El Rucon

1099 N Military Trl, Haverhill, FL 33409
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Mar 27, 2026
82
Score
Low Risk

El Rucon appears in inspection records 19 times, starting in 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Mar 27, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around five violations per visit versus roughly two violations earlier in the record.

Across the inspection history, “raw animal food stored over/not properly separated” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.

The city-wide average for Florida sits at 72, putting El Rucon on the better side of that line. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 27, 2026
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Advised operator to train employees **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-27: **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Email form to operator **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-27: **Time Extended**
11-26-1
82
Mar 26, 2026
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 5 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee handled phone then grabbed egg carton containing raw shell eggs and walk in cooler door; no handwash Employee washed hands **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
12A-29-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Walk in cooler: raw beef stored over strawberry juice made with milk Operator stored properly **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Approximately 6 live roaches behind steam table crawling in and out of floor trim Approximately 2 live roaches under flip top cooler Approximately one live roach in front counter behind expo table **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. prep table: raw shell eggs (68F - Cold Holding) as per chef store out of temperature since 2 hours ago Operator moved into walk in cooler **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-03-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. At steam table: cooked pork (98F - Hot Holding); cooked peppers (132F - Hot Holding) As per chef products stored in steam table since an hour ago Chef moved products to flat top grill to reheat to 165F **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. No vacuum on hose bibs at two compartment sink Advised operator to attach a vacuum breaker to hose bibs **Warning**
29-34-4
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Email poster to operator **Warning**
11-07-5
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. Email poster to operator **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. At Fliptop cooler 2: portioned sour cream (54F at 8:40am / 53F at 9:25am- Cooling) as per chef cooling since 7:00am today At the current rate of cooling the product will not cool down to 41F within a total of 4 hours At walk in cooler: cooked chicken (131F at 8:50am / 128F at 9:20am - Cooling) as per chef cooling since 8:45am At the current rate cooling the product will not cool down to 70F within a total of 2 hours In deep dish container Operator moved cooked chicken into smaller containers Operator moved portioned sour cream into reach in cooler to quick chill **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03D-15-4
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. Advised operator to train employees **Warning**
53B-01-5
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. Email form to operator **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Approximately one dead on shelf of flip top cooler Approximately one dead roach on thank you to go bags **Warning**
35A-03-4
23
Aug 19, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At flip top; raw meatballs (68F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (68F - Cold Holding); raw bacon (68F - Cold Holding). Operator stated not prepared or portioned today held in cooler overnight. See Stop Sale. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-19: At flip top; raw meatballs (64F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (64F - Cold Holding); raw bacon (60F - Cold Holding); hotdogs (52F - Cold Holding). Operator stated items not prepared or portioned today, held in cooler less than 1 hour, moved to reach in chest freezer. **Admin Complaint** **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
86
Aug 18, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched visibly soiled wiping cloth and then handled clean equipment and utensils to prepare food without washing hands. Operator discussed with employee who then washed hands. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-29-4
High Priority - Non-food grade "thank you" bags used in direct contact with food (empanada dough). Operator discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. At walk-in cooler; raw shell eggs stored over ready to eat house made tomato sauce. Operator moved raw shell eggs. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Prep table mounted can opener blade soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Operator removed to be washed rinsed and sanitized. **Corrective Action Taken**
22-02-4
58
Jan 31, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jan 30, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Employee handled tray of whole raw shell eggs and then handled ready to eat tortillas without washing hands. Operator discussed with employee who then washed hands. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-12-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. At walk-in cooler; raw chicken stored over raw beef. Operator moved raw chicken to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At Left side flip top cooler; raw meatballs (60F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (62F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (59F - Cold Holding); cooked sausage (59F - Cold Holding). Operator stated items not prepared or portioned today, held in cooler less than 3 hours, moved to walk-in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
