ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Aug 20, 2026
Approved - Violations Abated
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Aug 20, 2026 · Original Source
Cincinnati, OH
Raya Lebanese Restaurant
801 Elm St
Last inspected Aug 20, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
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
6 inspectionsROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT
Jul 23, 2026
Not In Compliance
11 recorded violations
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. Discontinue storing containers of foods directly on floor
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 contaminationnotedCode 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 issuesnotedCode 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. Discontinue re-using single service containers (Sour cream canisters etc. )
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 issuesnotedCode 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. The three compartment sink was set up incorrectly. All dishes and utensils must be washed (Soap and water), Rinsed (water only) then Sanitized (Bleach and water). Three step process of washing, rinsing and sanitizing must be done at three compartment sink. Using Bleach in dish soap water is not acceptable. Washing dishes or utensils in prep sink is also unacceptable.
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 contaminationnotedCode 6.1(M)Other
Official wording
6.1(M) - Outer Openings - Protected
Inspector’s notes
Outer openings of a food facility were not protected against the entry of insects and rodents. Seal all gaps and pointings around rear side entry door
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 3.2(A)(2)Handwashing
Official wording
3.2(A)(2) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Preventing Contamination from Hands: Bare Hand Contact RTE Food
Inspector’s notes
Food employee was touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands. Observed employee handling cut melon with bare hands--Use gloves when handling Ready to eat foods
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 problemsnotedCode 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 issuesnotedCode 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.
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 problemsnotedCode 3.5(E)Food source and labeling
Official wording
3.5(E) - VII. Consumer Advisory - Consumer Advisory
Inspector’s notes
The consumer was not properly advised of the risk of consuming raw or undercooked animal foods. Add consumer advisory to menu for Burgers
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 problemsnotedCode 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. Soiled can opener blade
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 contaminationnotedCode 3.2(C)(1)(a)Contamination
Official wording
3.2(C)(1)(a) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Packaged and Unpackaged Food - Separation, Packaging, and Segregation
Inspector’s notes
Ready-to-eat food was not protected from cross-contamination by raw animal food. Observed whole raw eggs stored above vegetables and RTF. Always store raw animal foods on bottom shelf or beneath RTF
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 contaminationOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jul 23, 2026 · Original Source
ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT
Jan 13, 2026
Approved - Minor Violations
8 recorded violations
notedCode 6.1(M)Other
Official wording
6.1(M) - Outer Openings - Protected
Inspector’s notes
Outer openings of a food facility were not protected against the entry of insects and rodents. Seal all openings around side entry door
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 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 issuesnotedCode 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.
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 problemsnotedCode 3.2(C)(1)(a)Contamination
Official wording
3.2(C)(1)(a) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Packaged and Unpackaged Food - Separation, Packaging, and Segregation
Inspector’s notes
Ready-to-eat food was not protected from cross-contamination by raw animal food. Observed whole raw eggs and raw ground beef stored above RTF in coolers. Always store raw animal foods beneath RTF
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 contaminationnotedCode 4.2(B)(3)Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
4.2(B)(3) - Manual Warewashing - Sink Compartment Requirements
Inspector’s notes
The operator is using unapproved alternative manual warewashing. Observed Bleach in soapy water at three comp sink. All dish washing must be done in full three compartment sink as follows: Wash (soap and water), Rinse (water only) and then Sanitize (Bleach water).
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 problemsnotedCode 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 problemsnotedCode 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. Discontinue storing foods directly on floor (Bag of onions)
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 contaminationnotedCode 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. Store dry or in water at 135 degrees F or above
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 issuesOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jan 13, 2026 · Original Source
ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT
May 14, 2025
Approved - Minor Violations
14 recorded violations
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 problemsnotedCode 4.5(D)Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
4.5(D) - Nonfood-contact surfaces - cleaning frequency
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.
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 problemsnotedCode 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.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 2.2(B)Handwashing
Official wording
2.2(B) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Hands and Arms - Cleaning Procedure
Inspector’s notes
Food employee(s) are not using proper procedures when washing hands.
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 problemsnotedCode 2.1(B)Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
2.1(B) - I. Employee Health
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.
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 issuesnotedCode 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 issuesnotedCode 7.0(B)Chemicals
Official wording
7.0(B) - X. Chemical - Working Containers - Common Name
Inspector’s notes
Working containers of poisonous/toxic materials are not labeled.
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 unsafelynotedCode 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.
