South Miami Heights, Miami-Dade County

CHELAS NICARAGUAN CUISINE

20141 SW 127 AVE, South Miami Heights, FL 33177

FoodSeating
Latest violations
20
6 High Priority
Mar 24, 2026
City
South Miami Heights
County
Miami-Dade
Status
Current / Active
Inspections
8

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.

Mar 24, 2026

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 6Intermediate: 5Basic: 9Total: 20

08A-20-5

Detail 24462769

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored with raw beef , raw pork at walk in cooler. Coach manager. Warning

02C-01-5

Detail 24462758

High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed rice tacos de carne, raw marinade chicken with date exceeded more than 7 days at white reach in cooler near cook line. Warning

12A-09-4

Detail 24462766

High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee touched soiled equipments and then began touching clean equipments. No gloves change. Coach employee. Warning

01B-13-4

Detail 24462753

High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 1 can of coconut rusted and 1 can of green beans rusted at shelves near the triple sink. Warning

01B-02-5

Detail 24462767

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed rice tacos de carne, raw marinade chicken with date exceeded more than 7 days at white reach in cooler near cook line. Warning

03B-01-6

Detail 24462761

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cook chicken (110F - Hot Holding) stored on top of oven. As per operator for less than 2 hours. Operator placed product at steam table. Corrective Action Taken Warning

22-02-4

Detail 24462768

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed white cutting boards soiled and has cut marks. Warning

53B-01-5

Detail 24462755

Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed no proof of food handler training for food employee Amanda working for more than 3 months. Warning

11-26-1

Detail 24462757

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. Observed food employee Yanet, hired less than one month ago, does not have a signed food employee form on file. During the inspection operator provided form to operator. Repeat Violation Warning

02C-02-5

Detail 24462762

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed rice con leche with no date marking stored in reach in cooler at front counter, As per operator from prior day. Repeat Violation Warning

41-17-4

Detail 24462764

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed 2 spray bottles stored under the steam table containing toxic substance not labeled. Coach manager. Warning

36-34-5

Detail 24462754

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents with accumulated mold like substance throughout the kitchen. Observed wall soiled ceiling tiles soiled with accumulated dust. Repeat Violation Warning

24-05-4

Detail 24462770

Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed metal pans at shelves near the triple sink not stored inverted. Warning

12B-07-4

Detail 24462763

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee blue water container stored at prep table near microwave. Warning

22-08-4

Detail 24462760

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

22-16-4

Detail 24462752

Basic - Observed walk in cooler shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Warning

25-05-4

Detail 24462765

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed portions cup lid case stored on dry storage floor. Repeat Violation Warning

29-20-5

Detail 24462756

Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed slow draining water at handwash sink at kitchen entrance. Warning

14-17-4

Detail 24462759

Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves rusted. Warning

02D-01-5

Detail 24462751

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of sugar near coffee machine not labeled. Warning

Oct 13, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 4Basic: 7Total: 13

08A-02-6

Detail 24107965

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef in chest freezer, located at preparation kitchen. During the inspection employee removed items and placed them correctly. Corrected On-Site

41-10-4

Detail 24107969

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemicals stored on floor underneath three compartment sink

11-26-1

Detail 24107966

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. Observed an employee, hired less than one month ago, does not have a signed food employee form on file. During the inspection operator provided signed form. Corrected On-Site

31B-03-4

Detail 24107962

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink, located in preparation kitchen and bathroom. During the inspection employee provided soap. Corrected On-Site

22-31-4

Detail 24107961

Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed chest freezer surface rusted, located at preparation kitchen.

02C-02-5

Detail 24107960

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken tacos and cooked beef taco with no date marking stored in white reach in cooler, located at preparation kitchen. As per operator from prior day.

36-34-5

Detail 24107963

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance, throughout the kitchen areas.

35B-01-4

Detail 24107967

Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Repeat Violation

08B-38-4

Detail 24107972

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic containers with cooking oil stored on the floor in dry storage.

14-69-4

Detail 24107968

Basic - Ice buildup in chest freezer, located at preparation kitchen.

22-16-4

Detail 24107971

Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed white reach in cooler interior soiled, located at preparation kitchen.

25-05-4

Detail 24107970

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed portions cup lid case stored on dry storage floor.

14-17-4

Detail 24107964

Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.

Feb 19, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

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

08A-05-6

Detail 23572677

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored above raw beef in the walk in cooler. Operator placed eggs at the bottom. Corrected On-Site

02C-02-5

Detail 23572678

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed chicken tacos inside the reach in cooler not date marked. As per operator tacos were cooked 2/16.** Repeat Violation

14-09-4

Detail 23572676

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed a white cutting board no longer cleanable.

12B-07-4

Detail 23572675

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed opened water bottles stored on preparation table. Operator removed them. Corrected On-Site

35B-01-4

Detail 23572679

Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Repeat Violation

Aug 26, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 2Basic: 3Total: 7

01B-02-5

Detail 23094256

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed rice and beans (59 F - Cold Holding); beef tongue (59 F - Cold Holding)inside the walk in cooler. As per operator foods were placed yesterday night. Stop sale was issued.

03A-02-5

Detail 23094261

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed rice and beans (59 F - Cold Holding); beef tongue (59 F - Cold Holding)inside the walk in cooler. As per operator foods were placed yesterday night. Stop sale was issued.

22-02-4

Detail 23094260

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed a slicer soiler at the kitchen.

02C-02-5

Detail 23094258

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed chicken tacos inside the reach in cooler not date marked, Also observed a soup and nacatamales inside the walk in cooler not date marked. Repeat Violation

35B-01-4

Detail 23094257

Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.

