Palm River-Clair Mel, Hillsborough County

PUNTA CANA RESTAURANT

105 US HWY 301 UNIT 126, Palm River-Clair Mel, FL 33619

FoodSeating
Latest violations
5
1 High Priority
May 7, 2026
City
Palm River-Clair Mel
County
Hillsborough
Status
Current / Active
Inspections
9

Violation history

Florida violations grouped by priority level over time.

Inspection history

Florida inspections are violation-priority based, with high priority, intermediate, and basic counts shown separately.

May 7, 2026

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 3Basic: 1Total: 5

41-07-4

Detail 24561958

High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Employee vitamins on shelf over prep table in kitchen. Employee removed. Corrected On-Site

22-02-4

Detail 24561954

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. Repeat Violation

31B-02-4

Detail 24561957

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handwash sink at front counter. Employee provided. Corrected On-Site

02C-02-5

Detail 24561955

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked beans and multiple items in walk in cooler. Repeat Violation

08B-38-4

Detail 24561956

Basic - Food stored on floor. Plantains on floor in kitchen. Employee removed at time of inspection. Corrected On-Site

Nov 4, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 4Basic: 8Total: 12

22-02-4

Detail 24167826

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. Repeat Violation

31A-11-4

Detail 24167827

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Planted in sponges in handwash sink on cooksline. Repeat Violation

31B-02-4

Detail 24167828

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handwash sink in kitchen. Operator provided at time of inspection. Corrected On-Site

02C-02-5

Detail 24167825

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked rice and multiple items in walk in cooler. Repeat Violation

23-24-4

Detail 24167824

Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Microwave handles and reach in coolers handle's.

14-09-4

Detail 24167831

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting boards on reach in coolers. Repeat Violation

12B-07-4

Detail 24167834

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drinks on prep on reach in cooler in kitchen. Employee opened water bottle on slicer in kitchen. Repeat Violation

40-06-5

Detail 24167823

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employees phone on shelf over reach in cooler on cooksline.

36-73-4

Detail 24167829

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Walk in cooler floor.

08B-38-4

Detail 24167832

Basic - Food stored on floor. Bulk carrots on floor in walk in cooler. Operator relocated. Corrected On-Site

22-08-4

Detail 24167833

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave in kitchen.

22-16-4

Detail 24167830

Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in coolers on cooks line.

Apr 24, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 3Basic: 6Total: 11

41-07-4

Detail 23730047

High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Cough medicine on prep table at front counter, operator removed. Corrected On-Site

08A-05-6

Detail 23730053

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw bacon over cooked rice and multiple items in walk in cooler. Operator relocated. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

22-02-4

Detail 23730054

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on cooks line. Repeat Violation

31A-11-4

Detail 23730055

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Metal pans and silverware in handwash sink on buffet line. Repeat Violation

02C-02-5

Detail 23730050

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked goat, rice and multiple items in walk in cooler. Repeat Violation

14-09-4

Detail 23730046

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting boards in kitchen.

12B-07-4

Detail 23730052

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee water bottle on shelf over cooks line.

40-06-5

Detail 23730051

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee keys and phone on prep table at front counter.

14-11-5

Detail 23730045

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Door of white chest freezer broken with insulation exposed.

36-24-5

Detail 23730048

Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in wall under handwash sink in kitchen.

14-69-4

Detail 23730049

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. 2 white chest reach in freezer outside of walk in cooler.

Dec 2, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 3Basic: 4Total: 9

08A-20-5

Detail 23386622

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw shell eggs over raw fish in walk in cooler . Employee relocated. Corrected On-Site

03B-01-6

Detail 23386621

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot Holding: chicken baked 100 F, operator reheated in oven at time of inspection. Corrective Action Taken

22-02-4

Detail 23386618

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards. Repeat Violation

31A-11-4

Detail 23386624

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Spoon in handwash sink at front counter. Repeat Violation

02C-02-5

Detail 23386616

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken and multiple items in walk in cooler .

14-09-4

Detail 23386617

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. At sandwich station. Repeat Violation

12B-07-4

Detail 23386623

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee coffeehouse cutting board in kitchen. Repeat Violation

22-16-4

Detail 23386620

Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler at sandwich station.

08B-12-5

Detail 23386619

Basic - Stored food not covered. Cooked chicken in walk in cooler.

