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Cincinnati, OH

La Cantina

326 E 8th St

Last inspected Jan 27, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Approved - Minor Violations
ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jan 27, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

2 recorded violations

notedCode 3.4(G)(4)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(G)(4) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Ready-to-eat, TCS - date marking

Inspector’s notes

Date marking was not done in a consistent manner according to the code. Pasta with no Discard date

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 4.2(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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jan 27, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Dec 18, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

8 recorded violations

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 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. ID label all Bulk food containers

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(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 food containers 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 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.

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 3.4(G)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(G)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Ready-to-eat, TCS - date marking

Inspector’s notes

Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, TCS food that is prepared in the food facility and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours is not properly date marked. Cooked spaghetti with no Discard date

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. No chlorine dispensed at final rinse of dish machine

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 6.1(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(A) - Floors, walls, and ceilings

Inspector’s notes

The floors coverings, walls coverings, or ceilings are not designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Floor in kitchen is pitted

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 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.

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, Dec 18, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Feb 6, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

5 recorded violations

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. Drip at base of faucet at three comp sink--repair

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 3.4(K)(3)Other

Official wording

3.4(K)(3) - Reduced oxygen packaging without a variance

Inspector’s notes

A food facility is packaging fresh, slacked, or thawed fish using a reduced oxygen packaging method. PRIOR to thawing frozen ROP fish either cut slit in wrapper or remove from cryovac wrapper completely

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 3.4(H)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(H)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Ready-to-eat, TCS - disposition

Inspector’s notes

Ready-to-eat, TCS food was not discarded by the date mark, or was undated and not discarded or was not discarded when the date mark exceeded the required time/temperature combination. Several expired sauces--Discarded. PIC to assure all TCS foods are disposed of as per Ohio Food Code

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 6.1(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(A) - Facilities: Floors, walls, and ceilings

Inspector’s notes

The floors coverings, walls coverings, or ceilings are not designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Chipped paint on floor in kitchen. Chipped paint on basement stairwell--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
notedCode 4.8(I)(1)Other

Official wording

4.8(I)(1) - Preset Tableware

Inspector’s notes

Preset tableware was not protected from contamination by being wrapped, covered, or inverted.

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, Feb 6, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Aug 19, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

16 recorded violations

notedCode 2.4(A)(2)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(A)(2) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Person in charge - assignment of responsibility

Inspector’s notes

No manager has level 2 certification in food protection. State of Ohio requires someone to be present during all hours of operation with a minimum of level I Food safety training. Management should have level II. Online training may be done @ statefoodsafety.com

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 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. Saran Wrap and other items were stored in hand sink. Hand sink is to be used for handwashing 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 3.4(F)(1)(b)Food temperature

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F. Observed cooked rice held at room temperature 54 - 62 degrees F on counter. Maintain cooked cold TCS Foods at 41 degrees F or below

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)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.4(P) - Warewashing equipment

Inspector’s notes

Sanitizer concentration is not being 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 6.1(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(A) - Facilities: Floors, walls, and ceilings

Inspector’s notes

The floors coverings, walls coverings, or ceilings are not designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Chipped paint on kitchen floor and damaged walls in stairwell--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
notedCode 4.2(D)Facility maintenance

Official wording

4.2(D) - Ventilation hood systems

Inspector’s notes

Ventilation systems were inadequate. Floor mounted deep fryer cannot be adequately vented. Discontinue using deep fryer unless it is mounted under exhaust system

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)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.3(B)(1) - Fixed equipment installation

Inspector’s notes

Fixed equipment was not properly installed. Re-secure hand sink (by dish machine) to 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 4.8(I)(1)Other

Official wording

4.8(I)(1) - Preset Tableware

Inspector’s notes

Preset tableware was not protected from contamination by being wrapped, covered, or inverted.

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(I)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.2(I) - Sanitizing solutions

Inspector’s notes

There is no test kit available for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer. Chlorine for dish machine and QAT for 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)(13)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(C)(13) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Person in charge - duties

Inspector’s notes

Employees are not properly trained in food safety.

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 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 3.4(G)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(G)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Ready-to-eat, TCS - date marking

Inspector’s notes

Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, TCS food that is prepared in the food facility and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours is not properly date marked. Cooked beef and fish with no discard date. PIC to assure all prepared TCS foods held > 24 hours have a DISCARD DATE. Best practice is to document both prep and use by dates on each item

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 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. Discontinue storing in-use utensils in stagnant water

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 6.1(C)(1)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(C)(1) - Facilities: Floor and wall junctures - coved, and enclosed or sealed

Inspector’s notes

Floor and wall junctures not coved or not closed to no larger than =1/32 inch. Re-secure baseboards around basement steps

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(B)Other

Official wording

4.4(B) - Cutting surfaces.

Inspector’s notes

Cutting surface(s) unable to be effectively cleaned and sanitized.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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. Spray hose at dish machine is leaking--repair

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

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

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jan 12, 2024

Not Abated

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-03.2(C)(2)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-03.2(C)(2) - Violation - Protection from Contamination-Food Storage Food is stored unwrapped or in uncovered containers."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: Observed uncovered chopped vegetables in the block cooler. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Stored items must be covered. If the item is not actively being sampled, then it must be covered."

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 3717-1-04.1(KK)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

"3717-1-04.1(KK) - Violation - Food Equipment-Certification and Classification Equipment is not approved by a recognized testing agency or authority."

Inspector’s notes

"Observed tupperware being used for storage of animal product. All storage containers for TCS food items must be commercial grade, NSF or equivalent."

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 3717-1-02.3(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 eating on the cooking line. Consume food and beverage away from food and food equipment."

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(A)(1)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

"3717-1-04.8(A)(1) - Violation - Equipment and utensils-air-drying required. Equipment and utensils are not being air dried or allowed to drain adequately after sanitizing."

Inspector’s notes

"Observed sanitized dishes being wet stacked when stored. Store sanitized dishes in a manner that allows them to air dry."

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 3717-1-04.5(A)(2)(3)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.5(A)(3) - Violation - Equipment cleanliness-Nonfood-contact Non-food contact surfaces are dirty."

Inspector’s notes

"Clean the exterior of the deep fryer, including the wheels. Observed grease build up on the exterior."

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, Jan 12, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Dec 11, 2023

Not Abated

5 recorded violations

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

"label all unindentiable foods"

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 3717-1-06.4(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 ceiling tiles above kitchen"

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 3717-1-04.3(B)(2)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.3(B)(2) - Violation - Fixed equipment installation-spacing or sealing Equipment is not sealed to the surface or allow for ease of cleaning."

Inspector’s notes

"caulk along the edge of the sinks to the adjacent walls"

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 3717-1-03.4(G)(1)Food source and labeling

Official wording

"3717-1-03.4(G)(1) - Violation - RTE TCS, date marking, food prepared in facility Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, TCS food that is prepared in the food facility and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours is not properly date marked."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: date marking not consistent in facility CORRECTIVE ACTION: use by date must be present on all tcs foods prepared in house and held for more than 24 hours"

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 3717-1-04.1(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

"exterior of saran wrap cover greasy. replace for ease of cleaning"

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, Dec 11, 2023 · Original Source

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