08B-38-4

Detail 23094259

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a bucket with vegetable stored on the floor.

14-69-4

Detail 23094262

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.

Apr 5, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 1Basic: 8Total: 10

03B-01-6

Detail 22780852

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sweet plantains (109 F - Hot Holding); beef empanadas (112 F - Hot Holding)at the steam table. As per operator for less than 2 hours. Employee was advised to reheat food to 165° F and keep food at 135°F or above.

02C-02-5

Detail 22780853

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Jamaica drink not date marked inside the reach in cooler. As per operator it was cooked on Wednesday.

22-20-5

Detail 22780859

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

14-01-5

Detail 22780851

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a foam cup used as scoop inside the ground beef in the reach in cooler. Employee removed it. Corrected On-Site

10-20-4

Detail 22780855

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed 2 tongs stored on the stove door handle. Employee removed them. Corrected On-Site

10-07-4

Detail 22780858

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed a spoon store inside standing water at 84° F next to the stove. Operator removed it. Corrected On-Site

23-03-4

Detail 22780856

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

33-16-4

Detail 22780850

Basic - Open dumpster lid. Repeat Violation

25-32-4

Detail 22780854

Basic - Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Observed plastic containers of milk used to store beverages.

08B-12-5

Detail 22780857

Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed beef and chicken tacos not covered inside the reach in cooler. Repeat Violation

Nov 9, 2023

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 3Intermediate: 6Basic: 8Total: 17

08A-20-5

Detail 22436351

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored above pork inside the walk in cooler.

01B-02-5

Detail 22436346

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed beans (55 F - Cold Holding); pork ribs (49 F - Cold Holding) as per employee more than 10 hrs. Stop sale was issued.

03A-02-5

Detail 22436339

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beans (55 F - Cold Holding); pork ribs (49 F - Cold Holding) as per employee more than 10 hrs. Stop sale was issued.

02C-03-5

Detail 22436347

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. Observed gallo s of milk not date marked inside the refrigerator. Employee date marked milk. Corrected On-Site

31A-11-4

Detail 22436349

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed food debris inside the hand wash sink located at the front.

53A-05-6

Detail 22436338

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 4 employees working at the time of the inspection.

31B-02-4

Detail 22436343

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at the hand wash sink next to the 3 compartment sink.

53B-13-5

Detail 22436345

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. Observed Amanda Palacio, working over 60 days in the establishment.

02C-02-5

Detail 22436340

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed chicken and beef tacos inside the refrigerator not date marked. As per employee foods were cooked on Monday. Employee was advised to date mark food after 24 hrs. Employee date marked the food. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

08B-38-4

Detail 22436336

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a plastic bucket with onions stored on the floor. Employee removed it.

14-69-4

Detail 22436337

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in reach in freezer.

10-01-5

Detail 22436344

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 scoop handle touching the sugar. Employee removed it. Corrected On-Site

23-03-4

Detail 22436342

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

22-16-4

Detail 22436350

Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler interior with food debris.

08B-12-5

Detail 22436335

Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed chicken and beef tacos not covered inside the refrigerator.

21-12-4

Detail 22436348

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed at the preparation table. Employee removed them. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

02D-01-5

Detail 22436341

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

Apr 4, 2023

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

Intermediate: 1Basic: 2Total: 3

02C-02-5

Detail 21907843

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. Observed beans, cooked beef, and beef broth not properly date marked. As per the manager since yesterday morning. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-04: Observed cooked tongue, cooked beef, chicken broth at walk-in cooler not properly date marked. Time Extended

35B-01-4

Detail 21907844

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-04: Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Time Extended

21-12-4

Detail 21907845

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth at preparation table. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-04: Observed wet wiping cloth at preparation table. Warning Time Extended

Jan 30, 2023

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 5Intermediate: 3Basic: 4Total: 12

08A-05-6

Detail 21737173

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shells eggs stored over cooked chicken and tamales at walk-in cooler. And raw chicken stored over chicken broth and beef broth at walk-in cooler. Operator relocated the shells eggs and relocated the broths and relocated the raw chicken to the bottom part. Corrected On-Site Warning

08A-17-6

Detail 21737171

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 over raw beef and raw pork and raw beef stored over Raw pork and raw fish. Operator started to separate the products. Corrective Action Taken Warning

01B-02-5

Detail 21737172

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed chicken broth (50 F - Cold Holding) at walk in cooler. As per the manager since the night before. Manager discarded the product. Corrective Action Taken Warning

03A-02-5

Detail 21737179

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cheese (60 F - Cold Holding) at preparation table. As per the manager for less than two hours. And chicken broth (50 F - Cold Holding) at walk in cooler. As per the manager since the night before. Manager discarded the chicken broth and Operator moved the products to the walk in cooler for rapid cooling. Corrective Action Taken Warning

03B-01-6

Detail 21737180

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked pork (104-108 F - Hot Holding); and cooked sweet plantains (112 F - Hot Holding) at steam table. As per the manager for less than one hour. Operator moved the products to reheat. Corrective Action Taken Warning

53B-01-5

Detail 21737174

Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Warning

31B-03-4

Detail 21737177

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink located next to the three compartment sink. Operator provided the soap. Corrected On-Site Warning

02C-02-5

Detail 21737178

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed beans, cooked beef, and beef broth not properly date marked. As per the manager since yesterday morning. Warning

14-01-5

Detail 21737175

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed dishes with no handle inside of flour containers. Operator removed the dishes. Corrected On-Site Warning

35B-01-4

Detail 21737170

Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Warning

06-01-5

Detail 21737169

Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed cheese thawed on preparation table. Operator moved the cheese to the walk-in cooler. Corrective Action Taken Warning

21-12-4

Detail 21737176

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth at preparation table. Warning