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Cincinnati, OH

First Wok

3870 C Paxton Av

Last inspected Aug 21, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Approved - Minor Violations

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Aug 21, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

6 recorded violations

notedCode 3.2(D)Other

Official wording

3.2(D) - Food Storage Containers - Identified with Common Name of Food

Inspector’s notes

Working containers of food are not properly labeled. Unlabeled sugar container by woks. Label all food containers.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 5.4(G)(3)Other

Official wording

5.4(G)(3) - Storage Areas, Rooms, and receptacles-Capacity and Availability

Inspector’s notes

Refuse receptacle is not provided at each hand sink where using paper towels. No trash can below kitchen sink. Provide small trash can for discarded paper towels.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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. Ice scoop stored inside ice machine. Keep ice scoop out side the bin on clean surface. Corrected on site.

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 4.5(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. Mold in side ice machine. Discard ice clean and sanitize ice machine. 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 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. Mold on wall behind faucet assembly on wall. Clean faucet assembly and wall and repaint wall with mold resistant paint.

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 2.3(D)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.3(D) - Hair restraints, effectiveness

Inspector’s notes

Food employee(s) did not have their hair effectively restrained by wearing a hair covering. Pic did not have their effective restrained. Wear hair restrained when working in the 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

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

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Nov 4, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

6 recorded violations

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. Discontinue placing items in hand sink (Cardboard box)

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)(a)Food temperature

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being hot held at temperatures <135° F chicken on buffet line held at 114 degrees F--Reheated to 165

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. Observed sprouts held at room temperature. 66 degrees F--moved to 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 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. Cover or wrap all food containers in walk in freezer and cooler

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(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. Discontinue storing foods in grocery bags--store in food grade bags or containers only

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(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 cup in 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, Nov 4, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jun 24, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

6 recorded violations

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. Drip at faucet at prep sink and malfunctioning drain plug in bathroom--repair

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 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. Pudding held at 56 degrees F--maintain cold TCS foods at 41 degrees F or below. Ice added

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(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 3.2(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. Discontinue storing cut vegetables and cooked foods in grocery bags. Use food grade bags only. Discontinue storing container of flour on 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(N)(2)Other

Official wording

5.4(N)(2) - Covering Receptacles

Inspector’s notes

Outdoor refuse/recyclables/returnables receptacles are not covered with tight fitting lids or doors.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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 cup in 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, Jun 24, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Dec 5, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

10 recorded violations

notedCode 3.2(Q)Other

Official wording

3.2(Q) - Food Storage

Inspector’s notes

Food items are not protected from contamination during storage.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 5.1(O)(1)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(O)(1) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using a handwashing facility

Inspector’s notes

Access to handwashing facility blocked. Discontinue blocking access to hand sink. Discontinue storing items atop 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 6.4(F)Other

Official wording

6.4(F) - Facilities: Mops: Drying

Inspector’s notes

After use, mops are not placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls, equipment, or supplies.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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 5.4(N)(2)Facility maintenance

Official wording

5.4(N)(2) - Refuse/recyclables/returnables

Inspector’s notes

Outdoor refuse/recyclables/returnables receptacles are not covered with tight fitting lids or doors.

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 3.4(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. PIC to assure all Prepared TCS Foods (i.e. cooked rice, cooked chicken , egg rolls etc.) held > 24 hours have a DISCARD DATE. Best practice is to document both prep date and use by dates on each item

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 - TCS - hot and cold holding

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F. Observed pan of Bean Sprouts held on counter at room temperature. Maintain all 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 3.2(C)(1)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(C)(1) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Preventing Contamination by Separation, Packaging, and Segregation

Inspector’s notes

Ready-to-eat food was not protected from cross-contamination by raw animal food. Observed raw chicken stored above cooked chicken and other RTF. Store all raw foods beneath cooked and RTF

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

Inspector’s notes

Wet wiping cloth was not maintained in a sanitizer solution between uses.

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 3.2(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 in 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, Dec 5, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jul 16, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

11 recorded violations

notedCode 4.5(B)(1)(e)Contamination

Official wording

4.5(B)(1)(e) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Cleaning frequency

Inspector’s notes

Food-contact surfaces or utensils not cleaned when they were contaminated. Bulk sugar container is soiled--wash and sanitize all bulk containers before refilling

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 6.2(B)Handwashing

Official wording

6.2(B) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Facilities

Inspector’s notes

Each handwashing lavatory did not have a supply of hand cleanser. No soap in Men's bathroom

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 3.2(D)Other

Official wording

3.2(D) - Food Storage containers

Inspector’s notes

Working containers of food are not properly labeled. ID label all Bulk containers

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(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. PIC to assure all open processed foods (i.e Tofu etc) and prepared TCS foods (i.e cooked rice, noodles, chicken etc) held > 24 hours have a DISCARD DATE. Best practice is to document both open/prep and use by dates on each item

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)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(C)(1) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Preventing Contamination by Separation, Packaging, and Segregation

Inspector’s notes

Ready-to-eat food was not protected from cross-contamination by raw animal food. Observed raw chicken, raw shrimp stored above fresh cut vegetables and lettuce. Store raw foods beneath RTF

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 4.4(A)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.4(A)(1) - Equipment

Inspector’s notes

Equipment and/or components were not maintained in good working order. Chipped paint on shelving holding clean dishes

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 cup in 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
notedCode 5.1(O)(1)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(O)(1) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using a handwashing facility

Inspector’s notes

Access to handwashing facility blocked.

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 3.2(Y)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(Y) - Miscellaneous sources of contamination

Inspector’s notes

Miscellaneous sources of contamination observed. Observed cut cabbage stored in grocery bag. Store foods in food grade bags only

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 4.5(A)(1)Contamination

Official wording

4.5(A)(1) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment cleanliness

Inspector’s notes

Food-contact surfaces were dirty. Soiled pop dispenser nozzles. Maintain food contact surfaces clean daily

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(T)Other

Official wording

3.2(T) - Food preparation

Inspector’s notes

Food is not protected from environmental sources of contamination during preparation. Observed pan of flour on floor by grill area. Store all food items six inches off floor

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 16, 2024 · Original Source

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