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Cincinnati, OH

Taco Bell #16940

1003 Gest St

Last inspected Oct 26, 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.

Quick Answers

When was Taco Bell #16940 last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 26, 2026. The result listed by Cincinnati Health Department was “Approved - Violations Abated”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
No. No violations were recorded at the most recent inspection.
How many inspections are on record?
9 inspections on record, from Jan 16, 2024 to Oct 26, 2026.
Has Taco Bell #16940 ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 9 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Jan 16, 2024.

The Full Inspection History

9 inspections

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 26, 2026

Approved - Violations Abated

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 26, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 20, 2026

Not In Compliance

6 recorded violations

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. Health policy could not be provided

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 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.

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)(4)(b)Contamination

Official Wording

4.5(B)(4)(b) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment Food Contact Surfaces and Utensils – Cleaning Frequency

Inspector’s Notes

Utensils or equipment are not cleaned at the proper frequency or the frequency is not documented.

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 4.1(Z)Food temperature

Official Wording

4.1(Z) - Temperature Measuring Device - Functionality

Inspector’s Notes

Temperature measuring devices are missing, not correctly placed, not readable, or of improper design. Observed missing thermometers in coolers. Obtain and place in the warmest part of the cooler.

In Plain English

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

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 4.5(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. Observed biofilm in soda guns. Clean

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 5.1(P)(1)Contamination

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

A cross connection is present onsite. Observed cross connection in three compartment sink when hoses were placed under water line of three compartment sink chemicals. Hoses were removed from under the water line. +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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 20, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Oct 15, 2026

Not In Compliance

6 recorded violations

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. Observed biofilm inside soda guns. They 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 5.1(P)(1)Contamination

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

A cross connection is present onsite. Observed a cross connection on three compartment sink when hose was left inside three compartment sink. Disscused with PIC. PIC will ensure hose in not left under water line when three compartment sink is filled. +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 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. Observed leak in sink in prep area. Repair.

In Plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 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 sign in bathroom. Place handwashing sign in bathroom.

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)(4)(b)Contamination

Official Wording

4.5(B)(4)(b) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment Food Contact Surfaces and Utensils – Cleaning Frequency

Inspector’s Notes

Utensils or equipment are not cleaned at the proper frequency or the frequency is not documented. PIC could not recall how often ice machine or ice cream machine is cleaned or if it is documented. Assure frequency of cleaning equipment is documented.

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 4.1(Z)Food temperature

Official Wording

4.1(Z) - Temperature Measuring Device - Functionality

Inspector’s Notes

Temperature measuring devices are missing, not correctly placed, not readable, or of improper design. Observed missing thermometers in coolers in prep area. Obatain and place in the warmest part of the cooler.

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 15, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

May 18, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

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 build up on fan in prep area. Clean fan more often to prevent physical 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 5.1(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

5.1(B)(1) - Approved System and Cleanable Fixtures

Inspector’s Notes

Plumbing system is not designed, constructed, and installed according to the Ohio building code. Observed y splitter on mop sink faucet that has a backflow preventer not designed for continuos back pressure. Remove y splitter or assure backflow is being preventer during faucet usage.

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)(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. Observed biofilm inside ice compartment in soda machine next to take out area. Soda machine use was discontinued and cleaned. +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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, May 18, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Dec 9, 2025

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 within the soda fountain trough. Manager cleaned soda fountain trough.

In Plain English

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

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 4.8(E)(1)(3)Equipment and utensils

Official Wording

4.8(E)(1)(3) - Single-Service Articles and Single-Use Articles - Storage

Inspector’s Notes

Single-service and single-use articles were not stored in the original protective package or were stored by means that did not protect them from contamination. Observed single use items being stored on the floor. Manager removed items from the floor and advised they would be stored on shelves moving forward.

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(P)Chemicals

Official Wording

4.4(P) - Warewashing equipment: Determining Chemical Sanitizer Concentration

Inspector’s Notes

Sanitizer concentration is not being monitored. Observed sanitizer dispenser being used while empty. Manager replaced sanitizer.

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

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

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Apr 11, 2025

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

Official Wording

2.4(A)(1) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Assignment of Responsibility

Inspector’s Notes

No person in charge present in the food facility.

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, Apr 11, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Oct 28, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

4 recorded violations

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 on the cinnamon, rice, and twist containers. They 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 4.8(A)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official Wording

4.8(A)(1) - Equipment and utensils - air-drying required

Inspector’s Notes

Equipment and utensils are not being air dried or allowed to drain adequately after sanitizing. Observed dishes being stacked without allowing them adequate time to air-dry. All dishes must be air-dried before being stacked.

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 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 a leak under the soda fountain at drive-thru. It must be fixed.

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 under the soda fountain at drive-thru. 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, Oct 28, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jul 10, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

1 recorded violation

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 a leak at the drive-thru soda fountain. 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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jul 10, 2024 · Original Source

COMPLAINT - COMPLAINT

Jan 16, 2024

CLOS-NO - No Violations Found

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jan 16, 2024 · Original Source

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