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Cincinnati, OH

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

3364 Madison Rd

Last inspected Jun 2, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Approved - Minor Violations

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

The full inspection history

5 inspections

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jun 2, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

11 recorded violations

notedCode 6.2(C)Handwashing

Official wording

6.2(C) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Handwashing Sinks - Hand Drying Provision

Inspector’s notes

Handwashing lavatory had no, unapproved, or inoperable hand drying provision. Observed no paper towels at hand sink in main smoothie prep area. Person in charge restocked.

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 4.6(C)(3)Contamination

Official wording

4.6(C)(3) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Sanitizing Frequency Utensils/Food Contact Surfaces - Before Use After Cleaning

Inspector’s notes

After being cleaned, food-contact surfaces and utensils were not sanitized using an effective or approved combination of exposure time, chemical concentration, temperature, and/or pH. Observed sanitizer solution at low concentration. Had PIC drain water and resanitize dishes. Concentration was correct.

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 3.2(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. Observed containers of sugar that need to be labeled with common name of food.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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. Observed bottles of chemicals without common name on bottle. PIC labeled bottle.

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 5.1(O)(2)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(O)(2) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using a handwashing sink - Operation and Maintenance

Inspector’s notes

Handwashing facility is being used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed wiping clothes and sponges stored in hand washing sink. Please keep hand sinks fully available so employees are washing hands.

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)(3)Contamination

Official wording

4.5(B)(3) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment Food Contact Surfaces and Utensils – Cleaning Frequency

Inspector’s notes

Surfaces and/or utensils used for TCS foods not cleaned every 4 hours. Make sure all blenders and scoops/utensils are being cleaned at the 3-comp sink every 4 hours throughout the day.

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(I)Food temperature

Official wording

4.4(I) - Manual warewashing: Wash Solution Temperature

Inspector’s notes

The temperature of the wash solution in manual warewashing equipment was less than 110° F. Observed wash temp at 85° F, had employee drain water and start washing with hot water at 110° F.

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
notedCode 6.3(C)(2)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

6.3(C)(2) - Employee Accommodations-Designated Areas

Inspector’s notes

Lockers or other suitable facilities are located in an area where contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service or single-use articles can occur. Observed employee personal items stored above dry storage items. PIC moved items.

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 4.4(A)(3)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.4(A)(3) - Equipment - Good Repair and Proper Adjustment: Can Opener

Inspector’s notes

The can opener blade was dull and creating metal fragments.

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 2.2(G)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.2(G) - Jewelry, Restriction

Inspector’s notes

Food employees wearing jewelry during food preparation. Observed employees with braclets and Apple Watches on during food prep.

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jun 2, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Dec 22, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

notedCode 3.2(D)Other

Official wording

3.2(D) - Food Storage Containers - Identified with Common Name of Food

Inspector’s notes

One working container of food was not properly labeled.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 4.4(B)Other

Official wording

4.4(B) - Cutting surfaces.

Inspector’s notes

Cutting surface(s) unable to be effectively cleaned and sanitized.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 3701-21-02(I)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

3701-21-02(I) - Display of License

Inspector’s notes

FSO license not displayed onsite.

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, Dec 22, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Sep 3, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

2 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 in the front serving area are not properly labeled.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 4.8(E)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.8(E)(1) - Equipment, Utensils, Linens - Storage

Inspector’s notes

Cleaned equipment or utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles are not stored in a clean, dry location, protected from contamination. Cleaned equipment or utensils, single-service , and straws stored by a hand washing sink exposed to moisture.

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, Sep 3, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 22, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

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.

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(C)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.1(C) - 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.

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 3701-21-02(H)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

3701-21-02(H) - Display of License

Inspector’s notes

FSO license not displayed onsite .

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, Oct 22, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jun 3, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

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.

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 3.2(D)Other

Official wording

3.2(D) - Food Storage containers

Inspector’s notes

Working containers of food are not properly labeled. Sauce containers are not labeld.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 4.1(C)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.1(C) - 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.

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 3, 2024 · Original Source

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