Empanadas Valrico
Last inspected: Nov 17, 2025
61
Score
Public records show 13 inspections at Empanadas Valrico stretching back to 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Nov 17, 2025. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around five violations each.
The pattern that stands out is “missing drain plug at dumpster”, which has been cited four times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Empanadas Valrico's 61 doesn't quite reach. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 17, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed mop head in rear hand sink. Person in charge removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Gabriel Quinones working since March without training certificate. **Warning**
53B-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
16-21-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed dust buildup on vents in preparation area. **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle. **Warning**
33-20-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed on shared dumpster with plaza. **Warning**
33-11-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk batter in unlabeled bin. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Person in charge removed from sink and hung to dry. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
42-01-4
61
Sep 16, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test kit for their chlorine triple sink. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-16: **Time Extended**
16-37-1
90
Sep 12, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed their triple sink at 20ppm chlorine. Operator added more chemicals and measured at 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-42-4
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed in the walk in cooler: Mozzarella (67F - Cold Holding); Ambient shell eggs (70F - Cold Holding); Butter (70F - Cold Holding). Operator stated that the cooler worked the previous night but was broken when they came in approximately 4hrs ago. They called for repairs but left the food inside. Operator willingly disposed of the products. **Warning**
03A-03-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in the walk in cooler: Mozzarella (67F - Cold Holding); Ambient shell eggs (70F - Cold Holding); Butter (70F - Cold Holding). Operator stated that the cooler worked the previous night but was broken when they came in approximately 4hrs ago. They called for repairs but left the food inside. Operator willingly disposed of the products. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in the walk in cooler: Mozzarella (67F - Cold Holding); Ambient shell eggs (70F - Cold Holding); Butter (70F - Cold Holding). Operator stated that the cooler worked the previous night but was broken when they came in approximately 4hrs ago. They called for repairs but left the food inside. Operator willingly disposed of the products. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test kit for their chlorine triple sink. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
16-37-1
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed multiple bowls left in bags of flour. **Warning**
14-01-5
47
Jul 17, 2025
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed debris on top exterior of dish machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water in back preparation area by triple sink and dish machine. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed no drain plug and garbage behind shared dumpster with plaza.
33-11-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on pull out drawers on cook line soiled. Observed grease film on wall behind fryers. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sauce in reach in cooler in bulk container not labeled.
02D-01-5
78
Feb 11, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Employee washed hands with no soap. Observed employee washing hands without soap. Manager added soap and employee rewashed. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-20-4
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer used to sanitize clean in place equipment not at proper minimum strength. Do not use equipment not properly sanitized. Observed quaternary bucket at 0 ppm. Manager manually added quaternary and corrected to 300ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
22-53-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at 3 out of 4 hand wash sinks. Manager provided to hand sink by cooking line. **Corrective Action Taken**
31B-03-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-6
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed dish machine not operating, manager stated broken and utilizing triple sink. Observed reach in cooler on serving line not working.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water.Observed in front and back kitchen. Manager set up fan and worker mopped floor. **Corrective Action Taken**
36-22-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hand washing sink soiled. Observed gaskets soiled on pull out drawer on cook line.
23-03-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop heads in bottom of mop sink.
42-01-4
50
Sep 24, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed their quaternary triple sink test kit expired.
16-37-1
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed to-go containers not stored inverted. Operator inverted them. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed dust build up on the walk in cooler fan covers. Operator cleaner the covers. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
36-50-4
82
Jul 16, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
55
Jan 24, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer used to sanitize clean in place equipment not at proper minimum strength. Do not use equipment not properly sanitized.Observed quaternary bucket on front line at 150ppm. Manager corrected to 300ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
22-53-4
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. Observed d at 0ppm chlorine. Manager changed chemical bucket and corrected to 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
22-41-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed debris on top exterior of dishwashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.Observed metal hotel pans on storage rack wet nesting.
24-08-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster.Observed on shared dumpster with plaza. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
33-11-4
64
Oct 25, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 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. Observed no vomit clean up plan. Handed operator a copy to post. **Corrected On-Site**
11-27-4
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. Observed no signed agreements. Handed operator a copy to sign and emailed them more. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl being used as a scoop in a bag of flour. Operator removed bowl. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed multiple ceiling tiles in the kitchen area with grease build up.
36-34-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice build up in multiple standing reach in freezers in the prep area.
14-69-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed dust build up in the walk in cooler fan covers.
36-50-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed dusty and soiled shelves in the walk in cooler.
22-16-4
64
Aug 21, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
82
Dec 22, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
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
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed co2 tanks not secured . Manager corrected by securing. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
51-11-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scoop in steam table at 99F. Operator corrected by removing scoop. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed no drain plug on shared dumpster with the plaza. **Warning**
33-11-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed 3 containers of spices near dry storage area not labeled. **Warning**
02D-01-5
74
Oct 7, 2022
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
86
Jul 18, 2022
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors.
35B-03-4
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Empanadas Valrico last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Empanadas Valrico on file is from Nov 17, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Empanadas Valrico?
Across the inspection record, “missing drain plug at dumpster” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Empanadas Valrico.
How does Empanadas Valrico compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?
Empanadas Valrico most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.
Has Empanadas Valrico's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Empanadas Valrico have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Empanadas Valrico means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Empanadas Valrico inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Empanadas Valrico is inspected around four times per year on average.
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