Food Safety and Inspections

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The Cincinnati Health Department Food Safety and Inspections Program licenses and inspects all food service operations and retail food establishments (including mobile and temporary food operations) in the City of Cincinnati to ensure compliance with the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code.

The Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS) inspect each food service operation to identify possible violations that may contribute to food contamination or illness.

Compliance standards are primarily related to:

  • Food protection

  • Time and temperature requirements

  • Employee hygiene

  • Cleaning/sanitizing of equipment & utensils

  • Hand-washing facilities

  • Water and sewage services

  • Restroom facilities

  • Waste disposal

  • Pest control

  • Maintenance of floors, walls and ceilings

  • Sufficient lighting and ventilation

  • Proper storage and display of toxic materials

For questions about the Cincinnati Health Department Food Safety and Inspections Program, call 513-564-1751