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Cincinnati, OH

Merkato Market

2157 Queen City Av

Last inspected Jun 9, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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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

13 inspections

COMPLAINT - COMPLAINT

Jun 9, 2026

Approved - Violations Abated

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jun 9, 2026 · Original Source

COMPLAINT - COMPLAINT

Jun 5, 2026

Not In Compliance

1 recorded violation

notedCode 3.1(B)Food source and labeling

Official wording

3.1(B) - V. Food from Approved Source - Food in Hermetically Sealed Container - Source

Inspector’s notes

Meat is not from approved source. No evidence, no invoices provided for the beef carcasses.

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jun 5, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

May 29, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

1 recorded violation

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.

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, May 29, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

May 20, 2026

Not In Compliance

4 recorded violations

notedCode 5.1(S)(1)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

5.1(S)(1) - Plumbing System- Maintained in Good Repair

Inspector’s notes

Plumbing system is not repaired according to the Ohio building code. The faucet is broken for the handwashing sink in the prep area.

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 5.1(P)(1)Contamination

Official wording

5.1(P)(1) - Preventing a Cross Connection

Inspector’s notes

A cross connection is present onsite. FOR THE PREP SINK.

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 2.1(A)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.1(A) - I. Employee Health - Management and Personnel - Employee Health

Inspector’s notes

License holder did not ensure food employee(s) report certain diseases, symptoms or high risk situations as obligated by law including providing necessary additional information.

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(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.

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, May 20, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

May 5, 2026

Not In Compliance

3 recorded violations

notedCode 5.1(S)(2)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

5.1(S)(2) - Plumbing System- Maintained in Good Repair

Inspector’s notes

Plumbing system is not maintained in good repair. Hand washing sink's drin is slow.

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 2.1(A)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.1(A) - I. Employee Health - Management and Personnel - Employee Health

Inspector’s notes

License holder did not ensure food employee(s) report certain diseases, symptoms or high risk situations as obligated by law including providing necessary additional information.

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(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.

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, May 5, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

May 4, 2026

Not In Compliance

12 recorded violations

notedCode 3.5(C)(2)(e)Food source and labeling

Official wording

3.5(C)(2)(e) - Food Labeling - Allergens

Inspector’s notes

A food label did not include the name of the food source of each major food allergen contained in a food unless the food source is already part of the common or usual name of the respective ingredient. Several food containers, displayed without the name of that product and the ingredients.. Bread packed displayed for sale without label.

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 7.1(P)Chemicals

Official wording

7.1(P) - X. Chemical - Other Personal care items - Storage

Inspector’s notes

Personal care items are not stored in a designated employee storage area.

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 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.

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 3.2(C)(1)(c)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(C)(1)(c) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Packaged and Unpackaged Food - Separation, Packaging, and Segregation

Inspector’s notes

Improper frequency of cleaning and sanitizing equipment and utensils. Meat cutter and knives are not cleaned frequently enough.

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 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 problems
notedCode 3.2(M)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

3.2(M)(1) - Wiping cloths - use limitation

Inspector’s notes

Cloths used for wiping food spills were not dry or used for other tasks.

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 4.8(E)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.8(E)(1) - Equipment, Utensils, Linens - 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. Cleaned knives stored on dirty surfaces by the three compartment sink.

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 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 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 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.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 2.1(A)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.1(A) - I. Employee Health - Management and Personnel - Employee Health

Inspector’s notes

License holder did not ensure food employee(s) report certain diseases, symptoms or high risk situations as obligated by law including providing necessary additional information.

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(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.

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(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. A large sack of coffee beans stored directly on the floor in the back storage area. All Foods items should be stored 6 inches above the floor on a clean dry place not like exposed to any contaminant.

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, May 4, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Feb 24, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

2 recorded violations

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.

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 4.2(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. Person in charge was not able to provide test kit for sanitizer used at 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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Feb 24, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jul 16, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

4 recorded violations

notedCode 6.1(L)Other

Official wording

6.1(L) - 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 finding
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.

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 6.2(C)Handwashing

Official wording

6.2(C) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Handwashing Sinks - Hand Drying Provision

Inspector’s notes

Handwashing lavatory had no, unapproved, or inoperable hand drying provision. -Observed the hand sink located adjacent the restroom without no paper towel.

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 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 some floor tiles in the facility broken and not smooth, which makes it not easily cleanable.

