ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Jun 30, 2026
Approved - Violations Abated
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jun 30, 2026 · Original Source
Cincinnati, OH
Hook Fish & Chicken
5000 Reading Rd
Last inspected Jun 30, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Approved - Violations Abated
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
8 inspectionsROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Jun 16, 2026
Not In Compliance
25 recorded violations
notedCode 2.4(B)(2)(f)Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
2.4(B)(2)(f) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Demonstration of Knowledge
Inspector’s notes
The person in charge could not state the correct food temperature and time for safe cooking of TCS food. Person in charge was not sure of proper cooking temperatures for chicken. All poultry must be cooked to 165°F and above.
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 issuesnotedCode 3.2(M)(4)Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
3.2(M)(4) - Wiping cloths - use limitation
Inspector’s notes
There was visible dirt and debris on wiping cloths or the sanitizing solution used to hold wet wiping cloths is not free of food debris and visible soil.
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 problemsnotedCode 2.4(B)(1)Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
2.4(B)(1) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Demonstration of Knowledge
Inspector’s notes
The person in charge was unable to demonstrate the necessary food safety knowledge by having no critical violations during the current inspection.
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 issuesnotedCode 4.5(B)(4)(e)Contamination
Official wording
4.5(B)(4)(e) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment Food Contact Surfaces and Utensils – Cleaning Frequency
Inspector’s notes
Food storage equipment is not cleaned frequently enough. Observed soiled food storage containers. Clean before refilling flour and batter containers.
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 contaminationnotedCode 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. Freezer flooring no longer smooth or corrosion resistant.
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 problemsnotedCode 3.2(I)(1)Other
Official wording
3.2(I)(1) - Food Storage or Display: Contact with Water or Ice
Inspector’s notes
Food items are stored or displayed directly in contact with ice, water or undrained ice. Raw fish is stored in undrained water in bins.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 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 raw shrimp, fish, and chicken in walk in cooler without coverings. Observed chicken cooling on a rack without partial covering.
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 contaminationnotedCode 3.3(D)(2)Food temperature
Official wording
3.3(D)(2) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Non-Continuous Cooking of Raw Animal Foods
Inspector’s notes
Non-continuously cooked raw animal foods were not immediately cooled after initial heating. Observed partially cooked chicken that are not being properly cooled. Discarded all chicken.
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 temperaturenotedCode 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. Gener cleanliness of equipment from grease and food residues.
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 temperaturenotedCode 6.1(M)Other
Official wording
6.1(M) - Outer Openings - Protected
Inspector’s notes
Outer openings of a food facility were not protected against the entry of insects and rodents. Door sweep on back door must be replaced to prevent pest from entering.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 3.4(C)Food temperature
Official wording
3.4(C) - Thawing TCS
Inspector’s notes
TCS food was improperly thawed. Observed vacuum sealed fish improperly thawing without cutting the seal open for fish. Vacuum sealed fish must be cut open to prevent botulism.
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 temperaturenotedCode 4.8(F)Other
Official wording
4.8(F) - Single Use/Single- Service Article Storage - Excluded Locations
Inspector’s notes
Cleaned and sanitized equipment, utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles were stored in a prohibited area. Observed single use to go containers, cup boxes stored directly on floor. All items must be 6 inches off floor.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 2.2(C)Handwashing
Official wording
2.2(C) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Hands and arms - When to Wash
Inspector’s notes
Food employee(s) did not wash hands in situations that specifically require them to do so. Food employees are not washing hands when switching task, dawning new gloves, etc.
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 problemsnotedCode 2.4(C)(7)Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
2.4(C)(7) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Person in charge - duties
Inspector’s notes
The person in charge is not ensuring that employees are properly cooking TCS foods and/or that employees are using appropriate and properly scaled and calibrated thermometers as required. Food employees are not checking foods as they come out of the fryer. Make sure large batches of food are being tempted.
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 issuesnotedCode 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 or a roast <130° F. Observed bins of partially cooked chicken sitting out at room temperature. Discarded all chicken.
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 temperaturenotedCode 3.3(D)(6)Food temperature
Official wording
3.3(D)(6) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Non-Continuous Cooking of Raw Animal Foods
Inspector’s notes
Non-continuously cooked raw animal foods not prepared according to proper, approved written procedures. Observed chicken that were partially cooked in bins sitting out at room temperature. Risk level 4 activity, all chicken should be cooked to 165 and cooked to order. Discarded all chicken.
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 temperaturenotedCode 4.5(B)(3)Contamination
Official wording
4.5(B)(3) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment Food Contact Surfaces and Utensils – Cleaning Frequency
Inspector’s notes
Surfaces and/or utensils used for TCS foods not cleaned every 4 hours. Utensils, spatulas, knives are not being cleaned throughout the day and every 4 hours. Had PIC switch utensils to be cleaned.
