Central Market

536 Cranston St, Providence, RI 02907
Grocery / Market
License: Cash Registers - 1-2
Last inspected: Jan 21, 2026
61
Score
Medium Risk

Central Market has been inspected four times since 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 21, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around two to closer to five violations per visit.

Across the inspection history, “food separated and protected” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.

By comparison, the average Providence facility scores 80, putting Central Market on the weaker side. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

4
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 21, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation. 4 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (such as eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (such as hot dogs and cheese) in the open case refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage. PIC relocated eggs.
3-302.11
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Dishes and utensils were observed in the hand-washing sink in back room. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing. PIC removed items.
5-205.11
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was blocked by prep table in the meat cutting area. A hand-washing sink shall be accessible at all times for employee use. PIC relocated prep table.
5-205.11
Food label missing or inaccurate (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Fruit with seasoning packets, packaged in the food establishment are lacking labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address. PIC labeled items.
3-602.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the deli display cooler and meat bandsaw have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-602.13
61
Mar 27, 2024
Environmental Complaint
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (shelled eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (produce) in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Plastic containers and cutting boards were observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
6-301.13
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the back outside area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
78
Jul 3, 2023
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (shelled eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (milk products) in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the the back outside area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.11
82
Jun 6, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods shelled eggs were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (containers of milk and deli meat in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
Inspector notes: Milk was observed held at (42-43) degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling.
3-501.16(A)
Food label missing or inaccurate (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Produce packaged in the food establishment are lacking labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address.
3-602.11
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Inspector observed containers of beverages stored in outside back area.
3-305.12
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The walk in cooler area is in poor repair(ambient temperature 44 degrees Fahrenheit). The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Various beverages and food product were observed stored on the floor in the retail , back storage, and the walk in cooler. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
Floors, walls, or ceilings not easily cleanable
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the back outside area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-201.11
52

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Central Market last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Central Market on file is from Jan 21, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Central Market?

Across the inspection record, “food separated and protected” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Central Market.

How does Central Market compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Central Market most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Central Market's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Central Market have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Central Market means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is Central Market inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Central Market is inspected around two times per year on average.