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, Jul 16, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jan 14, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3.2(Q)Other

Official wording

3.2(Q) - Food Storage

Inspector’s notes

Food items are not protected from contamination during storage. -Observed boxes of meats and some other food items stored on the floor. Ensure all the food items are stored 6-inches above the floor.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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.

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 3.4(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. -Observed some expired donuts located on the retail shelves. PIC voluntarily discard these food items.

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(C)(1)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(C)(1) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Preventing Contamination by Separation, Packaging, and Segregation

Inspector’s notes

Ready-to-eat food was not protected from cross-contamination by raw animal food. -Observed raw eggs stored in such a way it can contaminate all of the Ready-to-Eat foods located in the refrigerator.

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 3.2(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.

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 14, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jul 12, 2024

Approved - Violations Abated

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jul 12, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

May 14, 2024

Not In Compliance

6 recorded violations

notedCode 3.2(C)(2)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(C)(2) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Protection from cross

Inspector’s notes

The food facility is not preventing cross contamination between different types of raw animal products. -Observed the facility storing raw eggs and beef together in close contact. PIC was rrequired to separate both raw animal products to prevent cross contamination.

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 3.1(A)(3)Food source and labeling

Official wording

3.1(A)(3) - V. Food from Approved Source - Approved Sources

Inspector’s notes

Food is not properly labeled on the container or package. -Observed a bakery product on-site being delivered by a supplier not properly labeled with the right identification information like name of product, address/name of supplier of products, ingredient listing and Net weight Products was embargoed until the right information is provided.

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 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.

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(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.

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 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 finding
notedCode 3.2(Q)Other

Official wording

3.2(Q) - Food Storage

Inspector’s notes

Food items are not protected from contamination during storage. -Observed boxes of multiple food items in the walk-in refrigerator, food storage and retail area stored on the floor. Ensure all food items are stored 6-inches above the floor

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 14, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Nov 8, 2023

Abated

4 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-05.4(F)(1)Facility maintenance

Official wording

"3717-1-05.4(F)(1) - Violation - Refuse/recyclables/returnables-Outdoor receptacle lids/covers/doors Outdoor refuse containers do not have tight fitting lids, doors, or covers."

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
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

"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 problems
notedCode 3717-1-06.1(M)(2)Other

Official wording

"3717-1-06.1(M)(2) - Violation - Facilities-emergency doors Exterior emergency exit door was not solid, tight-fitting, or limited-use."

Inspector’s notes

"Facilities-emergency doors Observed the doors located at the cellar with holes which does not protect the facility against insects and rodents."

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 3717-1-03.5(C)Food source and labeling

Official wording

"3717-1-03.5(C) - Violation - Food labels-required information Food is not properly labeled."

Inspector’s notes

"Food labels-required information Food is not properly labeled. -Observed a lot of food item for retail are not labeled with required food information. PIC voluntarily removed all food items."

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Nov 8, 2023 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 25, 2023

Not Abated

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-05.4(F)(1)Facility maintenance

Official wording

"3717-1-05.4(F)(1) - Violation - Refuse/recyclables/returnables-Outdoor receptacle lids/covers/doors Outdoor refuse containers do not have tight fitting lids, doors, or covers."

Inspector’s notes

"Refuse/recyclables/returnables-Outdoor receptacle lids/covers/doors Outdoor refuse containers do not have tight fitting lids."

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 3717-1-03.2(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 problems
notedCode 3717-1-06.1(M)(2)Other

Official wording

"3717-1-06.1(M)(2) - Violation - Facilities-emergency doors Exterior emergency exit door was not solid, tight-fitting, or limited-use."

Inspector’s notes

"Facilities-emergency doors Observed the doors located at the cellar with holes which does not protect the facility against insects and rodents."

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 3717-1-03.5(C)Food source and labeling

Official wording

"3717-1-03.5(C) - Violation - Food labels-required information Food is not properly labeled."

Inspector’s notes

"Food labels-required information Food is not properly labeled. -Observed a lot of food item for retail are not labeled with required food information. PIC voluntarily removed all food items."

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 3717-1-02.4(A)(2)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

"3717-1-02.4(A)(2) - Violation - PIC-Level 2 Certification No manager has level 2 certification in food protection."

Inspector’s notes

"PIC-Level 2 Certification No manager has level 2 certification in food protection."

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, Oct 25, 2023 · Original Source

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