64
Sep 10, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation.
View 3 violations
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. At Flip top; raw meatballs (47F - Cold Holding). Operator stated not prepared or portioned today, held in pan on top of make top overnight. See Stop Sale.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At Flip top; raw meatballs (47F - Cold Holding). Operator stated not prepared or portioned today, held in pan on top of make top overnight. See Stop Sale.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance (glass cleaner) not labeled. Operator labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
67
Sep 6, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Sep 5, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food reheated for hot holding not reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds within 2 hours. At steam table; cooked chicken (69F - Reheating); cooked pork (67F - Reheating); cooked beef (69F - Reheating); cheese sauce (72F - Reheating). Operator stated reheating for over 3 hours, did not reach 165F for 15 seconds within 2 hours. See Stop Sale. **Warning**
03E-02-5
High Priority - Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee picked up wiping cloth from floor used to wipe hands and then continued to handle clean utensils and prepare food without washing hands. Operator discussed with employee who then washed hands. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-29-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. At walk-in cooler; raw beef stored over washed/cut onions. Operator moved onions. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food reheated for hot holding not reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds within 2 hours. At steam table; cooked chicken (69F - Reheating); cooked pork (67F - Reheating); cooked beef (69F - Reheating); cheese sauce (72F - Reheating). Operator stated reheating for over 3 hours, did not reach 165F for 15 seconds within 2 hours. See Stop Sale. **Warning**
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. At walk-in freezer; cooked beef (56F - Cooling 10:30am/56F - Cooling 11:00am); cooked pork (49F - Cooling 10:30am/49F - Cooling). Operator stated items cooling since 6am, in tightly closed portioned bags fully stacked inside walk-in freezer that was turned off, at this rate will not reach 41F within 6 hours, turned on freezer, spread out portions to facilitate faster cooling. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03D-15-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food not maintained frozen solid in a freezer. At walk in freezer; cooked chicken wings (42F - Cold Holding); cooked rice (43F - Cold Holding). Operator stated items not prepared or portioned today, held in freezer overnight, freezer turned off, turned freezer on. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-05-5
47
Jun 11, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink missing in warewashing or food preparation area. MFDV has added outdoor food preparation area including cooking equipment, hot holding unit, flip top cooler, drink dispenser and point of sale under tent next to truck, no additional hand wash sink. Advised Operator to add additional hand wash sink for food preparation area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-11: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-11: MFDV has added outdoor food preparation area including cooking equipment, hot holding unit, flip top cooler, drink dispenser and point of sale under tent next to truck, no additional hand wash sink. **Admin Complaint**
31A-07-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. MFDV has added outdoor food preparation area including cooking equipment, hot holding unit, flip top cooler, drink dispenser and point of sale under tent next to truck. No remodel/plan review application submitted/approved. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-11: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-11: MFDV has added outdoor food preparation area including cooking equipment, hot holding unit, flip top cooler, drink dispenser and point of sale under tent next to truck. No remodel/plan review application submitted/approved. **Admin Complaint**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-11: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-11: Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Admin Complaint**
50-04-4
78
Apr 11, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink missing in warewashing or food preparation area. MFDV has added outdoor food preparation area including cooking equipment, hot holding unit, flip top cooler, drink dispenser and point of sale under tent next to truck, no additional hand wash sink. Advised Operator to add additional hand wash sink for food preparation area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-11: **Time Extended**
31A-07-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. MFDV has added outdoor food preparation area including cooking equipment, hot holding unit, flip top cooler, drink dispenser and point of sale under tent next to truck. No remodel/plan review application submitted/approved. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-11: **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-11: **Time Extended**
50-04-4
78
Apr 10, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. MFDV has added outdoor food preparation area including cooking equipment, hot holding unit, flip top cooler, drink dispenser and point of sale under tent next to truck. No remodel/plan review application submitted/approved. **Warning**
51-16-7
Intermediate - Handwash sink missing in warewashing or food preparation area. MFDV has added outdoor food preparation area including cooking equipment, hot holding unit, flip top cooler, drink dispenser and point of sale under tent next to truck, no additional hand wash sink. Advised Operator to add additional hand wash sink for food preparation area. **Warning**
