Jamaican and American Soul Food
Last inspected: Nov 13, 2025
55
Score
Jamaican and American Soul Food has been inspected 12 times since 2022. The most recent visit was on Nov 13, 2025. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around five violations to closer to three violations per visit over the last few inspections.
Across the inspection history, “no paper towels” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Jamaican and American Soul Food's 55 doesn't quite reach. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
12
Inspections
3
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 13, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in their steam table: Beef (113F - Hot Holding). Operator stated it had been out for approximately 30minutes. Operator placed more water in the steamer and turned it up. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Observed on the kitchen counter: Rice (80F - Cooling). Operator stated it was cooked the night before and left out. Operator willingly disposed of the product.
01B-36-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed on the kitchen counter: Rice (80F - Cooling). Operator stated it was cooked the night before and left out. Operator willingly disposed of the product. **Corrective Action Taken**
03D-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed the operator fill a container in their hand sink.
31A-11-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease buildup on the hood filters.
23-03-4
55
Aug 7, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Aug 6, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
74
Nov 18, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
67
Aug 1, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw shell eggs stored over unwashed carrots and cabbage in a reach in cooler.
08A-04-5
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. Observed an employee washing dirty dishes and engage in food preparation without washing their hands. Instructed operator on proper hand washing.
12A-13-4
High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed the operator wash and rinse dishes but did not sanitize them before putting them away to air dry. Had operator set up their sanitizer step of the triple sink and sanitize the dishes. **Corrected On-Site**
22-45-4
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed non food grade plastic bags in direct contact with multiple foods in the establishments reach in coolers and freezers. Instructed operator on proper methods to storing foods.
14-31-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed their quaternary test kits expired 03/2024
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at the front counter hand wash sink. Operator placed some there. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at the ware washing hand wash sink.
31B-03-4
41
Feb 6, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical sanitizer wipes stored above drinks in the dry storage area. Operator removed the wipes. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw eggs stored over ready to eat cooked meat in the right side reach in cooler on the cook line. Operator removed the eggs. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
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 a scoop handle touching food in a container of rice. Operator removed the scoop. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed no shielding for the lights in the warewashing area.
38-07-4
67
Dec 5, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed triple sink at 0ppm quaternary. Operator started they were out of quaternary tablets so I had them switch to chlorine based sanitizer they had on hand. Retested it at 100ppm chlorine. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-05: Triple sink not set up at this time but operator did purchase more quaternary sanitizer. **Time Extended**
22-43-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels in the kitchen and warewashing area hand wash sinks. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-05: **Time Extended**
31B-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed food debris and grease build up underneath the equipment in the kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-05: **Time Extended**
36-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease build up on the hood filters. Observed food debris and grease build up on the sides on the stove and oven on the cook line. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-05: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
70
Dec 4, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 10 rodent droppings on the floor of the dry storage area. Observed approximately 6 rodent droppings on the floor of the front counter area. Operator has started to sweep and mop the areas. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed triple sink at 0ppm quaternary. Operator started they were out of quaternary tablets so I had them switch to chlorine based sanitizer they had on hand. Retested it at 100ppm chlorine. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-43-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels in the kitchen and warewashing area hand wash sinks. **Warning**
31B-02-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not rinsed between washing and sanitizing. Observed operator not rinsing dishes after washing them. **Warning**
16-16-4
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed food debris and grease build up underneath the equipment in the kitchen. **Warning**
36-01-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease build up on the hood filters. Observed food debris and grease build up on the sides on the stove and oven on the cook line. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed pork being thawed on the kitchen prep table. **Warning**
06-01-5
55
Aug 28, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
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
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Single-Use/Single-Service Articles Properly Stored and Used
FL-45
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
32
Jun 19, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
70
Jun 16, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 8 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Evidence of mop/cleaning wastewater dumped onto ground. **Warning**
28-14-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following items on kitchen prep table: shell eggs (74F - Cold Holding); cheese (56F - Cold Holding); butter (62F - Cold Holding) Operator stat item were taken out of cooler a bout 1.5 hour prior. Observed op return items to reach-in cooler. Recheck items 40 minutes later before end of inspection and all were coming down in temperature appropriately. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed rice and collard greens made onsite more then 24 hours prior as per employee statement not date marked. **Warning**
02C-02-5
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. Spoke with person in charge about the Big 6 food borne illnesses, person in charge did not have knowledge of Big 6 illnesses or signage to reference. Emailed operator Big 6 food borne illnesses signage and reference material. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-07-5
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. Observed package of cheese opened more then 24 hours prior as per employee statement not date marked. **Warning**
02C-03-5
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 operator Clean-Up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events DBPR HR 5030-104 **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink by dishwasher area. **Warning**
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. Email operator Employee Health Agreement **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sinks at front counter and kitchen hand wash sink. Observed employee replace soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves in reach-in cooler. **Warning**
14-05-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed hood vent over stove with buildup of grease. **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. Observed odor come from floor drain at front counter. **Warning**
36-64-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover under prep table by fryer. **Warning**
14-20-4
Basic - Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly. Gray wastewater floor drain under steam table at front line filled to floor level and draining very slowly. Observed operator use shop vacuum to clean drain and blockage. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
29-19-4
23
Aug 15, 2022
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no towels at sink on front line. Employee placed towels at sink. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed Hand wash sink in preparation area has water turned off. Employee turned on water. **Corrected On-Site**
27-16-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Jamaican and American Soul Food last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Jamaican and American Soul Food on file is from Nov 13, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Jamaican and American Soul Food?
Across the inspection record, “no paper towels” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Jamaican and American Soul Food.
How does Jamaican and American Soul Food compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?
Jamaican and American Soul Food most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.
Has Jamaican and American Soul Food's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Jamaican and American Soul Food have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Jamaican and American Soul Food 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 Jamaican and American Soul Food inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Jamaican and American Soul Food is inspected around four times per year on average.
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