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 contaminationnotedCode 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 fish stored above ready to eat coleslaw in prep cooler up front. PIC rearranged cooler 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 contaminationnotedCode 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.
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 problemsnotedCode 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 problemsnotedCode 6.3(C)(2)Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
6.3(C)(2) - Employee Accommodations-Designated Areas
Inspector’s notes
Lockers or other suitable facilities are located in an area where contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service or single-use articles can occur. Observed employee drinks and personal items where equipment could get contaminated. Store drinks on low shelves to prevent spills.
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 issuesnotedCode 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. 1. Water is dripping onto food boxes and packages in walk in freezer. 2. Food items are not stored 6 inches off 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 contaminationnotedCode 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. Thermometers are missing in walk in cooler, reach in coolers.
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 temperaturenotedCode 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. Walk in freezer door needs fixed, freezer floors need replaced, water drip pipe broken and needs replaced, fans dripping condensation needs repaired.
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 issuesnotedCode 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. Flour and batter scoops are stored directly in contact with food. Store in a clean dry location with handles outside food.
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 issuesOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jun 16, 2026 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Dec 30, 2025
Approved - Minor Violations
3 recorded violations
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.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 4.5(B)(5)Contamination
Official wording
4.5(B)(5) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment Food Contact Surfaces and Utensils – Cleaning Frequency
Inspector’s notes
Surfaces of utensils or equipment contacting non-TCS food were not cleaned at appropriate frequency.
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 contaminationnotedCode 4.4(F)(2)Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
4.4(F)(2) - Warewashing sinks: Use Limitation
Inspector’s notes
Warewashing sink was not properly cleaned and/or sanitized.
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 problemsOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Dec 30, 2025 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
May 9, 2025
Approved - Minor Violations
2 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 problemsnotedCode 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 problemsOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, May 9, 2025 · Original Source
COMPLAINT - COMPLAINT
Mar 14, 2025
Approved - No Violations
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Mar 14, 2025 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Oct 21, 2024
Approved - Minor Violations
6 recorded violations
notedCode 6.1(L)Other
Official wording
6.1(L) - Facilities: Toilet rooms - enclosed
Inspector’s notes
A toilet room wasn't completely enclosed or lacks a self-closing door.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 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.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 3.2(C)(8)Contamination
Official wording
3.2(C)(8) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Protection from Contamination
Inspector’s notes
Food is stored unwrapped or in uncovered containers.
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 contaminationnotedCode 6.1(I)(1)Facility maintenance
Official wording
6.1(I)(1) - Facilities: 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 issuesnotedCode 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.
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 problemsnotedCode 6.4(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
6.4(B)(1) - Facilities: Cleaning: Frequency
Inspector’s notes
The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Walls floors are soiled dirty. Floor for the walk in freezer covered with ice . Clean the walls and floor maintin 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 problemsOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 21, 2024 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Apr 23, 2024
Approved - Minor Violations
3 recorded violations
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. WIPPING CLOTHS STORED WET ON THE PREP AREA.
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 problemsnotedCode 4.8(E)(1)Equipment and utensils
Official wording
4.8(E)(1) - Equipment, utensils, linens, single-service articles, and single-use articles - storage
Inspector’s notes
Cleaned equipment or utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles are not stored in a clean, dry location, protected from contamination. Box of disposable items stored directly on the floor in the back room.
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 issuesnotedCode 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. In use utensils stored on dirty 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 issuesOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Apr 23, 2024 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Dec 18, 2023
Not Abated
3 recorded violations
notedCode 3717-1-04.5(D)Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
"3717-1-04.5(D) - Violation - Non-food contact surfaces-Cleaning Frequency Nonfood-contact surfaces are not cleaned frequently enough."
Inspector’s notes
"Walk in freezer door is dirty Nonfood-contact surfaces are not cleaned frequently enough."
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 problemsnotedCode 3717-1-03.2(M)(2)(a)Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
"3717-1-03.2(M)(2)(a) - Violation - Wiping cloths-use limitation Wet wiping cloth was not maintained in a sanitizer solution between uses."
Inspector’s notes
"Wiping cloths-use limitation 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 problemsnotedCode 3717-1-03.2(D)Food source and labeling
Official wording
"3717-1-03.2(D) - Violation - Food Storage containers-common name ID Working containers of food are not properly labeled."
Inspector’s notes
"Food Storage containers-common name ID Working containers of food are not properly labeled."
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 problemsOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Dec 18, 2023 · Original Source