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Cincinnati, OH

Taqueria Mercado Mexican Restaurant

100 E 8th St

Last inspected Aug 3, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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

The full inspection history

7 inspections

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Aug 3, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

8 recorded violations

notedCode 3.4(C)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(C) - Thawing TCS

Inspector’s notes

TCS food was improperly thawed. Observed steaks and fish thawing in water at 84 degrees F--Still partially frozen --Moved to 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 soiled pop gun at bar, Iced tea nozzle and can opener blade--Maintain food contact surfaces clean daily

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 4.2(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.

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(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 food directly on floor in walk in

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 3.5(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 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.

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 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. Faucet at three comp sink at bar is dripping--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 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. Replace door gasket/seal on Beer tap cooler

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, Aug 3, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Dec 22, 2025

Approved - Violations Abated

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Dec 22, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Dec 18, 2025

Not In Compliance

9 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. No chlorine dispensed at final rinse of dish machine

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 6.4(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

6.4(B)(1) - Cleaning- Frequency and Restrictions

Inspector’s notes

The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Remove all cardboard from shelving etc.. Adjust shelving in dish room to 6 inches off floor to enable accessible cleaning

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(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 food directly on floor inside walk in cooler

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(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. Re-secure door gaskets on sandwich block cooler

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 3.4(C)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(C) - Thawing TCS

Inspector’s notes

TCS food was improperly thawed. PRIOR to thawing frozen reduced oxygen fish, either poke hole in cryovac wrapper or remove from wrapper completely

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 2.1(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. Implement and maintain Employee Health Policy-information 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 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. Information 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 3.4(G)(4)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(G)(4) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Ready-to-eat, TCS - date marking

Inspector’s notes

Date marking was not done in a consistent manner according to the code. Observed cooked pork, beef rice etc. with no DISCARD DATE. PIC to assure all open processed foods and prepared TCS foods held > 24 hours have a DISCARD DATE. Best practice is to document both open/prep and use by dates on each item

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. Wash and sanitize can opener blade after each use

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, Dec 18, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jun 6, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

5 recorded violations

notedCode 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 unsafely
notedCode 6.2(C)Handwashing

Official wording

6.2(C) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands

Inspector’s notes

Access to handwashing facility blocked.

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 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 temperature
notedCode 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 temperature
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, Jun 6, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jan 8, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

4 recorded violations

notedCode 5.1(O)(1)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(O)(1) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using a handwashing facility

Inspector’s notes

Access to handwashing facility blocked.

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 3.4(F)(1)(a)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(F)(1)(a) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - TCS - hot and cold holding

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being hot held at temperatures <135° F or a roast <130° F. cooked rice. fried chicken are tcs and must be held above 135

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 3.4(D)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(D)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Cooling - temperature and time control

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods are not being properly cooled within the allowed time period. cooked rice in large quantities are cooled in containers at room temp filled to the brim and tightly sealed. cool as per 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 temperature
notedCode 3.4(E)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(E)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food

Inspector’s notes

Food containers are not placed in a manner that provides maximum heat transfer while protecting food from contamination during cooling. discontinue use of plastic tubs as a means of storing hot tcs foods to cool. use of stainless steel containers are better in ice

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, Jan 8, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jun 27, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

4 recorded violations

notedCode 4.0(A)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.0(A) - Multiuse Utensils Contact Surfaces, Materials

Inspector’s notes

Material characteristics of utensils and or food contact surfaces do not meet standards. several of the plates for customer use were severely chipped. discard the same to avoid physical contamination

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 3.4(D)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(D)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Cooling - temperature and time control

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods are not being properly cooled within the allowed time period. cooked rice tightly wrapped and kept at room temp to cool. discussed proper cooling process with manager. rice was at 118. whole chicken was left to cool. had manager shred the chicken as part of the cooling process as it was for a shredded chicken dish.

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(J)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(J) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Food Contact with equipment and utensils

Inspector’s notes

Food is contacting an unclean surface. home made chips stored too close o open trash cans to cool. operator moved trash can and is to inform staff not to keep trash bin in that location

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(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. had manager date mark all tcs foods made in house that was to 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 temperature

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jun 27, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Feb 9, 2024

Not Abated

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-03.4(G)(1)Food source and labeling

Official wording

"3717-1-03.4(G)(1) - Violation - RTE TCS, date marking, food prepared in facility 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."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: inconsistent date marking CORRECTIVE ACTION: thoroughly date mark all tcs foods prepared in house as per code with the use by date"

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 3717-1-03.2(C)(2)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-03.2(C)(2) - Violation - Protection from Contamination-Food Storage Food is stored unwrapped or in uncovered containers."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: bulk foods kept uncovered on the floor in back storage areas CORRECTIVE ACTION: store bulk foods in covered containers to mimimize contaimination"

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 3717-1-03.2(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

"utensils must be stored in a manner that does not contaminate in between usage"

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 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

"wet wiping cloths must be stored in sanitizing solution in between uses and not on counter tops"

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(D)Food source and labeling

Official wording

"3717-1-03.2(D) - Violation - Food Storage containers-common name ID Working containers of food are not properly labeled."

Inspector’s notes

"label all unidentifiable food containers"

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, Feb 9, 2024 · Original Source

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