LA TINAJITA CAFE

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container in hand wash sink to the right of white chest freezer across from cook line. Operator removed container.

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/ Observed establishment with 4 employees engaging in food preparation without CFM present. CFM arrived during time of inspection. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink in front counter. Employee provided soap. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed non food grade basting brush used at coffee maker in front counter to the right of hand wash sink. Repeat Violation

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. Observed Gladys engaging in food preparation with employee training provided by, Florida Restaurant and Lodging association, that expired on 9/20/23. Repeat Violation

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bag of sugar on floor at front counter to the left of three compartment sink. Repeat Violation

Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle of scoop stored in sugar at front counter to the left of coffee machine. Employee Removed scoop from container. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster lid open.

Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed employee personal soda can and drink container store in reach in cooler across from cook line to the right of three compartment sink. Employee removed drinks from reach in cooler.

Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hood filter vents soiled with grease accumulation above cook line at kitchen.

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of sugar without label of common name to the left of coffee maker.

High Priority - Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observed at white standing freezer in covered/ wrapped chorizos stored directly on freezer shelf. Employee removed and began to wrap. Corrective Action Taken

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 10/1/2025. Operator paid during inspection. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at cook line fryer, fries (53F - Cold Holding). As per cook less than 1 hour, cooked placed into freezer to cool. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed front counter hand sink used to stored milk gallon. Operator removed. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Interference/obstruction with the inspector's right of entry and access at any reasonable time. Was not allowed entry for 20 minutes. As per employee I needed to wait for manager to arrive. Advised employee that manager was not needed in order for inspection to be conducted. Employee called owner who granted access.

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/ Observed 5 employees engaging in food and drink preparation with no certified manager present. Manager arrived during inspection. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen hand sink. Repeat Violation

Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed at coffee station at front counter. Repeat Violation

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. Observed trading expired for Jose C. and Gladys M.

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in container of sugar at dry storage shelf in kitchen. Repeat Violation

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed at front counter ice machine exterior cover missing,

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed at front counter, bag of sugar stored on floor. Employee removed. Corrected On-Site

Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed at front counter in a container if sugar, Repeat Violation

Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Observed for containers of rice pudding at lobby beverage cooler.

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at front counter hand sink. Repeat Violation

Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed at front counter a container of sugar stored uncovered when not in use. Operator covered. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Repeat Violation

High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed non-food grade paper towel used as a liner for sliced ham in top reach in cooler prep table across from cook line.

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over french fries in white standing reach in freezer across from dry storage in kitchen area. Operator stored properly during inspection. Also observed raw beef stored over cooked pork in standing reach in cooler across from dry storage area. Operator properly stored during inspection. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed ham and cheese sandwich (50F - Cooling); Cuban sandwich (50F - Cooling ) at reach in cooler across from cook line . As per operator sandwiches were made more than four hours ago. Advised operator to discard the sandwiches.

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed egg whites (68F - Cold Holding) on prep table across from cook line. As per operator for less than 30 minutes. Operator moved egg whites to reach in cooler for rapid cooling. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation

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. Observed ham and cheese sandwich (50F - Cooling); Cuban sandwich (50F - Cooling ) at reach in cooler across from cook line . As per operator sandwiches were made more than four hours ago. Advised operator to discard the sandwiches. Repeat Violation

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked onions (92F - Hot Holding) at prep table across from cook line in kitchen area. Operator began reheating during inspection. Corrective Action Taken

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed scoop inside container of sugar soiled at dry storage area. Operator moved scoop to dishwashing area to be cleaned and sanitized. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at handwashing sink in kitchen area. Operator provided paper towels. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed at coffee station at front counter. Repeat Violation

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at front counter ice machine. Repeat Violation

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in container of sugar at front counter.

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at wooden cutting board at front counter.

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee personal cup and phone on top of container of sugar at front counter next to coffee station. Operator removed items and stored properly during inspection. Corrected On-Site

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed on oven door handle in kitchen area.

Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed utensil handle in container of dry beans in dry storage area. Operator removed utensil.

Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed under cutting board at prep table across from cook line at kitchen area.

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at handwashing sink at front counter front counter.

Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw beef (frozen) and raw pork (frozen ) thawing at room temperature. Operator began running under cold water. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed at front entrance to kitchen area.

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of flour not labeled in dry storage area. 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. Observed in reach in cooler, cooked pork (50F - Cold Holding); as per operator since last night. Operator removed to discard.

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed in reach in cooler of kitchen cleaned and cut onions stored in to go bag. Observed at front counter beverage cooler, cut pieces of bread stored in to go bag.

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter, milk (51F - Cold Holding); as per operator for 1 hour. Operator placed onto ice bath to cool. Corrective Action Taken

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand wash sink at entrance of kitchen. Operator provided paper towels. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed at coffee station at front counter a paint brush used.

Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Observed for egg and steak platter orders. Provided operator with correctly worded poster, operator printed and posted sign. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at front counter ice machine.

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed at entrance of kitchen plastic bottles of water and juice stored on floor. Operator removed and stored on shelves. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters at cook line soiled with grease build up.

Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed at storage shelf a container of lentils. Observed at front counter a container of sugar.

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed at front counter a container of sugar.

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed marinated chicken stored above pastry located in the 3 door reach in cooler. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken stored above raw beef located in the standing reach in freezer,by the 3 door reach in cooler. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in the kitchen.

Basic - Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Observed no sanitizing sinks set up during wash,rinse sanitizing procedures, for both 3 compartment sinks.

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed marinated chicken stored above cooked pork located in the 3 door standing reach in cooler. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw breaded chicken,beef stored above tostones,yuca located in the standing reach in freezer by the back wall. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in the unisex bathroom. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed for for vents above front counter.

Basic - In-use tongs stored on oven door handle between uses. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of both ovens soiled with accumulation of food debris. Repeat Violation

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in freezer gaskets soiled with mold like substance,chest unit. Corrected On-Site

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven soiled. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-20: Time Extended

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw chicken stored in shopping bag,located in the kitchen. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw shell eggs stored above breads located in the 3 door reach in cooler.

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw pork stored above croquettes located in the chest freezer by the prep cooler. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer blade guard soiled with accumulation encrusted food debris.

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave oven , regular oven soiled with accumulation encrusted food debris. Repeat Violation

Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed for the prep unit. Repeat Violation

Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hood soiled with accumulation grease.

Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed carrots stored above cooked chicken located in the 3 door reach in cooler Corrected On-Site

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed in the kitchen. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed for the bulk rice,beans bins. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed for prep unit,kitchen. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-14: Time Extended - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-22: Time Extended

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed empanadas stored in non food grade bags, located in the standing freezer by 3 door unit. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operator renewed license online during the inspection, provided certificate. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed in the 3 door reach in cooler,raw shell eggs above breads. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed at the 3 compartment sink. Repeat Violation

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer blade guard soiled with accumulation of food debris.

Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed in the kitchen. Corrected On-Site

Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knife stored between reach in cooler,reach in freezer. Corrected On-Site

Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed in the kitchen. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven soiled with accumulation of grease and food debris.

Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed on prep unit. Repeat Violation

High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands, observed employee cracked raw shell eggs then proceeded to handle pastries without washing hands. Operator washed hands,changed gloves. Corrective Action Taken Warning

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food, observed bread stored in shopping bag located in the kitchen, raw chicken in standing reach in freezer located in the kitchen. Repeat Violation Warning

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in 3 door reach in cooler - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw fish fillets stored above cooked sweet plantains Corrected On-Site Warning

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged, observed raw chicken with chorizo stored in the chest freezer opposite the flat top grill. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Warning

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb, observed by the 3 compartment sink. Warning

Basic - Employee with ineffective hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Corrected On-Site Warning

Basic - Food stored on floor, observed jugs containing cooking oil stored on dry storage floor. Repeat Violation Warning

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled. Repeat Violation Warning

Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface, unit opposite the cookline. Repeat Violation Warning

Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hood soiled with accumulation of grease. Warning