Brasas Buffet Latino
Last inspected: Mar 12, 2026
50
Score
The health department has logged 11 inspections at Brasas Buffet Latino, the earliest from 2023. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 12, 2026. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around 10 violations per visit lately, up from roughly seven violations before.
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Lehigh Acres average 78, so Brasas Buffet Latino trails the local norm. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
11
Inspections
4
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 12, 2026
Food-Licensing Inspection
4 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. In left side fish reach-in cooler in prep area, fish in sealed reduced-oxygen packaging with label to remove, fully thawed.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. raw shrimp (45F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (45F - Cold Holding) stored overnight per operator. Also Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. In walk-in cooler, cooked rice (50F - Cooling) overnight per operator.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. raw shrimp (45F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (45F - Cold Holding) stored overnight per operator.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. In walk-in cooler, cooked rice (50F - Cooling) overnight per operator.
03D-02-5
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. In left side fish reach-in cooler in prep area, fish in sealed reduced-oxygen packaging with label to remove, fully thawed.
06-09-1
50
Mar 3, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed container of raw chicken, raw beef, and raw seafood stored over cut vegetables in reach in cooler at cook line. Educated operator on proper storage of raw foods. Operator switched containers. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed container of raw chicken stored over container of raw hamburger. Operator switched containers. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sausage 106F hot hold. Operator discarded sausage. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris. Can opener and behind slicer blade. Operator cleaned can opener. Operator had employee clean slicer. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container stored in handwash sink end of cook line. Operator removed container. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Hot water sanitizing dishmachine final rinse not reaching proper temperature at manifold. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired. Observed hot water temperature on plate surface 141F less than 160F. **Warning**
22-56-4
Intermediate - No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. Educated operator on the importance of measuring device to measure hot water for dishmachine. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
16-62-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at end of cook line. Operator placed paper towels at handwash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Educated operator on securing tank. Operator secured tank. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
51-11-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside at back kitchen exit. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed boxes of frozen seafood and french fries stored on floor in walk in freezer. **Warning**
08B-47-4
Basic - In-use spatula stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Operator removed spatula. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-17-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed water temperature at 78F. Operator dumped out water. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-07-4
30
Oct 6, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food and other raw foods. Observed raw chicken over ready-to-eat cut peppers and onions, raw beef, in left side reach-in cooler on cook line. Raw bacon wrapped cooked chicken over cooked beef, oranges in walk-in cooler. Operator rearranged foods for proper storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. In pastry station reach-in cooler, pudding contains dairy labeled 9/29/2025, today is 10/6/2025. **Warning**
02C-01-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. In pastry station reach-in cooler, pudding contains dairy labeled 9/29/2025, today is 10/6/2025. **Warning**
01B-24-5
High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee touch cooked plantain, ready-to-eat, with bare hands for playing. Discussed with employee proper glove usage, operator donned gloves before continuing work. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
09-01-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. In bar area partially blocked with bucket of citrus. **Warning**
31A-09-4
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/ 3 cooks 3 server/bartenders present handling food, no certified food manager present. Certified food manager arrived at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. **Warning**
16-62-1
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. 2 by Bibb in box soda rack at entrance to kitchen from bar. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
51-11-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. 2 cooks no hair restraint. **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. In walk-in freezer, boxes ice cream, meats, drink mix stored on floor under shelves. In walk-in cooler boxes tomatoes, peppers stored on floor under shelves. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice in bar. **Warning**
10-08-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In bar, spoons muddled in water 61F. Operator emptied water. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
10-07-4
32
Mar 4, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Dehydrated limes at bar in non food grade plastic bin. Operator transferred to food grade metal bin. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: Observed less non food grade containers in use. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
14-15-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. 2 at entrance to kitchen, bar side.e **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: **Time Extended**
51-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. In walk-in cooler and freezer, boxes meats, vegetables, cooked meats and soups stored on floor and under shelves. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-04: **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
78
Feb 27, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
32
Aug 5, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food in walk-in cooler for ham, cooked pork, sliced cheese. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-05: **Time Extended**
14-15-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Outside mop sink two faucets no vacuum breaker installed. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-05: **Time Extended**
29-42-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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/ 3 cooks, one server, one bartender handling food, no certified food managerA\00A0 present. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-05: Time extension given to allow operator time to train additional certified food managers. **Time Extended**
53A-05-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of debris on top of warewashing machine. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-05: **Time Extended**
16-21-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-05: **Time Extended**
33-23-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Boxes raw beef and vegetables. Dry storage boxes onions on floor. Walk-in freezer boxes food under all shelving. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-05: **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On front line by microwave observed scoops and spatulas in standing water 82F. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-05: **Time Extended**
10-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outdoor ice machine with no overhead protection. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-05: **Time Extended**
08B-61-5
52
Jul 31, 2024
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
No Bare Hand Contact with Ready-to-Eat Food
FL-09
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
20
Apr 18, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. At outdoor mop sink, two hose Bibbs, one with splitter, missing at total of three vacuum breakers at present.
29-34-4
Basic - Dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Dumpster on grass.
33-23-4
Basic - Outdoor ice machine with no overhead protection.
08B-61-5
78
Apr 25, 2023
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed can of raid in kitchen. Operator moved can of raid. **Corrected On-Site**
41-05-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed can of raid next to clean hotel pans. Operated moved can to chemical storage area. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed build up of dirt grease on ceiling tiles and light panels in ceiling.
36-34-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed walk in freezer door would not fully close causing water to condense and drip on floor, operator stated someone was coming to fix.
14-11-5
Basic - Exhaust/ventilation hood system not designed to prevent grease or condensation from dripping onto food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Observed excessive grease buildup on ansul system fire prevention system.
36-63-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice build up in walk in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Observed torn tin foil used to line shelves, operator replaced tin foil. **Corrected On-Site**
14-20-4
58
Apr 11, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Chorizo sausage 53F cod hold, fresh garlic sauce 47F cold hold more than 4 hours in upright reach in cooler near three compartment sink. Stop Sale. Operator discarded time/temperature control for safety foods. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris/grease. Can opener. Microwave oven. Operator cleaned can opener. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink in dishwash area blocked by dish rack. Operator removed dish rack. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container stored in front beverage hand wash sink. Operator removed plastic container. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
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.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
11-27-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust-like substance. Kitchen.
36-34-5
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available.
51-18-6
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Salt bin.
02D-01-5
41
Jan 27, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Observed black beans cooling less than 4 hours. Reheated on stove to 165F. Cooling process started over. **Corrective Action Taken**
03D-01-5
High Priority - Copper or copper alloys in contact with foods with a pH below 6.
14-02-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
29-42-4
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris. Interior roof of microwave.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
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.
11-26-1
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
41
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Brasas Buffet Latino last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Brasas Buffet Latino on file is from Mar 12, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Brasas Buffet Latino?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Brasas Buffet Latino.
How does Brasas Buffet Latino compare to other restaurants in Lehigh Acres?
Brasas Buffet Latino most recently scored 50 out of 100, which is lower than the Lehigh Acres average of 78.
Has Brasas Buffet Latino's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Brasas Buffet Latino have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Brasas Buffet Latino means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Brasas Buffet Latino inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Brasas Buffet Latino is inspected around four times per year on average.
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