GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Cincinnati, OH

Owl Tea

204 W Mcmillan St

Last inspected May 29, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Approved - Minor Violations

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Owl Tea has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

8 inspections

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

May 29, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

11 recorded violations

notedCode 4.4(A)(2)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.4(A)(2) - Equipment - Good Repair and Proper Adjustment

Inspector’s notes

Equipment components were not intact, tight or properly adjusted. Observed ice build up near vent in cooler. Assure equipment is properly adjusted and cleaned to work properly.

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 4.4(S)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.4(S)(1) - Single-service articles and Single-use Articles - Use Limitations

Inspector’s notes

Single-service articles and single-use articles are reused. Observed gram cracker in mascarpone container. Single service items must not be reused.

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 2.1(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. Example of employee reporting policy was provided. +COS

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 7.1(A)Chemicals

Official wording

7.1(A) - X. Chemical - Storage: Separation

Inspector’s notes

Poisonous/toxic materials are stored in a manner that could contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service or single-use articles. Observed fruit fly spray on prep table. Spray was placed on the floor.

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 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 2.3(A)Contamination

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Employees were eating, drinking or using tobacco in non-designated areas. Observed employee food in front counter. Assure there is a designated area for drinking, eating, and using tobacco.

In plain English

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

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 3.4(F)(1)(a)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(F)(1)(a) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety Food - Hot Holding

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being hot held at temperatures <135° F or a roast <130° F. Observed boba holding at 76 F in front counter. Boba had been disconnected. Boba was reheated. +COS

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 3.2(C)(1)(H)Contamination

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Food is stored unwrapped or in uncovered containers. Observed various conatiners in back cooler and front reach in cooler uncovered. Items were covered. +COS

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(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.4(A) - Repairing

Inspector’s notes

The physical facilities were not maintained in good repair. Observed missing floor tiles in back area near utility sinks. Repair tiles.

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(D)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.5(D) - Nonfood-contact surfaces - cleaning frequency

Inspector’s notes

Nonfood-contact surfaces are not cleaned frequently enough. Observed ice build up in freezers in prep area. Clean more frequently.

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, May 29, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jan 8, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

notedCode 4.5(A)(2)(3)Food temperature

Official wording

4.5(A)(2)(3) - Food-Contact Surfaces of Cooking Equipment and Pans and Nonfood-Contact Surfaces Equipment

Inspector’s notes

The food contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans and Nonfood contact surfaces of equipment are to be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Observed a buildup of frost within the reach-in freezer. It must be cleaned.

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(K)(2)Pests

Official wording

6.1(K)(2) - Insect Control Devices - Design and Installation

Inspector’s notes

Insect control devices are improperly located. Observed a bug zapper placed on a cutting board. Manager removed item and advised it would no longer be stored in locations where food contamination is possible.

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 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, Jan 8, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jun 24, 2025

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, Jun 24, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jan 9, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

5 recorded violations

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. Observed a buildup within the cooler across from the grills. It must be cleaned.

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(M)(3)Other

Official wording

6.1(M)(3) - Facilities

Inspector’s notes

Windows or doors were not protected against insects and rodents. Observed a gap at the top of the back door. It must be filled to prevent the entrance of 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 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. Observed the faucet of 3-compartment sink leaking. It must be repaired.

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(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

6.4(B)(1) - Facilities: Cleaning: Frequency

Inspector’s notes

The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Observed a buildup on the walls, ceiling, and floor of the kitchen. They must be cleaned.

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(Q)(2)Facility maintenance

Official wording

5.4(Q)(2) - Refuse/recyclables/returnables

Inspector’s notes

Waste receptacles and handling units not cleaned frequenly enough. Observed a buildup within the trash can in kitchen. It must be cleaned.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jan 9, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jul 23, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

1 recorded violation

notedCode 6.4(D)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

6.4(D)(1) - Facilities: Ventilation systems: Cleaning

Inspector’s notes

Intake and exhaust air ducts are a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials. Observed a buildup of dust and grease on the ventilation hood filters. It must be cleaned.

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, Jul 23, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jul 16, 2024

Not In Compliance

4 recorded violations

notedCode 2.4(C)(10)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(C)(10) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Person in charge - duties

Inspector’s notes

The person in charge is not ensuring that employees are properly sanitizing equipment or utensils.

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 4.4(N)Contamination

Official wording

4.4(N) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Warewashing Equipment

Inspector’s notes

A chemical sanitizer was unregistered, improperly used, or improperly produced. Observed dishes being washed without sanitizer. Sanitizer must be used during warewashing.

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)(1)Contamination

Official wording

4.5(A)(1) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment cleanliness

Inspector’s notes

Food-contact surfaces were dirty. Observed a buildup in the ice machine. It must be cleaned.

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(D)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

6.4(D)(1) - Facilities: Ventilation systems: Cleaning

Inspector’s notes

Intake and exhaust air ducts are a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials. Observed a buildup of grease and dust on the ventilation hood filters. They must be cleaned.

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, Jul 16, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Feb 2, 2024

Abated

4 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-06.4(L)Pests

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(L) - Violation - Facilities: Removing pests: The operator failed to remove dead pest(s) in a timely manner. "

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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 3717-1-04.5(D)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.5(D) - Violation - Non-food contact surfaces-Cleaning Frequency Nonfood-contact surfaces are not cleaned frequently enough."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 3717-1-06.4(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
notedCode 3717-1-06.4(D)(1)Contamination

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

"Observed a buildup on the vents of the grill hood. It must be cleaned. Intake and exhaust air ducts are a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials."

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, Feb 2, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jan 19, 2024

Not Abated

4 recorded violations

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

"1. Observed a buildup behind the grills. It must be cleaned. 2. Observed a syrup spill under the shelves in the walk-in being used as dry storage. It must be cleaned. The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them 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 3717-1-06.4(D)(1)Contamination

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

"Observed a buildup on the vents of the grill hood. It must be cleaned. Intake and exhaust air ducts are a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials."

In plain English

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

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 3717-1-06.4(L)Pests

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(L) - Violation - Facilities: Removing pests: The operator failed to remove dead pest(s) in a timely manner. "

Inspector’s notes

"1. Observed a dead cockroach next to the grease trap in grill area. It must be removed. 2. Observed a dead cockroach in the dry storage across from ice machine. It must be removed. The operator failed to remove dead pest(s) in a timely manner."

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 3717-1-04.5(D)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.5(D) - Violation - Non-food contact surfaces-Cleaning Frequency Nonfood-contact surfaces are not cleaned frequently enough."

Inspector’s notes

"Observed a buildup on a tube within the prep cooler in front of kitchen. It must be cleaned. Nonfood-contact surfaces are not cleaned frequently enough."

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 19, 2024 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby