EL TROPICO #1

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Grocery bag holding empanadas in walk in freezer

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Damaged gasket on hot holding display case at front counter

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

Basic - Light not functioning. One in hood over cookline equipment

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan covers in walk in cooler

Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Shelves in walk in cooler Repeat Violation

High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. In container of deli ham and cheese in refrigerator next to prep table nearest back hallway

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw pork in walk in cooler Operator switched order Corrected On-Site

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

Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Container of plantains in walk in cooler

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

Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. One on cookline

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At front counter handwashing sink Operator placed handwashing sign Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

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

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Several on cookline

High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Aloe Vera gel stored with sauces at white reach in fridge at entrance to kitchen

High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Five flying insects at storage area

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Dough stored in thank you bag at walk in cooler

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs stored over cut lettuce and onions at reach in fridge at entrance to kitchen

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand washing sink at front counter used to dump pit her of water

Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Women's bathroom door

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Water bottle stored on dry storage shelf

Basic - Food stored on floor. BBQ sauce and container of Sazon stored on floor by prep table on cooks line

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

Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knife stored between prep table and reach in freezer at prep area

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand washing sign at front counter sink. Emailed operator hand washing sign Corrective Action Taken

High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Containers of shredded chicken covered with paper towels with the paper towels in direct contact with chicken in walk in cooler - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-12: Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink at front counter sink.Emailed operator hand washing sign Corrective Action Taken - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-12: Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Container of sauce stored on floor of walk in cooler Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-10: Time Extended

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Fans of walk in freezer Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-10: Time Extended

High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Cut red onions and cut green onions lined with paper towel

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Shredded beef stored in to go plastic bag at walk in freezer Corrected On-Site

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

Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Women and men bathroom doors do not seal when closed

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand wash sink at front counter. Emailed operator hand washing sign Corrective Action Taken

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

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken red beans walk in cooler Corrected On-Site 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. Jenny Lobelo

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

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

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Cutting board

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

Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Stored food not covered. Red beans, raw chicken raw bacon walk in cooler Corrected On-Site

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

High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. - pork chops (67-72F - Cooling) cooked yesterday stop sale

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. pork chops (67-72F - Cooling) cooked yesterday stop sale

Intermediate - Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the three-compartment sink and/or dishmachine.

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. All food in walk-in cooler cooked pork chops, soups, beans, broths

Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. In walk-in cooler and dry storage

Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.

Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Thawing breaded chicken in ambient temperature Corrected On-Site

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

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Prepped raw steak over open package of hotdogs and sliced ham. Shell eggs over prepped steaks, Hot Dogs and sliced ham.

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Pulled chicken temped at 80f. Advised to use half of quantity for prepping empanadas and continue cooling balance in shallow pan. New temp after rapid chill 40f. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwash sink at front counter used for water pitchers and other items. Advised to move pitchers to shelf and cd's on shelf to top of receiver. Repeat Violation

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Vents throughout facility including exhaust fans in restrooms soiled.

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

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Handwash sink at cookline, including paper towel dispenser and soap dispenser.

Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Employee cutting unwashed onions. Advised to wash first to not drag the blade through the vegetable.

Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Cardboard, milk crates and various other items at back door. Corrected On-Site

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

High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. 25 ppm Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Above 100 ppm Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Front counter is using to wash dishes due is the only sink at front counter and is next to coffee machine and waiters are using it for everything. Repeat Violation

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. White rice

Basic - Food stored on floor. Cut raw Sweet plantains in kitchen floor under prep table Corrected On-Site

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and in walk-in freezer.

Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.

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

High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. 10 ppm, reviewed with employee correct concentration and more chlorine was added 50ppm Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Front counter employee only wet hands and dry with a cloth. Reviewed the correct procedure

High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Front counter employee carry dirty dishes to 3 bay sink, returned with bread in a container to front counter, no hand wash. Reviewed the correct procedure

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Washing coffee cups in hand wash sink front counter, reviewed with employee correct procedure, cups were taken to 3 bay sink to wash with the correct procedure and sanitize. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Dough in walking cooler, per manager all dough was made today in the morning.

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

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Using cup to dispense sugar and a foam container to dispense hot sauce. Reviewed the correct procedure Corrected On-Site

Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Frying oil, baking powder next to prep table front walking cooler

Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.

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

Basic - Light not functioning. One Hood light

Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. In white coolers

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar front counter Repeat Violation