Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County

Restaurante El Nopal

109 OCILLA HIGHWAY FITZGERALD, GA 31750

Food
Latest score
91
Mar 25, 2026
City
Fitzgerald
County
Ben Hill
Inspections
7

Score history

Inspection scores over time for this facility.

Inspection history

Georgia inspection history is score-based, with violations grouped under each recorded inspection.

Mar 25, 2026

Routine

Score: 913 violations

2-2D - adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

Regulation: 511-6-1.06(2)(o) - using a handwashing sink- operation & maintenance (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed hand wash sink being used for purposes other than hand washing. CA: A handwashing facility may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. COS: Items were removed; discussed hand sinks shall only be used for hand washing.

4-2A - food stored covered

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv) - packaged & unpackaged food, food stored covered(c)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed multiple containers(cheese, meats, sauces) found stored in the front reach in cooler uncovered and subject to contamination. CA: Unless cooling, ensure products are covered to prevent contamination. COS: Items were covered during inspection.

15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3 - equipment, food/nonfood-contact surfaces, and utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed residue build-up on nonfood-contact surface on shelving under microwave, edges of ice machine, freezers, reach in coolers, and around grill area. CA: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. All areas shall be thoroughly cleaned.

Oct 1, 2025

Routine

Score: 933 violations

4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(7)(a)1 - equipment, food-contact surfaces,& utensils (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed significant buildup on all soda dispensing nozzles. Nozzles were removed and cleaned during inspection. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch

12B - personal cleanliness

Regulation: 511-6-1.03(5)(j) - hair restraints (c)

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed employees with no hair restraint. Discussed Employees preparing or handling food shall use effective hair restraints or hats including beards and mustaches longer than one half inch.

12C - wiping cloths: properly used and stored

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(m) - wiping cloths, use limitation (c)

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces shall be held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution at correct concentration.

Apr 23, 2025

Routine

Score: 872 violations

6-1A - proper cold holding temperatures

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; cold holding (p)

9 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed potentially hazardous food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit in the walk in cooler and at salsa bar. Soup observed to be 55 degrees Fahrenheit in walk in cooler. Soup appears to have been cooled improperly the day before. Salsa bar appears to not maintain temperature. Discussed using time as a public health control or adding ice to cold hold unit. (Unit currently has cold water) Items were discarded by PIC. Discussed correct cold holding temperatures and cooling procedure.

2-2D - adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(3)(a) - handwashing cleanser, availability (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed no handwashing cleanser at either hand wash sinks in facility. Soap was placed at both hand sinks during inspection. Each handwashing sink shall be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap.

Nov 19, 2024

Routine

Score: 971 violation

12B - personal cleanliness

Regulation: 511-6-1.03(5)(j) - hair restraints (c)

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed employee with no hair restraint. Discussed Employees preparing or handling food shall use effective hair restraints or hats including beards and mustaches longer than one half inch.

May 2, 2024

Routine

Score: 911 violation

6-1A - proper cold holding temperatures

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; cold holding (p)

9 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed potentially hazardous food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked beans observed to be 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Beans were discarded by PIC.

Dec 6, 2023

Routine

Score: 961 violation

1-2B - certified food protection manager

Regulation: 511-6-1.03(3)(a) - food safety manager certification (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

No certified food safety manager at time of inspection. Take and pass an approved food safety manager course, such as ServSafe, immediatly.

Jun 28, 2023

Initial

Score: 1000 violations
No violations recorded for this inspection.