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Cincinnati, OH

Gold Star Chili

4540 Reading Rd

Last inspected Mar 25, 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

6 inspections

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Mar 25, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

9 recorded violations

notedCode 7.0(B)Chemicals

Official wording

7.0(B) - X. Chemical - Working Containers - Common Name

Inspector’s notes

Working containers of poisonous/toxic materials are not labeled. Unlabeled cahemicals on both sides of mechanical dish washer. Keep all chemicals below or away from food and food contact surfaces to prevent 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 3.2(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 aioli and other service bottles.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 6.4(M)Other

Official wording

6.4(M) - Storing maintenance tools

Inspector’s notes

Maintenance tools such as brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners and similar items are improperly stored Broom and dust pan stored both sides of hand washing sink. Keep all cleaning tools away from food and food contact surfaces. Corrected on site.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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. Moldy caulk on back wall of 3 comp. Sink. Replace caulk.

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 5.4(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 or near hand washing sink in dish washing room. Refuse receptacle provide at each hand sink where using 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 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. Exhaust fan inside walk in cooler soiled. Clean it regularly to prevent dust and dirt build up.

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 6.2(E)Handwashing

Official wording

6.2(E) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Handwashin Signage

Inspector’s notes

A handwashing sign was not posted at all handwashing lavatories. No hand washing sign posted on hand sink in dish washing room.

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. Soiled laundry stored on food prep. Sink. Do not put anything in food prep. Sink which can cause potential contamination of food. Use food prep.sink to prepare food only. 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 5.1(O)(1)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(O)(1) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using a handwashing sink - Operation and Maintenance

Inspector’s notes

Access to handwashing facility blocked. Hans washing sink blocked by bread cart. Keep hand sink available for hand washing at all time. Corrected on site.

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Mar 25, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Oct 17, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

4 recorded violations

notedCode 3701-21-02(I)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

3701-21-02(I) - Display of License

Inspector’s notes

FSO license not displayed onsite.

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 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. Pop dispenser nozzles were soiled--clean

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 4.8(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. Discontinue storing boxes of disposable cups etc. directly on 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 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. Interior of Atoza cooler is soiled--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

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

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Apr 30, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

6 recorded violations

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. Adjust shelf in dish room holding chemicals to six inches off floor to enable accessible cleaning beneath

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 4.8(G)(2)Other

Official wording

4.8(G)(2) - Kitchenware and Tableware - Handling

Inspector’s notes

Knives, forks, and spoons that are not prewrapped were not presented so that only the handles are touched by employees or consumers. Display plastic utensils inverted/handles up

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 4.1(Z)Food temperature

Official wording

4.1(Z) - Temperature Measuring Device - Functionality

Inspector’s notes

Temperature measuring devices are missing, not correctly placed, not readable, or of improper design.

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 6.4(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.

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 2.4(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. Information provided

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 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. Discontinue storing boxes of disposable cups, bowls etc directly on 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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Apr 30, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Oct 21, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

4 recorded violations

notedCode 5.1(O)(2)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(O)(2) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using handwashing facility

Inspector’s notes

Handwashing facility is being used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed fly shatters inside handsink

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(G)(2)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(G)(2) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Ready-to-eat, TCS - date marking

Inspector’s notes

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 lettuce with discard date of 10/16. Manager stated that the date was not removed from container.

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 7.0(B)Chemicals

Official wording

7.0(B) - X. Chemical - Poisonous/toxic material

Inspector’s notes

Working containers of poisonous/toxic materials are not labeled. ID label all chemical spray bottles

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 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 containers 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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 21, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jun 26, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

6 recorded violations

notedCode 5.4(P)Facility maintenance

Official wording

5.4(P) - Refuse/recyclables/returnables

Inspector’s notes

Storage area and enclosure for refuse/recyclables/returnables is not clean or free of unnecessary items.

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 6.4(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 2.1(A)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.1(A) - I. Employee Health - Management and personnel: employee health

Inspector’s notes

License holder did not require employee(s) to report certain diseases, symptoms or high risk situations as specified by law. Implement and maintain Employee Health Policy--information provided

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 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 cups 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 6.4(H)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

6.4(H) - Facilities: Cleaning of plumbing fixtures

Inspector’s notes

Plumbing fixtures are being kept clean and maintained. Clean bathrooms

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 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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jun 26, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Dec 5, 2023

Not Abated

3 recorded violations

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. Observed ice cubes in hand sink CORRECTIVE ACTION: Hand sink to be used for hand washing only"

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 3717-1-04.8(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 boxes of food containers and cups directly on floor"

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 3717-1-06.4(F)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(F) - Violation - Facilities: Mops: Drying After use, mops are not placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls, equipment, or supplies."

Inspector’s notes

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

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, 2023 · Original Source

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