El Maguey Mexican Restaurant
Last inspected: Jan 28, 2026
37
Score
Going back to 2023, El Maguey Mexican Restaurant has nine inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 28, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around seven violations per visit versus roughly five violations earlier in the record.
The pattern that stands out is “spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled”, which has been cited three times.
Compared to other Kenneth City restaurants (averaging 61), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
9
Inspections
3
Critical latest
2
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 28, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Reach in cooler behind bar used for holding bottled drinks and salsas not keeping salsas in temperature. Salsa (66F - Cold Holding) All salsas had been in unit overnight. No way to determine how long they'd been out of temperature. Operator had not taken temperatures of salsas in that unit today. Outside display shows temperature of 37F. Operator put thermometer inside that's reading 43F. Operator has contacted a repair person. Stop Sale issued on salsas and unit will not be used for temperature sensitive foods until it has been repaired.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in cooler behind bar used for holding bottled drinks and salsas not keeping salsas in temperature. Salsa (66F - Cold Holding) All salsas had been in unit overnight. No way to determine how long they'd been out of temperature. Operator had not taken temperatures of salsas in that unit today. Outside display shows temperature of 37F. Operator put thermometer inside that's reading 43F. Operator has contacted a repair person. Stop Sale issued on salsas and unit will not be used for temperature sensitive foods until it has been repaired.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Establishment using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until approved sanitizer is available for warewashing. Establishment is using bleach with additives for laundry as sanitizer in 3 compartment sink and sanitize buckets. Operator went to store and got proper bleach. Tested sanitizer buckets at 50 PPPM. **Corrected On-Site**
22-48-5
Intermediate - Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures.
05-10-4
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. Cooked chorizo in reach in cooler in back storage room made 1/26 not date marked. Operator labeled with date. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. -ceiling tiles throughout dining room have water damage stains **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. -ceiling in kitchen soiled with dust -wall behind ice machine soiled with dust **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Reach in cooler behind bar used for holding bottled drinks and salsas not keeping salsas in temperature. salsa roja hot (66F - Cold Holding); salsa verde (49F - Cold Holding); salsa roja mild (46F - Cold Holding) Outside display shows temperature of 37F. Operator put thermometer inside that's reading 43F. Operator has contacted a repair person. Stop Sale issued on salsas and unit will not be used for temperature sensitive foods until it has been repaired. **Corrective Action Taken**
14-74-7
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach behind reach in cooler in back room near restrooms Operator cleaned up. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
Basic - Dumpster rusted out on bottom.
33-12-4
Basic - Grease receptacle on dirt, not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface.
33-23-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. No ambient thermometer in reach in cooler behind bar holding salsas. Operator put ambient thermometer inside. **Corrected On-Site**
05-09-4
37
Jul 23, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Two unlabeled spray bottles by dish machine. **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Intermediate - Wash solution in spray-type chemical warewasher less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
16-53-4
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. Two valid training certificates with 5 employees plus owner. **Repeat Violation**
53B-14-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Roof leak causing damage in rear storage room. Leak contained by buckets on floor, no cross contamination observed. Operator in contact with building owner to perform repairs.
36-32-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Over hood system/ cook line.
36-34-5
Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Test strips tested 0 PPM. OPERATOR replaced bucket to 50 PPM. **Corrected On-Site**
21-07-4
64
Feb 13, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained with food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-13: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Total of 10 employees. Has proof of 5 certification and 2 are new employee working 30days. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-13: **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
82
Jan 30, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Chlorine sanitizer 0ppm. Operator set up 3 CS with Chlorine sanitizer. **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee was washing dirty dishes then engaged with clear dishes. Inspector educated management. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-13-4
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. Total of 10 employees. Has proof of 5 certification and 2 are new employee working 30days. **Warning**
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle in dish area not identified. Management labeled bottle chemical. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-17-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained with food debris. **Warning**
22-02-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand wash sign at hand sink next to dishwasher and woman's bathroom. Employee hand written sign**Corrected On-Site** **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-04-4
52
Aug 22, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Cooked chicken 8/9/2024 found in back area cooler. Item discarded.
02C-01-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Cooked chicken 8/9/2024 found in back area cooler. Item discarded.
01B-13-4
Intermediate - Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Cooks products frozen and pulled from freezer not tracked when pulled. Explained procedure to operator regarding day one as cooking day, 6 days left to use when pulled. Operator will date container with items pulled that day. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-04-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Reach in glass cooler in front area. **Repeat Violation**
14-05-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Next to three compartment sink.
31B-04-4
61
Apr 8, 2024
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
82
Oct 30, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee in dish room observed handling dirty dishes, then proceeded to stack clean equipment without washing hands, discussed proper procedures with operator
12A-13-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. At dish machine containing degreaser, labeled **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Glass cooler at front counter
14-05-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Male employee on prep line with no hair restraint
13-03-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In use utensils at steam table in 93F water
10-07-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Prep line
21-04-4
Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0ppm, replaced 100ppm **Corrected On-Site**
21-07-4
58
Jun 26, 2023
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
86
Jan 12, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
22
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Maguey Mexican Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Maguey Mexican Restaurant on file is from Jan 28, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Maguey Mexican Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at El Maguey Mexican Restaurant.
How does El Maguey Mexican Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Kenneth City?
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant most recently scored 37 out of 100, which is lower than the Kenneth City average of 61.
Has El Maguey Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at El Maguey Mexican Restaurant have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Maguey Mexican Restaurant 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 Maguey Mexican Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Maguey Mexican Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants