ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT
Aug 11, 2026
Approved - No Violations
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Aug 11, 2026 · Original Source
Cincinnati, OH
Tortilleria Garcia
5917 Hamilton Av
Last inspected Aug 11, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Approved - No Violations
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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
Dec 5, 2025
Approved - Minor Violations
7 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. Soiled deep freezer lid in the basement.
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(L)Pests
Official wording
6.4(L) - Removing Dead or Trapped Pests
Inspector’s notes
The operator failed to remove dead pest(s) in a timely manner. Observed fly trap hanging in the basement was filled with dead flies. Replace trap.
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(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. Unlabeled salsa container in upright cooler in back area and salt and sugar on rack above steel table across 3 comp.sink.
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 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. Cheese sauce in kettle and chicken in warmer held on temp.123-125 F. Keep hot TCS food on temp.135 F or above to prevent growth of bacterias.
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(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. Uncovered tortilla picieses before frying. Keep all food covered until active working with it. Corrected on site.
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 6.4(J)(2)Other
Official wording
6.4(J)(2) - Using Dressing Rooms and Lockers
Inspector’s notes
Lockers or other suitable facilities are not being utilized for the orderly storage of employee clothing and other possessions. Emplooyee's personal item stored on rack where food and food contact surfaces stored in the basement.
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, Dec 5, 2025 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Aug 11, 2025
Approved - Minor Violations
6 recorded violations
notedCode 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. Unlabled bottles of drinks in 2 door upright in dish washing area.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 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. No hand washing sign on hand sink in the front.
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)(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. Cheese sauce held on temp. 120 in hot holding. Keep hot food on temp. of 135 F or above to prevent growth of bacterias.
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)(b)Food temperature
Official wording
3.4(F)(1)(b) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety Food - Cold Holding
Inspector’s notes
TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F. Sauce bottles and cooked potatoes held on temp. 50-62 F on ice. REPEAT VIOLATION. Keep it on 41 F or below to prevent growth of bacterias.
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(Y)Contamination
Official wording
3.2(Y) - Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination
Inspector’s notes
Miscellaneous sources of contamination observed. Employee's food stored with consumer's food. REPEAT VIOLATION. Keep employee's food below or away from consumer's food to prevent contamination.
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 4.1(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. No thermometer in Tomato salad small cooler. Provide thermometer for daily temp. check.
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, Aug 11, 2025 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Jan 10, 2025
Approved - Minor Violations
11 recorded violations
notedCode 3.2(D)Other
Official wording
3.2(D) - Food Storage containers
Inspector’s notes
Working containers of food are not properly labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle of food was hanging on tortilla maker. Unlabeled Churio and salsa containers and unlabeled salt on shelf in the back. All food contaner must be labeled. REPEAT VIOLATION.
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 - Bare Hand Contact RTE Food
Inspector’s notes
Food employee was touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands. Employee handling ready to eat food (Cilantro) with bare hand in down stairs food prep. area. Use gloves or utensils to prep. ready to eat food to prevent contamination. Corrected on site.
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(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. No state certificate.
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 7.1(P)Chemicals
Official wording
7.1(P) - X. Chemical - Personal care items
Inspector’s notes
Personal care items are not stored in a designated employee storage area. Over the counter medicine stored on intake ledge. Corrected on site.
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(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. Queso and diced chicken held on temp.128 F and 110 F. Keep all hot TCS food on temp. 135 F or above to prevent growth of bacterias. Corrected on site.
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(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. Food stored in uncovered containers in two door cooler. Keep all food covered during storage in coolers too. Corrected on site.
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 6.4(J)(2)Other
Official wording
6.4(J)(2) - Facilities: Lockers: Employee use
Inspector’s notes
Lockers or other suitable facilities are not being utilized for the orderly storage of employee clothing and other possessions. Employee's jacket and bag on rack where food stored.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 3.2(Y)Contamination
Official wording
3.2(Y) - Miscellaneous sources of contamination
Inspector’s notes
Miscellaneous sources of contamination observed. Employee's food stored with and above consumer's food items. Keep employee's food and personal items away from consumer;s food to prevent contamination. REPEAT VIOLATION. Corrected on site.
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 4.8(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. Wet container stacked up not being air dried. REPEAT VIOLATION.
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 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. Ice scoop stored in.soiled container. Keep ice scoop in clean container and wash container and ice scoop daily.
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 3.5(C)Food source and labeling
Official wording
3.5(C) - Food labels
Inspector’s notes
Food is not properly labeled. No ingredients information on crumberle for self serve. Provide ingridiats information.
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 problemsOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jan 10, 2025 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Jun 4, 2024
Approved - Minor Violations
6 recorded violations
notedCode 3.2(D)Other
Official wording
3.2(D) - Food Storage containers
Inspector’s notes
Working containers of food are not properly labeled. Unlabeled food containers. Repeat Violation
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 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. Wrong date on mayo container, Replace date sticker when put new food to the container.
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(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. Open bag of black beans. Keeps all food covered during storage.
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(Y)Contamination
Official wording
3.2(Y) - Miscellaneous sources of contamination
Inspector’s notes
Miscellaneous sources of contamination observed. Employee's food stored above consumer's food. REPEAT VIOLATIONS.
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 2.4(C)(14)Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
2.4(C)(14) - I. Employee Health - PIC Duties
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)(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.
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 issuesOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jun 4, 2024 · Original Source
ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION
Nov 14, 2023
Not Abated
8 recorded violations
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
"Unlabeled food containers in cooler. REPEAT VIOLATION. Working containers of food are not properly labeled."
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 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
"Mold behind sanitizer and detergent lines on wall above 3 comp. sink. 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 problemsnotedCode 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
"Soiled exhaust fan in walk in cooler. REPEAT VIOLATIONS. Non-food contact surfaces are dirty."
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 3717-1-03.5(C)Food source and labeling
Official wording
"3717-1-03.5(C) - Violation - Food labels-required information Food is not properly labeled."
Inspector’s notes
"No ingredients information on brownies on counter by register. REPEAT VIOLATION. Food is not properly labeled."
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 3717-1-07.0(B)Chemicals
Official wording
"3717-1-07.0(B) - Violation - Poisonous/toxic material-working containers Working containers of poisonous/toxic materials are not labeled."
Inspector’s notes
"OBSERVATION: Unlabeled degreaser. REPEAT VIOLATION. Working containers of poisonous/toxic materials are not labeled. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Working containers of poisonous/toxic materials MUST BE 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 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: Uncovered food containers in walk in cooler. Food is stored unwrapped or in uncovered containers. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Keep all food covered during storage."
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 3717-1-03.2(Q)Contamination
Official wording
"3717-1-03.2(Q) - Violation - Food Storage-preventing contamination form the premises Food items are not protected from contamination during storage."
Inspector’s notes
"Meat boxes and onion bags on the floor in basement. Food items are not protected from contamination during storage."
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 3717-1-02.4(A)(2)Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
"3717-1-02.4(A)(2) - Violation - PIC-Level 2 Certification No manager has level 2 certification in food protection."
Inspector’s notes
"No manager has level 2 certification in food protection. REPEAT VIOLATION."
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 issuesOfficial record from Cincinnati Health Department, Nov 14, 2023 · Original Source