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Cincinnati, OH

Iris Book Café

1331 Main St

Last inspected Apr 30, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Approved - No 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

8 inspections

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Apr 30, 2026

Approved - No Violations

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

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

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Nov 5, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

1 recorded violation

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 slightly soiled shelves where clean cups are stored. Must be cleaned. Person in charge stated they will be doing a deep clean soon.

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, Nov 5, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jun 9, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

3 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. 1. Observed food debris accumulation under the prep cooler hood. Must be cleaned. 2. Observed food and other debris accumulating on the floor vents. Must be cleaned. 3. Observed coffee grounds accumulating on the shelfs where clean glasses are stored. Must be cleaned more frequently to prevent coffee ground from contaminating clean equipment.

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(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. Observed that the Ohio Manager Certification in Food Protection was not available on-site. Certification must be maintained at the facility and made available upon request.

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. Observed coffee grounds inside the ice machine, which is located next to the coffee bean grinder. The Person in Charge (PIC) moved the ice machine back to reduce the risk of contamination from coffee grounds

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jun 9, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Dec 2, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

2 recorded violations

notedCode 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. Observed accumulation of food debris, mostly coffee grounds, on the floor in the kitchen area. Must be cleaned in order to maintain sanitary conditions and prevent the presence of pests in the facility.

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 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. Observed accumulation of biofilm inside the ice machine. Must 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 contamination

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Dec 2, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Sep 26, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

1 recorded violation

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. Observed build up of stains inside the ice machine. Must be emptied so that it can be properly cleaned and sanitized.

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

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

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jan 8, 2024

Abated

1 recorded violation

notedCode 3717-1-04.4(A)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

"3717-1-04.4(A)(1) - Violation - Equipment-good repair and proper adjustment. Equipment and/or components were not maintained in good working order."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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, Jan 8, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Dec 12, 2023

Abated

6 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-05.3(C)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

"3717-1-05.3(C) - Violation - Drainage system-prohibited direct connections A direct connection exists between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food, portable equipment, or utensils are placed."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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 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

"Violation has been abated"

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(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

"Violation has been abated"

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(J)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

"3717-1-05.1(J) - Violation - Backflow prevention device-when required An air gap or an approved backflow prevention device is not installed as required."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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 3717-1-02.3(C)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

"3717-1-02.3(C) - Violation - Hair restraints, effectiveness Food employee(s) did not have their hair effectively restrained."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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 3717-1-04.4(A)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

"3717-1-04.4(A)(1) - Violation - Equipment-good repair and proper adjustment. Equipment and/or components were not maintained in good working order."

Inspector’s notes

"Reach-in-cooler was storing time/temperature controlled for safety foods at 51F. Person in charge discarded approximately 1 tub of cream cheese, 1-2 half and half and 1-2 milk stored in the refrigerator. Follow up: The reach-in-cooler in the basement was noted at 46F, another unit was also out of order. Both refrigeration units will be serviced today. Service person onsite during inspection. "

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 12, 2023 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Nov 20, 2023

Not Abated

7 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: A blender pticher was stored in handsink in the rear prep area. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Pitcher was removed from the handsink. Handsink will ONLY be used for handwashing."

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(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

"Coffee concentrate in jars were unlabeled in the reach-in-refrigerator in the rear prep area."

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 3717-1-02.3(C)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

"3717-1-02.3(C) - Violation - Hair restraints, effectiveness Food employee(s) did not have their hair effectively restrained."

Inspector’s notes

"Food employee was not wearing a hair covering during food preparation."

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 3717-1-04.4(A)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

"3717-1-04.4(A)(1) - Violation - Equipment-good repair and proper adjustment. Equipment and/or components were not maintained in good working order."

Inspector’s notes

"Reach-in-cooler was storing time/temperature controlled for safety foods at 51F."

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 3717-1-05.1(J)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

"3717-1-05.1(J) - Violation - Backflow prevention device-when required An air gap or an approved backflow prevention device is not installed as required."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: Operator will ensure water line of Coffee Brewer has an air gap or backflow device per plumbing code. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Operator will install air gap/backflow device as required."

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 3717-1-05.3(C)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

"3717-1-05.3(C) - Violation - Drainage system-prohibited direct connections A direct connection exists between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food, portable equipment, or utensils are placed."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: No air gap between drain pipe of ice machine and floor drain. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Operator will install an air gap per plumbing code."

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 3717-1-06.4(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(A) - Violation - Facilities: Maintenance: Good repair The physical facilities were not maintained in good repair."

Inspector’s notes

"The wall behind the prep sink is in disrepair in the rear prep area. Repair."

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 20, 2023 · Original Source

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