31A-07-4
Basic - Food being prepared on a grill outside that has no cover. At flat top grill/gyro spit outside MFDV under tent; cooked shredded beef being reheated on flat top grill and cooked pork gyro being reheated on spit, no cover. Advised Operator to properly cover food. **Warning**
08B-41-4
Basic - Food being prepared outside. MFDV has added food preparation area outside under tent next to unit. Food prepared/packaged at flip top cooler, food being reheated on flat top grill, food being reheated on gyro spit; all outside under tent. Advised Operator to stop preparing food outside until plan review has been submitted/approved. **Warning**
08B-32-4
Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Warning**
50-04-4
70
Mar 7, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. At dry storage area; 1 #10 size can tomato ketchup dented. See stop sale. Operator discarded. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-01-4
Intermediate - No hot running water at three-compartment sink. At triple sink; hot water temperature only reaching 77F. Operator stated hot water heater was turned off, turned on hot water heater, water temperature reaching 112F. **Corrected On-Site**
27-06-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. At all hand wash sinks; hot water temperature only reaching 77F. Operator stated hot water heater was turned off, turned on hot water heater, water temperature reaching 112F. **Corrected On-Site**
27-16-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. At walk-in cooler; bag of onions stored on floor. Operator removed from floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. At prep area; unwashed avocados, stickers still attached being cut/prepared. Advised Operator to remove stickers before washing.
08B-39-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. At kitchen ice machine; accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Advised Operator to clean/sanitize.
22-20-5
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. At cook line; in-use knife stored between flip top cooler and prep table. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
58
Nov 28, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit...hot holding chicken 119° by the steam table being held less than an hour . Operator started to cooling food in reach in freezer. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled....degreaser spray bottle . Employee moved. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses...operator moved. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
74
Oct 11, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. At dry storage are; #10 size can of pineapple dented on the seam. See stop sale. Operator segregated.
01B-01-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk in cooler, raw hamburger was stored over cooked pork and raw steak stored over cheese. Operator moved raw below ready to eat. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At cook line Left side flip top cooler; ground beef (56°F - Cold Holding); raw sausage (46°F - Cold Holding). Operator stated items not prepared or portioned today. Items being held in over stacked pans less than four hours, overfilled portions moved to reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. house made pico with cut tomato (64°F - Ambient Cooling 11:25am/ 67°F 11:55am). Operator stated pico portioned one hour prior, cooling at room temperature, at this rate of cooling product will not reach 41°F within four hours. Operator added ice to portioned pico. **Corrective Action Taken**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Establishment offers raw/undercook eggs and hamburgers; no consumer advisory. Provided consumer advisory, Operator posted. **Corrected On-Site**
02B-02-5
52
Mar 21, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Female employee washed hands in three compartment sink before portioning sauce in plastic bags. Explained and she washed hands in hand sink. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-03-4
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. Emailed to operator .
11-27-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk in cooler shelves.
23-03-4
78
Jan 23, 2023
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
33
Sep 13, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food for storage in freezer. Observed take out bags holding frozen plantains.
14-31-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance, degreaser, not labeled. Operator labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Food stored in an unapproved storage unit. Self sufficient mobile food truck may only store food in the truck. Observed a non-portable shed being used for food storage behind location.
08B-42-4
Basic - Hotel and Restaurant license decal not displayed on mobile food dispensing vehicle.
50-03-4
70
Jul 20, 2022
Routine - Food
3 major violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
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/
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at all hand wash sinks. Operator refilled **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
74

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Rucon last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Rucon on file is from Mar 27, 2026. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Rucon?

Across the inspection record, “raw animal food stored over/not properly separated” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Rucon.

Has El Rucon's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at El Rucon have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Rucon means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is El Rucon inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Rucon is inspected around five times per year on average.