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Cincinnati, OH

Jovani Cafe

340 Ludlow Av

Last inspected Aug 1, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Approved - Minor 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

9 inspections

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Aug 1, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

5 recorded violations

notedCode 4.1(LL)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.1(LL) - Food equipment - certification and classification

Inspector’s notes

Food equipment was not commercially approvable by an recognized testing agency. Mini fridges are non-commercial, non-commercial dish machine.

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 6.0(A)(1)(a)Other

Official wording

6.0(A)(1)(a) - Indoor areas - surface characteristics

Inspector’s notes

Indoor floor, wall, or ceiling surfaces are not smooth, durable, and easily cleanable in areas where FSO or RFE activities are conducted. Hookah bar area is not easily cleanable, rough cement floors.

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(K)Pests

Official wording

6.4(K) - Controlling Pests

Inspector’s notes

The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests is not being adequately controlled or minimized. Observed two roaches during inspection. See pest control reports from terminx. Saw significant reduction in roaches in facility after many treatments.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 6.4(N)(1)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.4(N)(1) - Maintaining premises: unnecessary items and litter.

Inspector’s notes

There are unnecessary or nonfunctional items and /or litter on the premises. Nonfunctional items and equipment stored in building.

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 6.0(A)(1)(c)Other

Official wording

6.0(A)(1)(c) - Indoor areas - surface characteristics

Inspector’s notes

Floor or walls or ceiling in an area subject to moisture is not nonabsorbent. Wood flooring in facility is not nonabsorbent for mopping.

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, Aug 1, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jul 14, 2025

Not In Compliance

7 recorded violations

notedCode 4.1(H)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.1(H) - Nonfood Contact Surfaces - Cleanability

Inspector’s notes

Nonfood-contact surfaces were not designed and constructed to allow easy cleaning and to facilitate maintenance. Observed many non-food contact surfaces that are not constructed for ease of cleaning or made of cleanable materials.

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 6.0(A)(1)(a)Other

Official wording

6.0(A)(1)(a) - Indoor areas - surface characteristics

Inspector’s notes

Indoor floor, wall, or ceiling surfaces are not smooth, durable, and easily cleanable in areas where FSO or RFE activities are conducted. Observed warped wooden floors that need to be sealed or completely replaced. Open flooring with gaps harbor pest.

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(K)Pests

Official wording

6.4(K) - Controlling Pests

Inspector’s notes

The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests is not being adequately controlled or minimized. Observed live roaches in facility. At time of inspection pest management was spraying floors and corners of facility. Saw significant reduction of roaches compared to previous follow-up.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 6.4(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.4(A) - Repairing

Inspector’s notes

The physical facilities were not maintained in good repair. Observed leaking water dripping from ceiling, ceiling tiles and ventilation are falling. Observed wet wood on floor underneath, mold is going to start growing.

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(N)(1)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.4(N)(1) - Maintaining premises: unnecessary items and litter.

Inspector’s notes

There are unnecessary or nonfunctional items and /or litter on the premises. Observed many non-functional food equipment items in back storage area that need to be removed from facility. Ice machine in back storage needs to be turned off and removed.

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 4.3(B)(2)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.3(B)(2) - Fixed equipment installation - Spacing or Sealing

Inspector’s notes

Equipment is not sealed to the surface or allow for ease of cleaning. Observed many areas around bar that need to be sealed. Please close all gaps.

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 4.1(LL)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.1(LL) - Food equipment - certification and classification

Inspector’s notes

Food equipment was not commercially approvable by an recognized testing agency.

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, Jul 14, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jul 10, 2025

Not In Compliance

10 recorded violations

notedCode 2.4(C)(16)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.4(C)(16) - I. Employee Health - Person in Charge - Duties

Inspector’s notes

Food employees and conditional employees are not informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibilities to report to the person in charge, information about their health as it relates to diseases transmissible through food. Gave PIC Cincinnati Health Department example to sign and review.

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 6.4(K)Pests

Official wording

6.4(K) - Controlling Pests

Inspector’s notes

The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests is not being adequately controlled or minimized. Heavy presence of roaches in the back room and storage area of facility. Needs to have pest control out to treat on a monthly basis.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 6.4(N)(1)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.4(N)(1) - Maintaining premises: unnecessary items and litter.

Inspector’s notes

There are unnecessary or nonfunctional items and /or litter on the premises. Observed many unnecessary and nonfunctional food equipment in back storage area that needs to be removed. Ice machine needs to be turned off and removed.

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 4.4(P)Chemicals

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Sanitizer concentration is not being monitored.

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 6.4(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.4(A) - Repairing

Inspector’s notes

The physical facilities were not maintained in good repair. Observed structural items falling out of the ceiling in the back storage room. Water leaking from roof. Please repair asap.

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 4.1(LL)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.1(LL) - Food equipment - certification and classification

Inspector’s notes

Food equipment was not commercially approvable by an recognized testing agency. Dishwashing machine (Broken at time of inspection), Mini fridges along wall.

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 6.0(A)(1)(a)Other

Official wording

6.0(A)(1)(a) - Indoor areas - surface characteristics

Inspector’s notes

Indoor floor, wall, or ceiling surfaces are not smooth, durable, and easily cleanable in areas where FSO or RFE activities are conducted. Area behind bar is not smooth and easily cleanable.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 4.2(J)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.2(J) - Sanitizing solutions - Testing Devices

Inspector’s notes

There is no test kit available for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer.

