EL MEZCALITO MEXICAN GRILL LLC

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on prep line dirty. Can opener blade soiled.

Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Managers with cards not present during inspection with more than 4 employees present

Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. New hire Alejandro has not signed agreement. Warning

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Various unlabeled bottles in kitchen, at least one containing bleach. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tank not secured in dry store area. Repeat Violation

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Numerous ceiling tiles soiled.

Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Salmon seal not broken, fish still frozen. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drinks on back prep table. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back on both sides of kitchen door wasted at lower area won't seal.

Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Walk in cooler has water on floor from dripping overhead.

Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Broken and missing tiles on cook line by griddles. Grout missing between tiles on flooring with debris in spaces.

Basic - Ice bucket/shovel stored on floor between uses. Not inverted. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in walk in freezer at the freezer discharge from blower.

Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Ice scope at bar was laying in ice. Corrected On-Site

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs stored on stove handle both stoves. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Light not functioning. Several lights out or dimmed in kitchen. 2 under hood burned out.

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Sign missing at back hand wash station.

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Handle on reach in chest freezer is dirty Handle microwave Track for vent screens and side separation wall on vent hood dirty with dripping grease. Handle on microwave in kitchen cook line dirty Vent screens over deep fat fryer dripping grease.

Basic - Stored food not covered. Beef broth cooked and chicken raw an flour not covered in walk in cooler. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Avocado stickers still on skin after washed.

Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0 PPM operator using sanitizer purchased from Sisco that did not turn test strip. Corrected to 75 PPM Corrected On-Site

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Flour not labeled. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Live, small flying insects found 2-3 small live flying insects seen in bar area 1-2 seen in kitchen and prep area 3-4 seen in dry storage area 5-6 seen in near dish pit and additional storage area next to dish pit Repeat Violation Warning

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over ceviche - moved to properly storage order by chef Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Milk in glass cooler in kitchen not date marked

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels t hand sinks next to plastic tortilla chip bins, back prep table or across from dishwashing area - paper towels placed in dispensers Corrected On-Site

Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tank not secured in bar area

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on cookline make table

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Blue plastic cups above drink station in kitchen Repeat Violation

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket in make table reach in cooler on cook line Repeat Violation

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup up in walk in freezer Repeat Violation

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on oven handle - removed by chef Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave on cook line above make table soiled

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters heavily soiled with grease and debris Soiled gaskets in reach in coolers Repeat Violation

Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Back door kept open by hose running out the door

Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Plastic lids in storage room not inverted - chef inverted items Corrected On-Site

Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Make table on cook line across from warmer Repeat Violation

Basic - Stored food not covered. Ice cream in reach in chest freezer Chicken base - covered by chef Salt in prep area - covered by chef Repeat Violation

Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls soiled in kitchen

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Evidence of handwashing sink across from tortilla chip storage used as a dump sink - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Time Extended - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: Time Extended

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Manager in house only has food handler card and card is expired. Educated operator Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 59 days Time Extended - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: Time extended until 6 oct 2024 Time Extended

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 1 new employee under 60 days no employee health reporting agreement - copy sent to operator Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 59 days Time Extended - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: Extend until 6 October 2024 Time Extended

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Several employees had expired food handlers cards Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 59 days Time Extended - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: Time extended until 6 oct 2024 Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Extreme ice buildup in walk in freezer Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Time Extended - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters over griddle heavily soiled - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Time Extended - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-13: Time Extended

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink in between food prep tables unable to turn on hot water. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 6 days Time Extended

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Evidence of handwashing sink across from tortilla chip storage used as a dump sink - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Time Extended

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No test kit for dishwasher or sanitizer buckets Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Time Extended

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Manager in house only has food handler card and card is expired. Educated operator Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 59 days Time Extended

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 1 new employee under 60 days no employee health reporting agreement - copy sent to operator Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 59 days Time Extended

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Several employees had expired food handlers cards Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: extended 59 days Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Plastic containers on storage rack not inverted - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Extreme ice buildup in walk in freezer Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters over griddle heavily soiled - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Time Extended

High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2-3 small live flying insects over hand washing sink 2-3 small live flying insects in bar area 3-4 small ants in can opener holder Warning

High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. No hole or cut in 1 thawed mahi pouch and 4 thawed salmon pouches with packaging requires a opening before thawing

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Carnitas 45 F - cold holding; prepped on 5 Aug. in walk-in refrigerator

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Carnitas 45 F - cold holding; in walk in cooler

Intermediate - Handwash sink in between food prep tables unable to turn on hot water. Warning

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Evidence of handwashing sink across from tortilla chip storage used as a dump sink

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No test kit for dishwasher or sanitizer buckets Repeat Violation

Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Manager in house only has food handler card and card is expired. Educated operator Warning

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sinks. Hand washing Sink across from triple sink and handwashing sink between prep tables Repeat Violation

Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 1 new employee under 60 days no employee health reporting agreement - copy sent to operator Warning

Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Several employees had expired food handlers cards Warning

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used to scoop ground beef in steam table Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Plastic containers on storage rack not inverted

Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. 1 mahi fillets and 4 salmon fillets Warning

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Extreme ice buildup in walk in freezer Repeat Violation

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on oven handle on cook line Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters over griddle heavily soiled

Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Make table on end of cook line across from dishwasher Repeat Violation

Basic - Stored food not covered. Prep area- chicken base, salt, flour Dry storage- beans Walk in cooler- carnitas, cut peppers, cut onions, mole, chicken stock, shredded beef Repeat Violation

High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 3 live flying insects found at bar

High Priority - Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. Using tilapia raw in ceviche must call Sysco rep for parasite destruction letter Warning

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw hamburger over empanadas white chest freezer

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw bacon over breading and avocado salsa in cook line unit Raw chicken over raw beef in drawers under flat top, must be organized with raw beef over raw chicken Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. rice (130F - Hot Holding); made at 10am no temperatures taken to know when went out of temperature. See stop sale homemade tomatillo sauce (53F - Cold Holding), tomatoes(53F - Cold holding); raw bacon (48F - Cold Holding) Warning

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Tomatoes (53F - Cold Holding); raw bacon (48F - Cold Holding); homemade tomatillo sauce (53F cold holding ) see stop sale in cooler since this morning at 10:00 found at 3:00pm. Shredded cheese 44-45F cold holding stocked an hour ago suggested rapid chill Repeat Violation Warning

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. rice (130F - Hot Holding); made at 10am no temperatures taken to know when went out of temperature. See stop sale Queso (95F - Hot Holding) reheated Queso 1 hour ago, operator kept out at room temp as back up has been out for an hour. Educated in keeping hot or cold not at room temperature, operator decided to cool down in walk in cooler

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Bar soda gun nozzle soiled Repeat Violation

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Knife in hand sink on back line Buckets in hand sink at bar Scrubbies in hand sink by white chest freezer

Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/

Intermediate - Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Hand sink by white chest freezer

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle in dish pit Repeat Violation

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowls in flour no handle Repeat Violation

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. On grill ledge on cook line water bottle

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.

Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Through out kitchen

Basic - Food stored on floor. Frozen tilapia on floor in walk in freezer

Basic - Ice bucket not inverted Repeat Violation

Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.

Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Over front expo line

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand sink on back cookline

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets black like substance Repeat Violation

Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go boxes not inverted or protected

Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Cookline unit

Basic - Stored food not covered. Multiple items in walk in cooler uncovered Uncovered dry beans in dry storage Repeat Violation

Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. By back door Corrected On-Site

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Unlabeled granulated substance under tea station

High Priority - Hand soap over box of tamarind. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. For tilapia used in ceviche where no heat is applied only lime juice. Warning

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Chest freezer raw beef in same container as open onion rings, etc

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Raw chicken and steaks in reach in cooler drawers 44F. Warning

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Prep portion chicken and beef food at 2:15 prepped at 10:00 Cook line cooler drawers ; raw chicken (51F -ambient cooling ); raw beef (47F - Ambient cool) recommended to rapid chill to 41F. Placed in freezer. Corrective Action Taken Warning

Intermediate - Interior of microwave soiled. Interior of ice machine inside ledge. Soda gun soiled at bar. Repeat

Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Shrimp, tilapia octopus ceviche served raw. Warning

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Quaternary test kit for 3 bay

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled in dish room.

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In sugar Repeat Violation

Basic - Cutting boards has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Repeat Violation

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Back pack by single service items on prep table

Basic - Hood filters soiled. Repeat Cook line cooler gaskets soiled.

Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Spoons on expo

Basic - Stored containers of food not covered in the walk in cooler. Pork, drinks cooked vegetables.

Basic - Unwashed produce over cut clean vegetables in the walk in cooler.

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk containers of flour, sugar or salt. Repeat Violation

High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Rice and queso sauce in walk in cooler Warning

High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. O ppm. Operator will call eco lab Will set up triple sink to sanitize dishes till dishwasher sanitizer is fixed Repeat Violation Warning

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Rice 2 quarts 48° over 4 hours walkin cooler Queso 25 gallons from last night over 4 hours walkin cooler. Educated operator on cooling. Using smaller containers Warning

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda Gunn nozzle at bar Warning

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Had hose hooked up to sink in back by triple sink Corrected On-Site Warning

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. For quaternary Warning

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. By cook line Corrected On-Site Warning

Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Ivan Marcus Warning

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Rice, queso not dated Warning

Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. Warning

Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Warning

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Glass used to scoop flour Corrected On-Site Warning

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Sandwich cooler Warning

Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook Warning

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook Warning

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Pans at triple sink Warning

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets sandwich cooler Repeat Violation Warning

Basic - Exhaust/ventilation hood system not designed to prevent grease or condensation from dripping onto food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Repeat Violation Warning

Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. At bar Repeat Violation Warning

Basic - Food stored on floor. To go containers in dry storage from yesterday Repeat Violation Warning

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Warning

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Sink on back prep line. Inspector provided one Corrected On-Site Warning

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters Warning

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Flour and sugar Corrected On-Site Warning