El Toro Negro Mexican Grill Cantina
Last inspected: Dec 5, 2025
41
Score
Going back to 2022, El Toro Negro Mexican Grill Cantina has 10 inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Dec 5, 2025. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 14 violations to closer to nine violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “current hotel and restaurant license not displayed” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
That's lower than the typical Kenneth City restaurant, which scores around 61. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
10
Inspections
1
Critical latest
5
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 5, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer in spray bottle not at proper minimum strength. Chlorine sanitizer bucket testing at 10 PPM. Employee added chlorine to bucket and chlorine is now testing at 50 PPM. **Corrected On-Site**
22-39-4
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 person in charge DBPR Clean up of Vomit and Diarrhea (5030-104) form. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled with dried food debris. Stained cutting boards on reach in deli coolers. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Push cart storing clean dishes blocking access to hand sink in bar area. Employee moved cart. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Missing at hand sink next to back kitchen door.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Soap dispenser at hand sink in bar area. Bottle of soap was stocked at the hand sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-06-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. No license posted. **Repeat Violation**
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Grooved cutting boards on reach in deli coolers.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Stored on shelf above microwave.
12B-12-5
Basic - Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Cold faucet handle missing at hand sink at entrance of kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
29-09-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. At bottom of single door reach in deli cooler next to hot holding unit on cook line.
29-49-6
41
Jun 23, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cuttings boards soiled with food debris - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-23: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
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. - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-23: 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. **Admin Complaint**
53B-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-23: **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed 2-1-2022 - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-23: Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed 2-1-2022 **Time Extended**
50-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Cold water faucet at hand sink missing handle. - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-23: **Time Extended**
29-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Coffee filters not covered. - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-23: **Time Extended**
25-06-4
67
Apr 17, 2025
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ 3-2020
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cuttings boards soiled with food debris
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Metal rank in front of hand sink at bar area. Employee moved racked **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
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.
53B-01-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
32-04-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed 2-1-2022
50-09-4
Basic - Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Cold water faucet at hand sink missing handle.
29-09-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Coffee filters not covered.
25-06-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food in stand up cooler.
08B-17-4
52
Feb 24, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
64
Dec 16, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. verde sauce (44F - Cold Holding); pico de gallo (45F - Cold Holding). Employee moved to reach in freezer for quick chill. Pico retemped at 37F and verdesauce 38F**Corrective Action Taken** **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Establishment using food additives or adding components such as vinegar as a method of food preservation or to make the food not time/temperature control for safety without an approved Process Waiver from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Raw sausage of beef and pork with added spices and vinegar for flavoring kept at room temperature of 70 F. **Warning**
03G-42-2
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Cooling sausage and vinegar mixture at room temperature. Employee states it's been out for 1 hour at 70 F and moved to walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained on deli reach in cooler on cook line, can opener soiled on cook line, **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand sink blocked at bar by rack. Employee removed rack. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand sink in bar area. Employee replaced soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Cold water faucet at hand sink missing handle. **Warning**
29-09-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor in kitchen near 3 compartment sink. **Warning**
36-22-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Soda bag in box stored on the floor in the storage room. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach in freezer on cook line has build up of ice. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of microwave soiled **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand wash sign at hand sink in kitchen. Provided sign to operator. He displayed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. White powder removed from original container. Employee labeled flour. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior office machine black mold like debris interior. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. 2-1-2022 license displayed. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on cutting board of deli reach in cooler. **Warning**
12B-07-4
32
Apr 19, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observe employee leave kitchen then return and donned gloves and begin engaging in food preparation touching clean utensils without washing hands. Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-07-5
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 using chlorine sanitizer that states for house-hold use laundry. Operator sent employee to store to purchase correct chlorine sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site** **Admin Complaint**
22-48-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Raw shell eggs stored above canned alcoholic beverages in upright refrigerator in wait station area.
08A-11-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Water hose connected to faucet outside in rear of establishment without vacuum breaker. **Repeat Violation**
29-34-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Wiping cloth bucket stored inside of bowl of hand wash sink near rear exit door in kitchen. Operator removed from bowl of hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen. Operator provided paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink next to three-compartment sink. Operator provided hand soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle hanging on shelf above three-compartment containing toxic substance not labeled. Operator labeled spray bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Single-serve bowl without handle used as scoop in a container of sugar and rice on bottom shelf in dry-storage area. **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Clean knives are stored in dirty knife rack on shelf in kitchen.
24-06-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Displaying expired license 02-01-2022.
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting boards on reach-in coolers on cooks line has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting on shelf in kitchen.
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Employee rinsing pots and pans after sanitizing. Discussed with operator proper warewashing procedures. Will email DBPR Form 5025-010. Manual Dishwashing Procedure.
