GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Cincinnati, OH

Carl's Deli

2836 Observatory Av

Last inspected Jul 29, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Approved - Minor Violations

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Carl's Deli has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

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

The full inspection history

7 inspections

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jul 29, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

8 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. Soiled fan in the basement where food and food contact surfaces stored. Clean fan.

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 7.2Chemicals

Official wording

7.2 - X. Chemical - Poisonous/toxic material - Separation/Location on Retail Display Shelving

Inspector’s notes

Poisonous/toxic materials for retail sale are stored improperly. Chemicals stored on line cooler above and with food. Keep all chemicals in separate area away from food and food contact surfaces to prevent chemical contamination. Corrected on site.

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(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. No discard date on chipotle dressing made in house. Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, TCS food that is prepared in the food facility and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours is MUST BE properly date marked. Corrected on site.

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 3.4(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. Salami held on temp. 54 F on line cooler. Cold Holding TCS foods MUSG BE held at temperatures 41° F or below. Corrected on site.

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. Food prep. Sink soiled. Keep food prep. Sink clean to prevent contamination. Observed food residues behind slicer blade. Clean slicer blade thoroughly to prevent contamination of old spoiled residues with fresh meat. Corrected on site.

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(M)(2)(a)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

3.2(M)(2)(a) - Wiping cloths - use limitation

Inspector’s notes

Wet wiping cloth was not maintained in a sanitizer solution between uses. Wet towels on table by cutting board. Wet wiping cloth MUST BE maintained in a sanitizer solution between uses. Corrected on site.

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(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.4(A) - Repairing

Inspector’s notes

The physical facilities were not maintained in good repair. Splash guard between hand sink and food prep. Counter was down. Keep splash guard up to prevent contamination by splashes during hand washing.

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 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. Missing shield on light in the basement dry storage area.

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, Jul 29, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Nov 19, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

2 recorded violations

notedCode 3.5(C)Food source and labeling

Official wording

3.5(C) - Food Labeling

Inspector’s notes

Food is not properly labeled. Grab and go or-packaged cheesecake, candy and loaves of Bread require the following information: ID label, Statement of Responsibility, Ingredient listing and sub ingredient listing, Net weight and use by date if applicable.

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 6.1(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(A) - Floors, walls, and ceilings

Inspector’s notes

The floors coverings, walls coverings, or ceilings are not designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Observed the accumulation of debris between wooden floor boards--repair/replace wooden flooring to enable a smooth cleanable surface

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, Nov 19, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jul 21, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

4 recorded violations

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. Remove piled up Matt's in basement --store all items off floor. Clean stair treads and area beneath stair well

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(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(A) - Floors, walls, and ceilings

Inspector’s notes

The floors coverings, walls coverings, or ceilings are not designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Wooden flooring (where old walk in cooler stood) is not tightly placed, observed debris between floor boards. Provide a smooth cleanable surface on floor. Replace stained ceiling tiles in basement store room. Chipped paint observed on walls beneath three comp shelf. Seal walls.

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 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 chipped paint on wooden shelves in pantry--Remove all damaged-seal to provide a smooth cleanable surface

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(K)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

In-use utensils are improperly stored. Discontinue storing cups inside sugar

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 21, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jan 3, 2025

Approved - Violations Abated

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

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

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Dec 10, 2024

Not In Compliance

6 recorded violations

notedCode 6.4(L)Pests

Official wording

6.4(L) - Facilities: Removing pests:

Inspector’s notes

The operator failed to remove dead pest(s) in a timely manner.

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
notedCode 4.8(F)Other

Official wording

4.8(F) - Storage

Inspector’s notes

Cleaned and sanitized equipment, utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles were stored in a prohibited area. Discontinue storing boxes of disposable food containers directly on floor

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(F)(1)(b)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(F)(1)(b) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - TCS - hot and cold holding

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F. Sliced Tomatoes, cut Avocados etc. held at 50-54 degrees F. When using an Ice Bath PIC to assure containers of food are submerged into Ice up to product line verses simply atop Ice. Time as a public Health control may be used with a a written policy approved by Health

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 6.1(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(A) - Facilities: Floors, walls, and ceilings

Inspector’s notes

The floors coverings, walls coverings, or ceilings are not designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Replace stained ceiling tiles (basement)

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 4.4(B)Other

Official wording

4.4(B) - Cutting surfaces.

