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Cincinnati, OH

J Gumbo's - Clifton

286 Ludlow Av

Last inspected May 12, 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

8 inspections

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

May 12, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

11 recorded violations

notedCode 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

The food contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans and Nonfood contact surfaces of equipment are to be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Inside of microwave observed to have some food debris and should be cleaned more frequently.

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 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 employee observed not washing hands before grabbing gloves. +COS

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 2.4(A)(1)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(A)(1) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Assignment of Responsibility

Inspector’s notes

No person in charge present in the food facility. +COS

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 2.3(A)Contamination

Official wording

2.3(A) - II. Good Hygienic Practices - Food Contamination Prevention - Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco Products

Inspector’s notes

Employees were eating, drinking or using tobacco in non-designated areas. Employees observed having personal drinks and drinking in kitchen area.

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 3.4(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. Opened and packaged items in cooler were observed to not be date marked. +COS

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(P)Chemicals

Official wording

4.4(P) - Warewashing equipment: Determining Chemical Sanitizer Concentration

Inspector’s notes

Sanitizer concentration is not being monitored. Employees present at establishment were not taught or aware for monitoring sanitizer solution.

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(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. Wiping cloth in sanitizer bucket was observed to be visibly soiled.

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 4.1(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. Physical thermometer missing from silver 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 4.1(C)(1-4)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.1(C)(1-4) - Food Contact Surfaces Cleanability

Inspector’s notes

Multiuse food-contact surfaces were not smooth or free of breaks, open seams, cracks, chips, inclusions, pits, sharp internal angles, space corners, or crevices. Cutting board on drying rack was observed to be chipped and grouted. Flagged for removal as soon as possible. +COS

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 3701-21-25 (K)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

3701-21-25 (K) - Person in Charge Certification in Food Protection FSO

Inspector’s notes

No person in charge certified in food protection was at the FSO where it is needed.

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 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 were observed sitting on counters and dirty surfaces and not in their own clean space.

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, May 12, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Dec 11, 2025

Approved - No Violations

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Dec 11, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jun 10, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

4 recorded violations

notedCode 3.5(D)(6)Other

Official wording

3.5(D)(6) - Other Forms of Information

Inspector’s notes

The license holder did not notify customers of the presence of major allergens as an ingredient in unpackaged food items served or sold to the customer. Certain menu items that contain allergens as an ingredient need an updated consumer notification. Can be a placard, small signage, updated menu boards, QR code with allergens on website.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 7.1(C)(1)Chemicals

Official wording

7.1(C)(1) - X. Chemical - Conditions of Use

Inspector’s notes

The operator is using a poisonous/toxic substance that is not approved for use in a food facility and/ or the substance is not being used according to law, conditions of licensing or to the manufacturer's directions. CCP: Observed dichlorvos pest strips being used in the ware washing area. Informed PIC the pest strips are not made for use in places where people are present for greater then 4 hours or in homes/kitchens. PIC discarded.

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(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. CCP: Observed shredded cheese stored on ice at 47° F. Instructed PIC to discard cheese, replaced with fresh new cheese and extra ice.

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 4.6(C)(3)Contamination

Official wording

4.6(C)(3) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Sanitizing Frequency Utensils/Food Contact Surfaces - Before Use After Cleaning

Inspector’s notes

After being cleaned, food-contact surfaces and utensils were not sanitized using an effective or approved combination of exposure time, chemical concentration, temperature, and/or pH. CCP: Observed 0ppm on mechanical dish machine sanitizer after wash. Operator is able to sanitize dishes with 3-comp sink if mechanical machine is not functioning properly.

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 10, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jan 22, 2025

Approved - No Violations

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jan 22, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Sep 23, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

2 recorded violations

notedCode 3.4(F)(1)(a)Food temperature

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being hot held at temperatures <135° F or a roast <130° F. Observed food in the temporary heat well in a temperature range of 100° F-115° F. Had operator add hot water to the well so that the heat can spread throughout the entire well.

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(D)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.4(D) - Warewashing equipment

Inspector’s notes

Warewashing equipment and/or components were not cleaned throughout the day or before use. Observed dirty three comp sink, please maintain clean before and after 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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 23, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Feb 16, 2024

Abated

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-06.4(D)(1)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(D)(1) - Violation - Facilities: Ventilation systems: Cleaning Intake and exhaust air ducts are a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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(E)(1)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-04.8(E)(1) - Violation - Equipment, linens, single-service items-storage. Cleaned equipment or utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles are not stored in a clean, dry location, protected from contamination."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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 3717-1-03.2(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

"Violation has been abated"

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 3717-1-02.3(A)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-02.3(A) - Violation - Food contamination-eating Employees were eating, drinking or using tobacco in non-designated areas."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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 3717-1-06.4(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

"Violation has been abated"

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, Feb 16, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jan 25, 2024

Not Abated

2 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-04.1(H)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.1(H) - Violation - Nonfood Contact Surfaces-Cleanability Nonfood-contact surfaces were not designed and constructed to allow easy cleaning and to facilitate maintenance."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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(D)(1)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(D)(1) - Violation - Facilities: Ventilation systems: Cleaning Intake and exhaust air ducts are a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials."

Inspector’s notes

"Observed dust build up on the ceiling HVAC ducts. Clean the ducts - ensure proper function of the HVAC."

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, Jan 25, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 13, 2023

Not Abated

3 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-02.3(A)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-02.3(A) - Violation - Food contamination-eating Employees were eating, drinking or using tobacco in non-designated areas."

Inspector’s notes

"Observed employee food stored above food item intended for sale to customers. Keep personal items away from / below food and equipment used in the facility."

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 3717-1-06.4(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

"Observed unsealed wood at the counters along the prep line. Clean the wood, then seal the wood to prevent the absorption of grease and oils."

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 3717-1-06.4(D)(1)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(D)(1) - Violation - Facilities: Ventilation systems: Cleaning Intake and exhaust air ducts are a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials."

Inspector’s notes

"Observed a dust build around the ceiling HVAC ducts and surrounding tiles. Clean the tiles and ensure proper HVAC function."

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, Oct 13, 2023 · Original Source

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