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 temperaturenotedCode 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.
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 temperaturenotedCode 3.3(I)(1)Food temperature
Official wording
3.3(I)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Reheating For Hot Holding
Inspector’s notes
Reheated TCS food was not heated to 165°F or roasts were not properly reheated.
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 temperaturenotedCode 3.4(D)(1)Food temperature
Official wording
3.4(D)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Cooling
Inspector’s notes
TCS foods are not being properly cooled within the allowed time period.
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 temperaturenotedCode 6.4(A)Facility maintenance
Official wording
6.4(A) - Repairing
Inspector’s notes
After use, mops are not placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls, equipment, or supplies.
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 issuesnotedCode 4.1(Z)Food temperature
Official wording
4.1(Z) - Temperature Measuring Device - Functionality
Inspector’s notes
The operator did not have a food thermometer readily accessible.
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 temperaturenotedCode 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 issuesOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, May 14, 2025 · Original Source
ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT
Jun 6, 2024
Approved - Minor Violations
6 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. owner has manager sign up for servsafe class later next month while i was conducting my inspection
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 issuesnotedCode 2.4(B)Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
2.4(B) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge
Inspector’s notes
No person in charge present in the food facility. owner has manager sign up for servsafe class in august 2024
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 issuesnotedCode 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. label unidentified working chemical containers
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 unsafelynotedCode 3.4(G)(1)Food temperature
Official wording
3.4(G)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food
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. discard expired tcs foods, past their 7 day mark and ensure all tcs foods prepped in house that are held more than 24 hours are dated according to 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 temperaturenotedCode 4.5(A)(1)Contamination
Official wording
4.5(A)(1) - VII. Protection from Contamination
Inspector’s notes
Surfaces of utensils or equipment contacting non-TCS food were not cleaned at appropriate frequency. advised owner on proper cleaning frequency for food and non food contact surfaces
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 contaminationnotedCode 3.2(C)(3)Contamination
Official wording
3.2(C)(3) - VII. Protection from Contamination
Inspector’s notes
Food is contacting an unclean surface.
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 contaminationOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jun 6, 2024 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Dec 13, 2023
Not Abated
8 recorded violations
notedCode 3717-1-03.2(G)(1)Food temperature
Official wording
"3717-1-03.2(G)(1) - Violation - Washing fruits and vegetables Raw fruit and or vegetables are being cut, combined with other ingredients or cooked before being properly washed."
Inspector’s notes
"ensure vegetables are being washed in the food prep sink only"
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 temperaturenotedCode 3717-1-04.1(Y)Food temperature
Official wording
"3717-1-04.1(Y) - Violation - Temperature Measuring Devices Temperature measuring devices are missing, not correctly placed, not readable, or of improper design."
Inspector’s notes
"no thermometer on site. provide calibrated thermometers"
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 temperaturenotedCode 3717-1-03.4(F)(1)(a)Food temperature
Official wording
"3717-1-03.4(F)(1)(a) - Violation - TCS-Hot Holding TCS foods were being hot held at temperatures <135° F or a roast <130° F."
Inspector’s notes
"OBSERVATION: cooked tcs not held at 135 CORRECTIVE ACTION: hold cooked chicken at 135 or above to avoid bacterial growth"
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 temperaturenotedCode 3717-1-05.1(O)(2)Handwashing
Official wording
"3717-1-05.1(O)(2) - Violation - Using handwashing facility-Other purposes Handwashing facility is being used for purposes other than handwashing. "
Inspector’s notes
"OBSERVATION: rinsing garnishes for food in handsink CORRECTIVE ACTION: restrict use of handsink 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 problemsnotedCode 3717-1-06.4(N)Facility maintenance
Official wording
"3717-1-06.4(N) - Violation - Maintaining premises: unnecessary items and litter. There are unnecessary or nonfunctional items and /or litter on the premises. "
Inspector’s notes
"remove items not pertaining to food operation"
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 issuesnotedCode 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
"clean cooler door gaskets for reach in coolers"
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 problemsnotedCode 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
"no test kit present provide an appropriate test kit"
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 problemsnotedCode 3717-1-04.4(A)(2)Equipment and utensils
Official wording
"3717-1-04.4(A)(2) - Violation - Equipment,good repair, doors, seals Equipment components were not intact, tight or properly adjusted. "
Inspector’s notes
"caulk along edge of all 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 issuesOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Dec 13, 2023 · Original Source