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. Gave PIC ODH guidance.

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 2.4(C)(15)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(C)(15) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Person in charge - duties

Inspector’s notes

Employees are not properly trained in food safety, including allergy awareness. Employee needs to have PIC training when owner is not there.

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jul 10, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

May 15, 2025

Not In Compliance

5 recorded violations

notedCode 4.1(LL)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.1(LL) - Food equipment - certification and classification

Inspector’s notes

Food equipment was not commercially approvable by an recognized testing agency. Observed non-commercially approved by testing agency mini fridges and dish machine in use for food operation.

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 4.1(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. Needs thermometer for reach in cooler and reach in mini fridge that store milks, TCS baked goods.

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(B)Contamination

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Equipment food-contact surfaces or utensils were not sanitized before use and after cleaning. Three compartment sink is not being used to sanitize dishes or food equipment. Spoke with PIC about using bleach as a chlorine sanitizer.

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 2.4(C)(15)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(C)(15) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Person in charge - duties

Inspector’s notes

Employees are not properly trained in food safety, including allergy awareness. Operator should have employees take a person in charge course that's approved from Ohio Department of Health.

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 3.5(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. Observed baklava, tiramisu, kunafeh, and cheesecake on menu that may need allergen consumer advisory.

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, May 15, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 17, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

5 recorded violations

notedCode 4.1(KK)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.1(KK) - Food Equipment

Inspector’s notes

Equipment is not approved by a recognized testing agency or authority. Samsung dishwasher being used in-leu of 3 comp sink wash, rinse, sanitize. This dishwasher is not commercial grade and is not able to sanitize dishes so please clean all food containers and equipment in 3 comp sinks.

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(S)(2)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

5.1(S)(2) - Plumbing system

Inspector’s notes

Plumbing system is not maintained in good repair. Leaking water in back of store from old ice machine. Please repair and maintain in good repair or turn off equipment and sell/get rid of.

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 6.4(N)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.4(N) - Maintaining premises: unnecessary items and litter.

Inspector’s notes

There are unnecessary or nonfunctional items and /or litter on the premises. Lots of old broken equipment in back of store, please remove any unused food equipment that's not for the FSO.

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 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 heavy buildup on ice machine and bugs crawling inside. Please maintain clean, turn off, and do not use. Operator is purchasing ice from approved sources instead of using this ice machine.

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 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. Operator using Clorox bleach bathroom cleaner in bottle with no label. PIC decided to get rid of bottle.

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 17, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Apr 29, 2024

Abated

4 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-06.2(E)Handwashing

Official wording

"3717-1-06.2(E) - Violation - Facilities-handwashing signage A handwashing sign was not posted at all handwashing lavatories."

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 3717-1-04.2(I)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.2(I) - Violation - Sanitizing solutions-testing devices. There is no test kit available for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer."

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 3717-1-07.0(B)Chemicals

Official wording

"3717-1-07.0(B) - Violation - Poisonous/toxic material-working containers Working containers of poisonous/toxic materials are not labeled."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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 3717-1-06.4(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(B)(1) - Violation - Facilities: Cleaning: Frequency The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean."

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Apr 29, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Mar 19, 2024

Not Abated

4 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-04.2(I)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.2(I) - Violation - Sanitizing solutions-testing devices. There is no test kit available for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer."

Inspector’s notes

"Unable to locate test strips during the inspection. Obtain test strips so that the sanitizer concentration may be monitored."

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 3717-1-07.0(B)Chemicals

Official wording

"3717-1-07.0(B) - Violation - Poisonous/toxic material-working containers Working containers of poisonous/toxic materials are not labeled."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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 3717-1-06.4(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(B)(1) - Violation - Facilities: Cleaning: Frequency The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean."

Inspector’s notes

"Clean the counter, under the drink machine. Observed syrup build up on the counter."

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 3717-1-06.2(E)Handwashing

Official wording

"3717-1-06.2(E) - Violation - Facilities-handwashing signage A handwashing sign was not posted at all handwashing lavatories."

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Mar 19, 2024 · Original Source

COMPLAINT - COMPLAINT

Jan 9, 2024

Not Abated

1 recorded violation

notedCode 3717-1-06.4(K)Pests

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(K) - Violation - Facilities: Pest control: The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests is not being adequately controlled or minimized."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: The facility has a roach issue. The insects appear to be concentrated near the beverage machine. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Clean the facility - especially the front countertop. Hire a professional pest control operator. Discontinue use of the beverage machine until at least one treatment from the pest control operator."

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jan 9, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Dec 21, 2023

Not Abated

2 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-05.1(S)(2)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

"3717-1-05.1(S)(2) - Violation - Plumbing system-maintained in good repair Plumbing system is not maintained in good repair."

Inspector’s notes

"Observed a leak from the plumbing under the 3 compartment sink. Repair/resolve the plumbing issues."

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 3717-1-06.2(E)Handwashing

Official wording

"3717-1-06.2(E) - Violation - Facilities-handwashing signage A handwashing sign was not posted at all handwashing lavatories."

Inspector’s notes

"Unable to locate hand washing signage at all hand sink. Ensure that hand sinks are stocked with the required amenities."

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, Dec 21, 2023 · Original Source

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