Jul 10, 2024

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

Intermediate: 3Basic: 2Total: 5

22-02-4

Detail 22966174

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-10: Time Extended

31A-11-4

Detail 22966172

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Clear container in handwash sink at front counter. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-10: Time Extended

02C-02-5

Detail 22966173

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Pork and multiple items in walk in cooler. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-10: Time Extended

14-09-4

Detail 22966175

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable in kitchen. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-10: Time Extended

12B-07-4

Detail 22966171

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee water bottle on prep table in kitchen. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-10: Time Extended

May 1, 2024

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 5Basic: 3Total: 9

03B-01-6

Detail 22844477

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot holding: eggs 101 F, pork 98 F, operator put in oven at time of inspection. Corrective Action Taken Warning

22-02-4

Detail 22844476

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. Repeat Violation Warning

31A-11-4

Detail 22844481

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Clear container in handwash sink at front counter. Repeat Violation Warning

31B-03-4

Detail 22844483

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink in kitchen. Repeat Violation Warning

02C-02-5

Detail 22844482

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Pork and multiple items in walk in cooler. Warning

53B-05-5

Detail 22844479

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

14-09-4

Detail 22844478

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable in kitchen. Warning

12B-07-4

Detail 22844480

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee water bottle on prep table in kitchen. Warning

08B-38-4

Detail 22844484

Basic - Food stored on floor. Bucket of plantains on floor in walk in cooler. Warning

Nov 3, 2023

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

Intermediate: 2Basic: 7Total: 9

22-02-4

Detail 22420104

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-03: Time Extended

41-17-4

Detail 22420100

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled with purple liquid. - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-03: Time Extended

14-45-4

Detail 22420101

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Aluminum foil used to line nonfood-contact shelves. - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-03: Time Extended

12B-07-4

Detail 22420103

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on shelf over reach in cooler in kitchen. - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-03: Time Extended

14-69-4

Detail 22420098

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach in freezers next to ice machine. - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-03: Time Extended

22-08-4

Detail 22420099

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave in kitchen. - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-03: Time Extended

22-16-4

Detail 22420102

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler at Sandwich station. - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-03: Time Extended

08B-12-5

Detail 22420105

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Stored food not covered. Cut squash in reach in cooler. - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-03: Time Extended

02D-01-5

Detail 22420106

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk sugar and salt. - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-03: Time Extended

Nov 2, 2023

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 4Intermediate: 5Basic: 8Total: 17

03D-02-5

Detail 22417045

High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Cold holding: cooked beef 50 F, pasta 47 F, beans 47 F, tripe cooked per operator beef was cooked and placed in walk in cooler at 7 pm the previous night. Temperature taken at 10:30 am

08A-05-6

Detail 22417041

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw fish over sliced cheese and sliced ham. Operator relocated at time of inspection. Corrected On-Site

01B-02-5

Detail 22417034

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cold holding: cooked beef 50 F, pasta 47 F, beans 47 F, tripe cooked per operator beef was placed in walk in cooler at 7 pm the previous night.

03A-02-5

Detail 22417037

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold holding: cooked beef 50 F, pasta 47 F, beans 47 F, tripe cooked per operator beef was placed in walk in cooler at 7 pm the previous night.

22-02-4

Detail 22417040

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen.

31A-11-4

Detail 22417044

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Blue bowl and sponge in handwash sink.

31B-02-4

Detail 22417036

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink next to three compartment sink.

31B-03-4

Detail 22417031

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink next to three compartment sink. Operator provided at time of inspection. Corrected On-Site

41-17-4

Detail 22417033

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled with purple liquid.

14-45-4

Detail 22417032

Basic - Aluminum foil used to line nonfood-contact shelves.

12B-07-4

Detail 22417043

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on shelf over reach in cooler in kitchen.

14-69-4

Detail 22417046

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach in freezers next to ice machine.

10-01-5

Detail 22417039

Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Handle of scoop in salt and sugar.

22-08-4

Detail 22417042

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave in kitchen.

22-16-4

Detail 22417030

Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler at Sandwich station.

08B-12-5

Detail 22417038

Basic - Stored food not covered. Cut squash in reach in cooler.

02D-01-5

Detail 22417035

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk sugar and salt.

Feb 22, 2023

Food-Licensing Inspection

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 3Basic: 7Total: 10

22-02-4

Detail 21801631

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen.

31A-11-4

Detail 21801635

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Dishes in handwash sink at front counter.

41-17-4

Detail 21801634

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled with yellow liquid. Operator labeled at time of inspection.

22-20-5

Detail 21801627

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine near white chest freezer.

40-06-5

Detail 21801629

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee jacket on dry storage shelf near walk in cooler. Operator removed at time of inspection. Corrected On-Site

14-11-5

Detail 21801630

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. White chest freezer door broken near ice machine.

08B-38-4

Detail 21801632

Basic - Food stored on floor. Bulk oil stored on floor in outside dry storage unit.

21-04-4

Detail 21801626

Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Operator removed at time of inspection. Corrected On-Site

51-13-4

Detail 21801633

Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.

02D-01-5

Detail 21801628

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk sugar and flour in kitchen. Operator labeled at time of inspection. Corrected On-Site