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Cincinnati, OH

Northside Express, Inc

1734 Blue Rock St

Last inspected Aug 18, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Approved - Minor Violations
SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

8 inspections

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Aug 18, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

notedCode 6.2(E)Handwashing

Official wording

6.2(E) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Handwashing Signage

Inspector’s notes

A handwashing sign was not posted at all handwashing lavatories. Observed missing hand washing signage at multiple hand washing sinks.

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 4.7(C)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.7(C) - Storage of Soiled Linens - Methods

Inspector’s notes

Soiled linens were not kept in an approved manner. Observed soiled linens on the floor by the three sink compartment. Must be stored in a container or bag.

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 3Contamination

Official wording

3 - V. Food from Approved Source - Food Safe, Unadulterated and Honestly Presented

Inspector’s notes

Food is either unsafe, adulterated or not honestly presented. Observed ice inside the ice machine with debris on it. Person in charge advised to discard the ice and conducted a full ice machine cleaning.

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, Aug 18, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jan 12, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

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. Unlabeled 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 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(M)(2)(a)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

3.2(M)(2)(a) - Wiping cloths - use limitation

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 12, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Sep 2, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

8 recorded violations

notedCode 6.4(O)(1-3)Other

Official wording

6.4(O)(1-3) - Animals - Limitations

Inspector’s notes

There are unapproved animals on the premises. Observed dog inside store. REPEAT VIOLATION. Live animals are not slowed on the premises in any retail food and food service operation Only exemption is service dogs with tags should be accomnied by owner at all time. Put sign on the door that pets are not allowed per Health Dept. orders.

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(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. Label all food containers including water. REPEAT VIOLATION

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- Maintained in Good Repair

Inspector’s notes

Plumbing system is not maintained in good repair. Pipe below food prep. sink splashing water on the floor when in use.

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 2.4(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. Implement and maintain. REPEAT VIOLATION

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. No State level 2 certification. REPEAT VIOLATION

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

Official wording

2.4(B)(1) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Demonstration of Knowledge

Inspector’s notes

The person in charge was unable to demonstrate the necessary food safety knowledge by having no critical violations during the current inspection. Peson in charge was not following food safety practices.

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(D)Handwashing

Official wording

6.2(D) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Handwashing Aids and Devices - Use Restrictions

Inspector’s notes

Food preparation sink, utensil washing sink, or the service sink was set up as a handwashing sink. Observed dirty towels and other items in food prep. sink and soap dispenser installed above food prep. sink and its used for hand washing. Keep it clean and sanitized at all time to prevent contamination of food. REPEAT VIOLATON

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 4.5(B)(5)Contamination

Official wording

4.5(B)(5) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment Food Contact Surfaces and Utensils – Cleaning Frequency

Inspector’s notes

Surfaces of utensils or equipment contacting non-TCS food were not cleaned at appropriate frequency. Mold inside ice machine. Discard ice clean and sanitize ice machine. Clean ice machine regularly to prevent growth of mold and contamination of ice. REPEAT VIOLATON.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 2, 2025 · Original Source

COMPLAINT - COMPLAINT

Aug 12, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

1 recorded violation

notedCode 4.5(A)(1)Contamination

Official wording

4.5(A)(1) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils: Clean to Sight and Touch

Inspector’s notes

Food-contact surfaces were not clean to the sight and touch. Mold inside ice machine. Corrected on site

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, Aug 12, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Apr 28, 2025

Not In Compliance

2 recorded violations

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 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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Apr 28, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 22, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

9 recorded violations

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. Expired sandwiches in glass door cooler. All TCS food must be discarded by 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 2.4(C)(14)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.4(C)(14) - I. Employee Health - PIC 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. Implement and maintain.

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)(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(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. Eggs stored above ready to eat food. Keep all raw animal food away or below ready to eat food to prevent 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 6.4(J)(2)Other

Official wording

6.4(J)(2) - Facilities: Lockers: Employee use

Inspector’s notes

Lockers or other suitable facilities are not being utilized for the orderly storage of employee clothing and other possessions. Employee's shirt on cutting board of line cooler.

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(Y)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(Y) - Miscellaneous sources of contamination

Inspector’s notes

Miscellaneous sources of contamination observed. Observed employee's shirt on sandwich block of line cooler. Keep personal items away from food and food contact surfaces to prevent 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 4.5(A)(2)(3)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.5(A)(2)(3) - Equipment, food-contact surfaces, nonfood-contact surfaces, and utensils

Inspector’s notes

Non-food contact surfaces are dirty. Soiled both sides surface of ice machine where ice scoops stored in containers. Lots of ice build up inside ice cream freezer. Defrost and clean.

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

Inspector’s notes

Working containers of food are not properly labeled. Unlabeled water bottle by the grill. Label all working containers of food.

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(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. No discard date on deli meat opened at the facility. All cooked and ready to food must mark with discard date for maximum of 7 days. Count day one when food prepared or opened. All undated meat voluntarily discarded by cook.

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 22, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Apr 18, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

2 recorded violations

notedCode 4.4(F)(2)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.4(F)(2) - Warewashing sinks

Inspector’s notes

Warewashing sink was not properly cleaned and/or sanitized. No sanitizer at the facility to sanitize coffee pots. Provide 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 4.5(A)(2)(3)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.5(A)(2)(3) - Equipment, food-contact surfaces, nonfood-contact surfaces, and utensils

Inspector’s notes

Non-food contact surfaces are dirty. Soiled microwave.

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 18, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Feb 13, 2024

Not Abated

3 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-04.5(A)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.5(A)(1)(2) - Violation - Equipment cleanliness-food contact Food-contact surfaces were dirty."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: Ice scoop stored in soiled container above ice machine. Food-contact surfaces were dirty. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Wash, rinse and sanitize ice scoop and keep it on clean and dry place to prevent contamination."

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 3717-1-04.5(B)(5)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.5(B)(5) - Violation - Cleaning Frequency-non-TCS food Surfaces of utensils or equipment contacting non-TCS food were not cleaned at appropriate frequency."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: Mold inside ice machine. Surfaces of utensils or equipment contacting non-TCS food were not cleaned at appropriate frequency. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Discard ice clean and sanitize ice machine. Clean ice machine regularly to prevent mold growth."

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 3717-1-03.2(K)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

"3717-1-03.2(K) - Violation - In-use utensils-between-use storage In-use utensils are improperly stored."

Inspector’s notes

"Ice scoop stored inside soiled container. Keep ice scoop on clean and dry place if use container store ice scoop in clean container. 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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Feb 13, 2024 · Original Source

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