El Tikal
Last inspected: Apr 9, 2026
78
Score
Across the available record, El Tikal has nine inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The most recent report on file is from Apr 9, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near seven violations each time.
“Working containers of food removed” comes up most often, recorded six times in the inspection record.
That falls roughly in the middle of the pack for Fort Myers restaurants. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 9, 2026
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed paper towel dispenser unable to dispense towels at hand washing sink at front counter. No paper towels nearby.
31B-05-4
Basic - Establishment using wood (other than a hard, close-grained wood) as a food-contact surface. Observed wooden paddles used to stir kettles in drying rack across from three compartment sink.
14-25-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed large bulk container with sugar unlabeled in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
78
Dec 3, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels in unisex bathroom.
31B-02-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl used as a scoop in bulk flour. Operator removed bowl. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic bowls wet nesting on shelf next to three compartment sink. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle touching bulk sugar in large plastic bins. Operator removed scoop. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign in unisex bathroom.
31B-04-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed styrofoam to go containers not inverted at front counter. Operator inverted items. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Unwrapped single-service utensils not presented so that only the handles are touched. Observed unwrapped plastic to go spoons in a basket at customer service counter.
25-02-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk flour and sugar unlabeled in large plastic bins in prep kitchen.
02D-01-5
64
Apr 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed bottle of liquid medicine on top of microwave at front counter. Operator removed medicine. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed eggs on shelf on cook's line at room temperature. **Repeat Violation**
03F-10-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand washing sink by cook's line. Operator replaced with a roll of towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic pitchers stacked together wet nesting on shelf next to three compartment sink.
24-08-4
Basic - Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed unwrapped coffee stirrers at self serve coffee area in front of counter.
25-27-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed case of potatoes and tomatoes stored on floor next to front counter.
08B-38-4
55
Nov 18, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 6 major violations.
View 8 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
No Bare Hand Contact with Ready-to-Eat Food
FL-09
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
32
Jun 17, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Observed employee washing hands for less than 10 seconds. Discussed proper hand washing practices with operator. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-17: **Time Extended**
12A-17-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken in reach in cooler prepared yesterday with no date marking. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-17: **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk sugar and rice in working containers no label in prep kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-17: **Time Extended**
02D-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic containers on shelf next to three compartment sink wet nesting. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-17: **Time Extended**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink behind front counter. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-17: **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
67
Apr 11, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Observed employee washing hands for less than 10 seconds. Discussed proper hand washing practices with operator. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-17-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed scoops and a sponge in hand washing sink behind front counter. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Warning**
16-37-1
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. **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. Provided Operator with Employee Reporting Agreement DBPR Form HR 5030-103 via email. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken in reach in cooler prepared yesterday with no date marking. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic containers on shelf next to three compartment sink wet nesting. **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink behind front counter. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed chicken thawing at room temperature in prep kitchen on rolling cart. **Warning**
06-01-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk sugar and rice in working containers no label in prep kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02D-01-5
43
Dec 14, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 12/01/2023.
50-17-3
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken over ready to eat shredded cheese in reach in cooler prep kitchen. Operator moved cheese to appropriate shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
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. Provided Operator with Clean up Form DBPR HR 5030-104 via email. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels by hand washing sink in prep kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed case of potatoes stored on floor by dining area.
08B-38-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. **Repeat Violation**
51-13-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at hand washing sink in prep kitchen.
31B-04-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk sugar and rice unlabeled in prep kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed ceramic bowl used to scoop dried black beans in bulk container. Operator removed from container. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
47
Apr 7, 2023
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
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. Provided Operator with Clean up Form DBPR HR 5030-104 via email. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand washing sink in kitchen.
31B-02-4
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. Provided Operator with Employee Reporting Agreement DBPR Form HR 5030-103 via email. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl used as scoop in bulk sugar. Operator removed from bin. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. **Repeat Violation**
51-13-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk sugar not labeled in kitchen area.
02D-01-5
64
Oct 31, 2022
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Dispenser needs batteries.
31B-05-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing signs at hand washing sinks.
31B-04-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
51-13-4
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Tikal last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Tikal on file is from Apr 9, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Tikal?
Across the inspection record, “working containers of food removed” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at El Tikal.
How does El Tikal compare to other restaurants in Fort Myers?
El Tikal most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is about the same as the Fort Myers average of 80.
Has El Tikal's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Tikal have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Tikal 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 Tikal inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Tikal is inspected around three times per year on average.
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