16-13-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils rinsed after the application of the sanitizer solution. Observed employee washing pots and pans in three-compartment sink rinsing pots and pans after sanitizing. Discussed with operator proper warewashing procedures. Will email DBPR Form 5025-010. Manual Dishwashing Procedure.
22-54-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table is rusted in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-27-4
Basic - Reach-in coolers in cooks line interior have accumulation of soil residues. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Sour cream containers reused to store minced garlic and jalapeños in reach-in cooler next to stove top.
25-32-4
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloths are stored on top of cutting boards on reach-in coolers on cooks line.
21-10-4
20
Feb 12, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Water hose connected to faucet on rear outside next to back door without vacuum breaker. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: **Time Extended**
29-34-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink near rear exit of kitchen. Operator placed soap at hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: No soap at hand sink at waitress area **Time Extended**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle on rack above three-compartment sink containing chemicals not labeled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: Spray bottle above prep table not identified. **Time Extended**
41-17-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Certified food manager unable to answer basic questions about allergens. Will email DBPR form 5030-038 8 major allergen poster. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: **Time Extended**
53A-16-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen near prep table. Operator placed paper towels at hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: No paper towels at hand sink in waitress area. **Time Extended**
31B-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - All cutting boards in kitchen has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table in kitchen is rusted. Reach-in cooler next to oven, top door is broken. Foods maintaining temps of 41f and below. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees in men's restroom. Will,email DBPR Form 5030-111 employee hand wash sign. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Establishment is dumping mop water into grease trap. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: Operatorremoved mop sink out back door area. **Admin Complaint**
29-27-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in coolers on cooks line and at wait station interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: **Time Extended**
22-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler next to steam table in kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-12: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
43
Dec 6, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 22 violations
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Reading 0ppm. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Operator added chlorine sanitizer. Re check 50ppm **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-42-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Water hose connected to faucet on rear outside next to back door without vacuum breaker. **Warning**
29-34-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink bowl filled with pan lids in wait station area. Operator removed pan lids. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Certified food manager unable to answer basic questions about allergens. Will email DBPR form 5030-038 8 major allergen poster. **Warning**
53A-16-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink in wait station area blocked by a container of glasses. **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen near prep table. Operator placed paper towels at hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink near rear exit of kitchen. Operator placed soap at hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Walk-in cooler items prepared more than 24 hours ago. a. Cooked ground beef b. Cooked pork c. Cooked shrimp **Warning**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle on rack above three-compartment sink containing chemicals not labeled. **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - All cutting boards in kitchen has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowls without handle used as a scoop in a container of sugar, flour, and beans on dry-storage bottom shelf. Operator removed bowls. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Clean glasses stored next to hand wash sink in wait station area is exposed to splash. **Warning**
24-27-4
Basic - Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. Cracked raw shell egg in container in reach-in cooler on cooks line. Operator discarded cracked egg. Stop Sale not warranted. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-20-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table in kitchen is rusted. Reach-in cooler next to oven, top door is broken. Foods maintaining temps of 41f and below. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave used more than 24 hours ago soiled with food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Establishment is dumping mop water into grease trap. **Warning**
29-27-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Observed employee cutting unwashed red potatoes on prep table. Discussed washing potatoes before cutting with operator. Employee washed potatoes, cleaned and sanitized cutting board, washed hands and placed gloves on. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
08B-39-4
Basic - Reach-in coolers on cooks line and at wait station interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler next to steam table in kitchen. **Warning**
29-49-6
Basic - Stored food not covered. 8 quart container of salt is not covered on shelf next to stand-alone freezer in kitchen. **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. 8 quart container of salt removed from original packaging not labeled on shelf next to stand-alone freezer. **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees in men's restroom. Will,email DBPR Form 5030-111 employee hand wash sign. **Warning**
31B-04-4
19
Jun 26, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
47
Oct 18, 2022
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Toro Negro Mexican Grill Cantina last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Toro Negro Mexican Grill Cantina on file is from Dec 5, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Toro Negro Mexican Grill Cantina?
Across the inspection record, “current hotel and restaurant license not displayed” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at El Toro Negro Mexican Grill Cantina.
How does El Toro Negro Mexican Grill Cantina compare to other restaurants in Kenneth City?
El Toro Negro Mexican Grill Cantina most recently scored 41 out of 100, which is lower than the Kenneth City average of 61.
Has El Toro Negro Mexican Grill Cantina's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Toro Negro Mexican Grill Cantina have averaged around nine violations per visit, down from roughly 14 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Toro Negro Mexican Grill Cantina 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 Toro Negro Mexican Grill Cantina inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Toro Negro Mexican Grill Cantina is inspected around three times per year on average.
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