ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
May 26, 2026
Approved - Violations Abated
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, May 26, 2026 · Original Source
Cincinnati, OH
The Whole Bowl Cincinnati
364 Ludlow Av
Last inspected May 26, 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
8 inspectionsROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT
May 18, 2026
Not In Compliance
6 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. Sanitize side of drainboard on three comp sink had unnecessary items observed on it.
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(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. Working containers of sauces, yeast, and other food in fridge observed not to be labeled with contents.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 5.4(H)Other
Official wording
5.4(H) - Toilet room receptacle - covered
Inspector’s notes
There is no covered receptacle in women's/unisex bathroom.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 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 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. Can opener was observed to be covered in rust.
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. In use salt scoop observed stored on unclean surface.
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 18, 2026 · Original Source
ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT
Nov 6, 2025
Approved - No Violations
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Nov 6, 2025 · Original Source
ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT
Apr 25, 2025
Approved - No Violations
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Apr 25, 2025 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Nov 14, 2024
Approved - Minor Violations
1 recorded violation
notedCode 6.1(M)(1)Other
Official wording
6.1(M)(1) - Facilities
Inspector’s notes
Outer openings of a food facility were not protected against the entry of insects and rodents. Building maintenance filled holes with foam and partially covered hole in wall. Hole still needs complete coverage with foam.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Nov 14, 2024 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Nov 13, 2024
Not In Compliance
10 recorded violations
notedCode 5.4(R)Facility maintenance
Official wording
5.4(R) - Refuse/recyclables/returnables
Inspector’s notes
Refuse/recyclables/returnables not removed frequently enough.
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 6.4(L)Pests
Official wording
6.4(L) - Facilities: Removing pests:
Inspector’s notes
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 insectsnotedCode 2.4(C)(12)Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
2.4(C)(12) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Person in charge - duties
Inspector’s notes
The person in charge is not ensuring that employees prevent cross-contamination of ready-to-eat food with bare hands. Observed PIC preparing ready to eat greens with no gloves.
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 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-use utensils stored in a non-commercial crock pot with water, water must be 135°F and draining consistently. Please store in a clean, dry, location.
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 4.5(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. Floors covered in rice, black beans, avocado peals and pits. Please clean more frequently throughout the day to prevent pest.
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(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. Mold buildup around 3 comp sink. Please maintain 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 problemsnotedCode 6.4(K)Pests
Official wording
6.4(K) - Facilities: Pest control:
Inspector’s notes
The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests is not being adequately controlled or minimized. Observed fences, nesting, and a dead rat on a trap in a hole in the wall. Restaurant was closed due to inadequate control of rodents.
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 insectsnotedCode 3.2(A)(2)Handwashing
Official wording
3.2(A)(2) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Bare Hand Contact RTE Food
Inspector’s notes
Food employee was touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands. Had PIC throw away ready to eat greens that were being prepared. Employees must be wearing gloves for all ready to eat food prep.
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 3.4(F)(1)(b)Food temperature
Official wording
3.4(F)(1)(b) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - TCS - hot and cold holding
Inspector’s notes
TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F. Lemon garlic sauce is being held at room temperature. Had PIC put sauce in fridge, must have product assessment/ laboratory testing to hold at room temperature.
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(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. Uncut cilantro stored on top of trash bags on a cart.
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, Nov 13, 2024 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Sep 3, 2024
Approved - Minor Violations
9 recorded violations
notedCode 3.2(M)(4)Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
3.2(M)(4) - Wiping cloths
Inspector’s notes
There was visible dirt and debris on dry wiping cloths.
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
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 problemsnotedCode 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 dirty floors, walls, mop sink area needs to be maintained 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 problemsnotedCode 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. Observed cooked rice and beans held on warmers not above 135°F, containers are too large to keep food fully warm. Consider using smaller containers.
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 - Equipment cleanliness
Inspector’s notes
Food-contact surfaces were dirty. Observed dirty dishes in dish storage area.
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(M)(2)(a)Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
3.2(M)(2)(a) - Wiping cloths
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 6.1(K)(2)(a)Other
Official wording
6.1(K)(2)(a) - Facilities
Inspector’s notes
Insect control devices are located over a food preparation area Observed fly zapper too close to food prep sink.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 3.2(C)(8)Contamination
Official wording
3.2(C)(8) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Protection from Contamination
Inspector’s notes
Food is stored unwrapped or in uncovered containers. Granulated soybean lethicin bag was stored open and box was stored with ripped open bag. Store in food container to better protect item.
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. Observed rice scoop stored on dirty table surface.
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, Sep 3, 2024 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Feb 28, 2024
Abated
2 recorded violations
notedCode 3717-1-04.5(A)(2)(3)Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
"3717-1-04.5(A)(3) - Violation - Equipment cleanliness-Nonfood-contact Non-food contact surfaces are dirty."
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 problemsnotedCode 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
"Violation has been abated"
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 temperatureOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Feb 28, 2024 · Original Source