Inspector’s notes

Cutting surface(s) unable to be effectively cleaned and sanitized.

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(A)Food temperature

Official wording

4.2(A) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Equipment

Inspector’s notes

There is not adequate equipment for cooling, heating or holding food.

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, Dec 10, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jul 19, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

4 recorded violations

notedCode 4.4(B)Other

Official wording

4.4(B) - Cutting surfaces.

Inspector’s notes

Cutting surface(s) unable to be effectively cleaned and sanitized.

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(F)(1)(b)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(F)(1)(b) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - TCS - hot and cold holding

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F. Observed several cold TCS foods (i.e humus, spinach, sliced tomatoes, etc) held between 55 and 60 degrees F. When using an ice bath PIC must assure containers of food are submerged into ice up to product line verses simply atop ice. FSO may benefit from using Time as a Public Health control or mechanical cold holding. Maintain cold TCS foods at 41 degrees F or below

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 6.1(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(A) - Facilities: Floors, walls, and ceilings

Inspector’s notes

The floors coverings, walls coverings, or ceilings are not designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Unfinished wooden floors, observed debris in cracks. Replace flooring to assure a smooth cleanable surface

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 4.2(A)Food temperature

Official wording

4.2(A) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Equipment

Inspector’s notes

There is not adequate equipment for cooling, heating or holding food.

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 19, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 18, 2023

Abated On-Site

7 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-03.4(G)(2)Food source and labeling

Official wording

"3717-1-03.4(G)(2) - Violation - RTE TCS, date marking-prepared in processing plant Ready-to-eat, TCS food that was prepared in a food processing plant and subsequently opened in a FSO or a RFE is not properly date marked."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: RTE TCS, date marking-prepared in processing plant Ready-to-eat, TCS food that was prepared in a food processing plant and subsequently opened in a FSO or a RFE is not properly date marked. Open bag of cubed chicken with no discard date CORRECTIVE ACTION: PIC to assure all open processed foods held > 24 hours has a discard date"

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 3717-1-05.1(O)(1)Handwashing

Official wording

"3717-1-05.1(O)(1) - Violation - Using a handwashing facility-Accessibility Access to handwashing facility blocked. "

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: Using a handwashing facility-Accessibility Access to handwashing facility blocked. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Discontinue blocking access to hand sink"

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 3717-1-06.1(M)(3)Pests

Official wording

"3717-1-06.1(M)(3) - Violation - Facilities-windows, doors protected Windows or doors were not protected against insects and rodents."

Inspector’s notes

"Facilities-windows, doors protected Windows or doors were not protected against insects and rodents. Seal all openings around cellar door"

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
notedCode 3717-1-06.4(L)Pests

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(L) - Violation - Facilities: Removing pests: The operator failed to remove dead pest(s) in a timely manner. "

Inspector’s notes

"Facilities: Removing pests: The operator failed to remove dead pest(s) in a timely manner. Dead roaches observed in basement"

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
notedCode 3717-1-05.1(O)(2)Handwashing

Official wording

"3717-1-05.1(O)(2) - Violation - Using handwashing facility-Other purposes Handwashing facility is being used for purposes other than handwashing. "

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: Using handwashing facility-Other purposes Handwashing facility is being used for purposes other than handwashing. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Discontinue using hand sink for food prep."

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 3717-1-03.2(T)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-03.2(T) - Violation - Food preparation-preventing contamination Food is not protected from environmental sources of contamination during preparation."

Inspector’s notes

"Food preparation-preventing contamination Food is not protected from environmental sources of contamination during preparation. Food preparation must not interfere with hand washing. PIC stated they plan to expand prep area to prevent customers from accessing rear of store thus allowing more counter space for food prep"

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 3717-1-04.8(F)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.8(F) - Violation - Storage-prohibitions. Cleaned and sanitized equipment, utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles were stored in a prohibited area."

Inspector’s notes

"Storage-prohibitions. Cleaned and sanitized equipment, utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles were stored in a prohibited area. Discontinue storing food containers directly on floor in basement"

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 Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 18, 2023 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby