCode 3.3(G)Food source and labeling

Official wording

3.3(G) - V. Food from Approved Source - Parasite Destruction - Records, Creation and Retention

Inspector’s notes

There was no documentation of parasite destruction by the operator or supplier for fish that are served raw or undercooked.

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
notedCode 4.4(N)(1-5)Chemicals

Official wording

4.4(N)(1-5) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Manual/Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization Criteria

Inspector’s notes

A chemical sanitizer was unregistered or improperly used. Observed the warewashing machine downstairs was producing a sanitizing rinse that was at a lower concentration than the required 50-99 PPM of chlorine. Ensure the warewashing machine is serviced to produce the correct concentration of sanitizer on the rinse cycle.

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 3.4(H)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(H)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Ready-to-eat, TCS - disposition

Inspector’s notes

Ready-to-eat, TCS food was not discarded by the date mark, or was undated and not discarded or was not discarded when the date mark exceeded the required time/temperature combination. Observed food items that were not discarded by the date indicated on the date marking. Ensure ready-to-eat, TCS food is discarded when the date mark exceeded the required time/temperature combination.

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 4.5(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 a buildup of residue inside of the soda gun receptacles. Ensure the soda gun receptacles are cleaned more frequently and maintained clean.

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 thawed fish in ROP packaging in the walk-in cooler. Ensure fish is removed from ROP packaging before thawing in a cooler.

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 4.8(E)(1)(3)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.8(E)(1)(3) - Single-Service Articles and Single-Use Articles - Storage

Inspector’s notes

Single-service and single-use articles were not stored in the original protective package or were stored by means that did not protect them from contamination. Observed single-use items stored on the floor in the downstairs storage area. Ensure single-service and single-use articles are stored in a clean, dry location that is at least six inches above of the floor. PIC moved the items off of the floor.

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 3.2(A)(2)Handwashing

Official wording

3.2(A)(2) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Preventing Contamination from Hands: Bare Hand Contact RTE Food

Inspector’s notes

Food employee was touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands. Bartender stated they add garnishes to drinks with their bare hands. Ensure employees are not touching ready-to-eat foods with bare hands. EHSIT discussed with the PIC about discontinuing this practice. +COS

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 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.

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.

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)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(G)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Ready-to-eat, TCS - date marking

Inspector’s notes

Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, TCS food that is prepared in the food facility and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours is not properly date marked. Observed inconsistent date marking on prepared food throughout the facility. Some items were given 14 days from preparation, some items prepared on the same day had different discard dates. Ensure refrigerated, ready-to-eat, TCS food that is prepared in the food facility and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours is properly date marked.

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 4.5(A)(1)Contamination

Official wording

4.5(A)(1) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils: Clean to Sight and Touch

Inspector’s notes

Food-contact surfaces were not clean to the sight and touch. Observed a buildup of suspected mold on the interior food contact surfaces of the ice machine. Ensure the interior food contact surfaces of the ice machine are clean to the sight and touch. PIC discontinued use of the ice machine and assure the EHSIT it would be cleaned once the ice had been removed.

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 3.1(R)Food source and labeling

Official wording

3.1(R) - V. Food from Approved Source - Molluscan Shellfish - Maintaining Identification

Inspector’s notes

Shellfish tags were removed from the container, were improperly maintained or more than one shellfish container was in use. 1. Observed a package of oysters that was opened and the tag was not retained with the packaging. 2. The date the last oyster was sold was not marked on the tag. Ensure the shellfish tags are retained with the package of shellfish until the last shellfish is sold, marked the date the last shellfish is sold on the tag, then retained the tags for 90 days from when the last oyster was sold.

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
notedCode 3701-21-22Other

Official wording

3701-21-22 - Food Choking Standards

Inspector’s notes

Facility did not have accessible instructions for removing food of a choking victim accessible to the public as well as food employees.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jul 30, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Feb 9, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

5 recorded violations

notedCode 4.0(I)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.0(I) - Nonfood-Contact Surfaces - Materials

Inspector’s notes

The nonfood contact surface is no longer corrosion -resistant, nonabsorbent and/or smooth. Observed metal tables no longer corrosion -resistant, nonabsorbent and/or smooth. Replace or clean tables.

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 5.1(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

5.1(B)(1) - Approved System and Cleanable Fixtures

Inspector’s notes

Plumbing system is not designed, constructed, and installed according to the Ohio building code. Observed y splitter on mop sink faucet that has a backflow preventer not designed for continuous back pressure.

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(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 heat treated adobo peppers holding at 52 ° F for less than two hours. Peppers were placed back in cold holding. +COS

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 3.2(C)(1)(H)Contamination

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Food is stored unwrapped or in uncovered containers. Observed containers in walk in and reach in fridge uncovered. Containers were covered. +COS

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 5.3(C)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

5.3(C) - Backflow Prevention

Inspector’s notes

An indirect connection as specified by the Ohio Plumbing Code was not provided between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food, portable equipment, or utensils are placed. Observed cone structure between equipment pipes and drain. PIC assured cone structure would be removed to provide necessary air gap. +COS

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Feb 9, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jul 17, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

2 recorded violations

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 sour cream at 46ºF and pickled red onions holding at 45ºF. Items were moved to refrigerator maintaining proper temperature. +COS

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 4.4(A)(2)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.4(A)(2) - Equipment - Good Repair and Proper Adjustment

Inspector’s notes

Equipment components were not intact, tight or properly adjusted. Prep refrigerator was not maintaining TCS foods in top portion below 41ºF. Do not place TCS foods back into top portion until it can be ensured that TCS foods will be maintained below 41ºF. PIC said they contacted refrigeration service company.

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jul 17, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jul 14, 2025

Not In Compliance

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3.4(J)Other

Official wording

3.4(J) - Conducting Special Process without a Required Variance

Inspector’s notes

The license holder did not obtain a required variance from ODH or ODA. Observed Prague salt used for pork without variance from ODH. Operator removed Prague salt and said the process would be discontinued. +COS

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 3.5(E)Food source and labeling

Official wording

3.5(E) - VII. Consumer Advisory - Consumer Advisory

Inspector’s notes

The consumer was not properly advised of the risk of consuming raw or undercooked animal foods. Observed no asterisk for Ceviche. Recommended to operator to discontinue serving raw ceviche until proper consumer advisory and documentation of parasite destruction could be provided.

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
notedCode 3.3(G)Food source and labeling

Official wording

3.3(G) - V. Food from Approved Source - Parasite Destruction - Records, Creation and Retention

Inspector’s notes

There was no documentation of parasite destruction by the operator or supplier for fish that are served raw or undercooked. Observed ceviche with raw snapper and mahi mahi and no documentation of parasite destruction was available. Discontinue offering raw or partially cooked fish with a parasite hazard until proper documentation can be provided.

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
notedCode 3.2(R)(1)(3-9)Other

Official wording

3.2(R)(1)(3-9) - Food storage - Excluded Locations

Inspector’s notes

Food is stored in an unapproved location. Observed spices stored under unshielded sewer lines. Observed single use items stored under unshielded sewer lines.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 3.4(E)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(E)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Cooling methods

Inspector’s notes

The operator is not using an effective method for cooling. Observed pico de gallo (56ºF) and shrimp (46ºF) that were in a refrigerator not capable of cooling them effectively. Items were moved to a refrigerator that could cool them effectively. Adjust refrigerator prior to placing TCS foods back into it. +COS

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, Jul 14, 2025 · Original Source

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