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Cincinnati, OH

Veracruz Mexican Grill Inc

3108 Price Av

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

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Approved - Minor Violations
ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

8 inspections

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jun 2, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

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. Observed water pooled in front reach in cooler. PIC stated that there have been issues with the condenser thst are getting repaired.

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 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. Observed build up in hood baffles in front prep area. Clean more frequently.

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 4.0(I)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.0(I) - Nonfood-Contact Surfaces - Materials

Inspector’s notes

The nonfood contact surface is no longer corrosion -resistant, nonabsorbent and/or smooth. Observed table in front prep area and table near dishwasher area no longer corrosion resistant. Replace metal tables.

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 2, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

May 19, 2026

Not In Compliance

13 recorded violations

notedCode 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 overly full traps near dishwashing area. Remove traps more frequently.

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 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. 1. Observed sticky build up in syrup compartments in bar area. Clean more frequently. 2. Observed water pooled in front area reach in cooler. Clean more frequently. 3. Observed build up in hood compartments in front prep area. Clean more frequently.

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(K)Pests

Official wording

6.4(K) - Controlling Pests

Inspector’s notes

The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests is not being adequately controlled or minimized. Observed insect presence in dishwashing area. Contact pest operator to minimized the presence of pests.

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 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. Was not able to verify employee health policy during inspection.

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(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. Was not able to verify Ohio Manager certification during inspection.

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 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 blue liquid in unlabeled spray bottle. Bottle was labeled +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 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 items in handwashing sink in front prep area. Observed food debris in handwashing sink in back prep area. Handwashing sinks must only be used for handwashing.

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. Observed food items in walk in without proper date marking. Items held over 24hrs must be date marked with discard date.

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(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. Observed food in walk in cooler uncovered. Food items were covered.

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 4.0(I)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.0(I) - Nonfood-Contact Surfaces - Materials

Inspector’s notes

The nonfood contact surface is no longer corrosion -resistant, nonabsorbent and/or smooth. Observed table in front prep area no longer corrosion resistant. Also observed metal table in back area not longer corrosion resistant and falling apart. Replace metal tables.

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(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 utensils stored in stagnant room temperature water. Keep utensils in dry clean area.

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 6.2(B)Handwashing

Official wording

6.2(B) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Handwashing Cleanser - Availability

Inspector’s notes

Each handwashing lavatory did not have a supply of hand cleanser.

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 7.1(C)(3)Chemicals

Official wording

7.1(C)(3) - X. Chemical - Conditions of Use

Inspector’s notes

A restricted pesticide was applied by a person who is not a Certified Applicator. Observed household pesticide being used in the facility. Obtain pest control operator to minimized pest issue.

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, May 19, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Dec 10, 2025

Approved - Violations Abated

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Dec 10, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Dec 3, 2025

Not In Compliance

6 recorded violations

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. Observed a leak at the hand sink next to the 3-compartment sink. It must be 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 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. 1. Observed a buildup within the soda gun nozzles. They must be cleaned. 2. Observed a buildup within the ice machine. It must be cleaned.

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(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. Observed frosting being stored on table with no lid. Manager placed frosting within a bowl and covered it.

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(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. Observed foods being stored on the floor of walk-in coolers and freezer within facility. Foods must be stored at least 6 inches from the floor.

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. Observed a leak within the kitchen prep cooler. It must be fixed.

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 4.8(A)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.8(A)(1) - Equipment and Utensils - Air-Drying

Inspector’s notes

Equipment and utensils are not being air dried or allowed to drain adequately after sanitizing. Observed dishes being stored while still wet. Dishes must be air dried before storage.

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, Dec 3, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Apr 8, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

5 recorded violations

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. Observed a leak at the prep cooler. It must be 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 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.

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(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 issues
notedCode 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 are properly sanitizing equipment or utensils.

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 4.8(A)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.8(A)(1) - Equipment and Utensils - Air-Drying

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Apr 8, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Oct 21, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

7 recorded violations

notedCode 4.4(A)(3)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.4(A)(3) - Equipment, good repair, can opener

Inspector’s notes

The can opener blade was dull and creating metal fragments. Observed dull can opener blade creating metal fragments. It must be replaced to prevent metal fragments from entering food.

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 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 flying insects around the drains under the 3-compartment sink in the bakery. Their presence must be adequately controlled or minimized.

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 6.2(B)Handwashing

Official wording

6.2(B) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Facilities

Inspector’s notes

Each handwashing lavatory did not have a supply of hand cleanser. 1. Observed both handsinks in kitchen missing hand soap. Manager replaced handsoap and advised they would stay on top of keeping them full. 2. Observed men's restroom missing handsoap. Manager replaced handsoap and advised they would stay on top of keepking it full.

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 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. Observed a buildup of dust on the ceiling vents in bakery. They must be cleaned.

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 4.5(A)(1)Contamination

Official wording

4.5(A)(1) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment cleanliness

Inspector’s notes

Food-contact surfaces were dirty. Observed buildup within the soda gun nozzles. They must be sanitized at least once every 24 hours.

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(I)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.2(I) - Sanitizing solutions

Inspector’s notes

There is no test kit available for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer. Observed facility using Quaternary sanitizer without the proper test strips. Facility must acquire proper test strips for quaternary 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)Other

Official wording

3.2(Q) - Food Storage

Inspector’s notes

Food items are not protected from contamination during storage. Observed food being stored on the floor of the walk-in freezer. Manager placed food 6-inches from the floor.

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, Oct 21, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jul 3, 2024

Approved - Violations Abated

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jul 3, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jun 26, 2024

Not In Compliance

5 recorded violations

notedCode 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 a buildup in the ice machine. It must be cleaned.

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 4.5(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 a buildup on the floor of the walk-in freezer. It must be cleaned.

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 3.5(C)Food source and labeling

Official wording

3.5(C) - Food labels

Inspector’s notes

Food is not properly labeled. Observed food items in walk-in cooler with no labels. Food must be 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 problems
notedCode 5.1(O)(2)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(O)(2) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using handwashing facility

Inspector’s notes

Handwashing facility is being used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handsink next to 3-compartment sink being used for dishes. Manager removed dishes and advised it would no longer be used for other purposes besides handwashing.

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)(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 all items in the walk-in cooler with no date. Foods must be 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 26, 2024 · Original Source

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