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Cincinnati, OH

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

214 Calhoun St

Last inspected Sep 23, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Not In Compliance
More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

11 inspections

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Sep 23, 2026

Not In Compliance

12 recorded violations

notedCode 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. Operation observed to have prepped TCS items required for cold holding sitting out on counter. +COS

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 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. Observed accumulation of dirt and grime on floors under shelves and under ice machine.

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 4.1(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 thermometers observed in coolers under counters.

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 3701-21-22Other

Official wording

3701-21-22 - Food Choking Standards

Inspector’s notes

Facility did not have accessible instructions for removing food of a choking victim accessible to the public as well as food employees. No choking poster was observed available to the employees and public.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 5.0(H)(2)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

5.0(H)(2) - Water capacity for peak hot water demand

Inspector’s notes

Hot water generation and distribution systems are insufficient to meet the peak hot water demands throughout the facility. No hot water observed throughout the facility and at any hand sinks. Operation put in work order to get 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 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 utensil observed being stored directly on table.

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 7.1(A)Chemicals

Official wording

7.1(A) - X. Chemical - Storage: Separation

Inspector’s notes

Poisonous/toxic materials are stored in a manner that could contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service or single-use articles. Chemicals observed stored over a food storage area. +COS

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 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. Date marking observed not present on all prepped TCS foods in cooler. +COS

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. Can opener blade was observed to have an accumulation of rust on blade and body. +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 4.1(C)(1-4)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.1(C)(1-4) - Food Contact Surfaces Cleanability

Inspector’s notes

Multiuse food-contact surfaces were not smooth or free of breaks, open seams, cracks, chips, inclusions, pits, sharp internal angles, space corners, or crevices. Scoop for sugar was observed to have the handle broken off. +COS

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 6.4(F)Other

Official wording

6.4(F) - Drying Mops

Inspector’s notes

After use, mops are not placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls, equipment, or supplies. Mop observed not hanging to properly air dry.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
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. Working containers around operation were observed to not be labeled with their contents.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 23, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

May 6, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

6 recorded violations

notedCode 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 finding
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.

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 6.4(F)Other

Official wording

6.4(F) - Drying Mops

Inspector’s notes

After use, mops are not placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls, equipment, or supplies. Mop observed not hanging to dry.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
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. Rinse compartment of sink was observed to have dirty dishes placed in 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 temperature
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. Working tub of sugar was observed not labeled.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 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 observed sitting on dirty surfaces.

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, May 6, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 3, 2025

Approved - No Violations

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 3, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Apr 14, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

2 recorded violations

notedCode 6.1(K)(2)Pests

Official wording

6.1(K)(2) - Insect Control Devices - Design and Installation

Inspector’s notes

Insect control devices are improperly located. Observed gnat trap above food prep sink, informed PIC of improper placement and moved to a location that would not contaminate food. +COS

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 insects
notedCode 7.1(A)Chemicals

Official wording

7.1(A) - X. Chemical - Storage: Separation

Inspector’s notes

Poisonous/toxic materials are stored in a manner that could contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service or single-use articles. Observed Comet powdered bleach above the food prep sink. Informed PIC of proper storage and moved bleach. +COS

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, Apr 14, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Dec 11, 2024

Approved - No Violations

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Dec 11, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Aug 27, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

1 recorded violation

notedCode 6.3(C)(2)Other

Official wording

6.3(C)(2) - Facilities: Employee accommodations: Location

Inspector’s notes

Lockers or other suitable facilities are located in an area area where contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service or single-use articles can occur. Observed personal food container in reach in portion of food prep cooler. Either store foods in lockers or on bottom shelf away from food.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

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

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Mar 11, 2024

Abated

3 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-04.8(E)(1)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-04.8(E)(1) - Violation - Equipment, linens, single-service items-storage. Cleaned equipment or utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles are not stored in a clean, dry location, protected from contamination."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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 3717-1-06.4(D)(1)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(D)(1) - Violation - Facilities: Ventilation systems: Cleaning Intake and exhaust air ducts are a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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(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

"Violation has been abated"

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, Mar 11, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Feb 28, 2024

Abated

3 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-07.1(A)Chemicals

Official wording

"3717-1-07.1(A) - Violation - Poisonous/toxic material-storage separation Poisonous/toxic materials are stored in a manner that could contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service or single-use articles."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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 3717-1-06.2(C)Handwashing

Official wording

"3717-1-06.2(C) - Violation - Facilities-hand drying provision Handwashing lavatory had no, unapproved, or inoperable hand drying provision."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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 3717-1-02.3(A)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-02.3(A) - Violation - Food contamination-eating Employees were eating, drinking or using tobacco in non-designated areas."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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, Feb 28, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Feb 6, 2024

Not Abated

3 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-04.8(E)(1)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-04.8(E)(1) - Violation - Equipment, linens, single-service items-storage. Cleaned equipment or utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles are not stored in a clean, dry location, protected from contamination."

Inspector’s notes

"Unable to locate a sleeve for the probe thermometer. The thermometer is a food contact surface and must be properly sanitized and stored when not in use. Provide the sleeve or storage container for all probe thermometers."

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(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

"Food items must be stored at least six (6) inches above ground at all times. Observed bagged onions on the ground of the 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 3717-1-06.4(D)(1)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(D)(1) - Violation - Facilities: Ventilation systems: Cleaning Intake and exhaust air ducts are a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials."

Inspector’s notes

"Observed dust build up on the ceiling grate above the prep station/cooler. Clean the ceiling grate, ensure proper function of the HVAC system."

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, Feb 6, 2024 · Original Source

COMPLAINT - COMPLAINT

Oct 31, 2023

CLOS-NO - No Violations Found

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 31, 2023 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 14, 2023

Not Abated

7 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-02.3(A)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-02.3(A) - Violation - Food contamination-eating Employees were eating, drinking or using tobacco in non-designated areas."

Inspector’s notes

"Observed personal beverages stored above food items intended for sale in the front block cooler. Store personal items away from below food and food equipment."

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 3717-1-04.8(E)(1)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-04.8(E)(1) - Violation - Equipment, linens, single-service items-storage. Cleaned equipment or utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles are not stored in a clean, dry location, protected from contamination."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

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 3717-1-06.2(C)Handwashing

Official wording

"3717-1-06.2(C) - Violation - Facilities-hand drying provision Handwashing lavatory had no, unapproved, or inoperable hand drying provision."

Inspector’s notes

"Unable to locate hand towels at the hand sink. Ensure that the hand sink is stocked with all required amenities."

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 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

"Violation has been abated"

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 3717-1-07.1(A)Chemicals

Official wording

"3717-1-07.1(A) - Violation - Poisonous/toxic material-storage separation Poisonous/toxic materials are stored in a manner that could contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service or single-use articles."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: Observed chemicals stored on top of the ice machine and next to the food prep sink. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Store chemicals away from / below food and food eqiupment. After use, store chemicals properly."

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 3717-1-04.2(G)(2)Food temperature

Official wording

"3717-1-04.2(G)(2) - Violation - Food temperature measuring devices for thin foods. The operator does not have a readily accessible thermometer capable of accurately measuring the temperature in thin foods."

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 temperature
notedCode 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

"Violation has been abated"

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 14, 2023 · Original Source

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