El Castillito Latin Food
Last inspected: Feb 20, 2026
52
Score
Across the available record, El Castillito Latin Food has eight inspections on file, the first dated 2022. El Castillito Latin Food was last inspected on Feb 20, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 12 violations to closer to 10 violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.
By comparison, the average Miami facility scores 74, putting El Castillito Latin Food on the weaker side. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
8
Inspections
3
Critical latest
1
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 20, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food removed from cold holding for necessary preparation rose above 41 degrees Fahrenheit during the preparation process and was not cooled back down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Observed marinated chicken (49F - Cooling) at walk in cooler, as per employee made two days prior.
03D-07-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed marinated chicken (49F - Cooling) at walk in cooler, as per employee made two days prior.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed beans and rice also raw chicken stored in non food grade bags at walk in cooler. Employee transferred items to food grade bags. **Corrected On-Site**
14-31-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a metal container in handwashing sink at cook line. Operator removed container.**Repeat Violation** **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone on cutting board at front counter. Employee removed phone. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler /Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed shelves at walk in cooler soiled with debris.
22-16-4
52
Jul 29, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cooked beans and rice and white rice stored in non food grade to go bags at walk in cooler. **Warning**
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw steak stored over fruits and vegetables at walk in cooler. **Warning**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a container of onions in handwashing sink at cook line. Employee removed item. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
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/ Observed four employees at time of inspection without a certified manager. Manager arrived during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
53A-05-6
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 Pedro, camiri and nidia no proof of employee training. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine next to rear exit soiled with mold like substance. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile missing at dry storage area. **Warning**
36-36-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed kitchen manager engaging in food preparation without proper hair restraint. Manager placed a cap on during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap at rear exit of kitchen. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at second chest freezer at storage area. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed previous inspection not available. **Warning**
51-18-6
Basic - Reach-in cooler / Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed shelves at walk in cooler soiled with debris. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed raw pork at walk in cooler not covered. **Warning**
08B-12-5
37
Feb 4, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed BEEF PICADILLO (128F - Hot Holding)at front counter. Employee reheated to 165F Observed HAM CROQUETTES (120F - Hot Holding) at front counter. Employee reheated to 185F **Corrected On-Site**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cooked rice stored in to go bags at walk in cooler.
14-31-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed oven bricks and scouring pads in handwashing sink located at preparation area. Operator removed items during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at handwashing sink at preparation area across three compartment sink. Operator refilled during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at handwashing sink located at cook line. Employee provided soap during inspection. Observed no soap at hand sink located at preparation area. Employee provided soap during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tile soiled with debris at front counter above register.
36-34-5
Basic - Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed mold like substance on lid of chest freezer located in dining area. Employee cleaned lid during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
22-16-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Operator closed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic water bottles stored on floor located at dry storage. Operator placed on shelf. Observed a case of chicken stored on the floor of the walk in cooler. Operator placed on shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed a gap at rear exit located in the back of the kitchen area.
35B-01-4
43
Aug 6, 2024
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Intermediate - Certified food manager unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Certified food manager was not familiar with how to calibrate a probe thermometer. Operator was training on how to properly calibrate probe thermometer.
53A-10-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand wash sink at front counter used as a dump sink.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink near 3 compartment sink. Operator provided paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with bleach water missing label.
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black mold-like substance inside of ice machine.
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle used to scoop white rice from bin. Operator removed bowl from white rice. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee beverage container in ice machine/ice bin. Observed personal beverages stored inside of ice machine. Operator removed personal beverages. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-14-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bag of white rice and 2 plastic jugs of vinegar stored on floor at dry storage area. Observed case of plastic water bottles stored on floor near restrooms. Operator placed items off of the floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in contact with ice inside of ice machine. Operator removed ice scoop handle from touching ice. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-08-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign at hand wash sink at front counter.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with accumulation of grease buildup. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
45
Mar 26, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
43
Nov 1, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed bread stored in regular " Thank you" grocery bags located at kitchen area. **Warning**
14-31-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beans w/ rice (51F - Cold Holding); red beans (50F - Cold Holding); empanadas (52F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (49F - Cold Holding); raw pork (49F - Cold Holding) located inside walk in cooler, less than 4 hours. Ambient temperature of cooler unit observed at 50F, as per thermometer. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken soup (125F - Hot Holding); grilled chicken (97F - Hot Holding); steak w/ onions (102F - Hot Holding) located at kitchen cookline, less than 4 hours. Advised to operator to reheat food items to 165F and above. Observed chicken soup reheated to 167F and kept on stove top to maintain temperatures at 135F and above. Observed cheese pastelito (99F - Hot Holding); empanada (88F - Hot Holding) located at front counter hot holding box, less than 4 hours, advised to Chef to reheat all food items. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handwash sink used to thaw raw beef located across from three compartment sink. **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. None provided at time of inspection. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No hot running water at three-compartment sink. Observed no hot water when faucet handle is turned on, unable to take a temperature. **Warning**
27-06-4
Intermediate - Water treatment device has not been inspected or serviced according to manufacturer's instructions. Observed no date marking on water filter, indicating when device was last serviced, located next to ice machine at kitchen area. **Warning**
29-28-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris located near chest freezers and dry storage. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed a constant leak from faucet when hot water valve is turned on at handwash sink located across from three compartment sink at kitchen area. **Warning**
29-11-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and heavily grooved located at kitchen counters. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl with no handle inside a container of uncooked lentils, stored next to deli slicer at kitchen area. **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed large plastic containers on top shelf of storage rack, not kept inverted, located near chest freezers. **Warning**
24-05-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed missing light shield above chest freezers at kitchen area. **Warning**
38-07-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair located near chest freezers and dry storage area. **Warning**
36-17-5
30
Jun 15, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
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
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
45
Oct 20, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 12 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
23
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Castillito Latin Food last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Castillito Latin Food on file is from Feb 20, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Castillito Latin Food?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Castillito Latin Food.
How does El Castillito Latin Food compare to other restaurants in Miami?
El Castillito Latin Food most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami average of 74.
Has El Castillito Latin Food's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Castillito Latin Food have averaged around 10 violations per visit, down from roughly 12 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Castillito Latin Food 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 El Castillito Latin Food inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Castillito Latin Food is inspected around two times per year on average.
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