La Cocina De Abuela
Last inspected: Jan 16, 2026
55
Score
Inspectors have visited La Cocina De Abuela eight times, with records going back to 2022. On Jan 16, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near 13 violations per visit across recent inspections.
The pattern that stands out is “raw animal foods not properly separated”, which has been cited four times.
That's lower than the typical Gainesville restaurant, which scores around 75. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 16, 2026
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
55
Sep 16, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
27
Jan 16, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 5 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered kitchen from dining room proceeded to put on gloves and serve food behind front counter without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands and change gloves. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
12A-16-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw beef stored in same container as raw chicken in dry storage area reach-in cooler. Employee removed beef from container and placed in pan above chicken in reach-in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Pan of rice in table top warmer behind front counter: rice (118F - Hot Holding). Manager stated rice placed in warmer one hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager placed rice in oven to reheat, rice (179F - Reheating). Items in steam table next to glass warmer behind front counter: rice (111F - Hot Holding); plantains (118F - Hot Holding). Manager stated items placed in warmer one hour prior to temperature being taken. in warmer one hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager placed rice in oven to reheat, plantains (168F - Reheating); rice (169F - Reheating). **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottles of chemicals stored next to soda bottles behind front counter. Employee moved bottles to mop sink area. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Original container of toxic substance or chemical does not bear the manufacturer's label. Spray bottle in prep area no label. **Repeat Violation**
41-21-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. One employee training certificates expired.
53B-14-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice chute for dining room soda machine. **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/. No certified food manager present with six employees working. Certified food manager arrived during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No hand towels at hand washing sink behind front counter.
31B-02-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Pans stored on shelf across from mop sink area.
24-08-4
Basic - Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Plastic containers on shelf across from mop sink area.
14-13-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. One hood filter missing above cook line.
14-42-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket for bread reach-in cooler across from front counter. Area around soda nozzles for dining room soda machine. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach-in cooler next to dry storage shelf.
14-33-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go pans stored in dry storage area.
25-06-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee backpack stored next to go containers behind front counter. Coat hanging from dry storage shelf.
40-06-5
23
Jul 11, 2024
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
18
Jan 23, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw pork in dry storage reach-in cooler. Manager moved chicken to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Item in reach-in cooler behind front counter: ham (44F - Cold Holding). Manager stated item placed in cooler two hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager added ice to pan to reduce temperature to 41F. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Item in steam table on front counter: rice (127F - Hot Holding). Manager stated item placed in steam table one hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved item to oven to reheat. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No hand towels at kitchen hand washing sink. Manager provided hand towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
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. Milk in reach-in cooler behind front counter. Employee stated item opened the morning of 1/22.
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice chute of dining room soda machine.
22-02-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets of reach-in freezer next to cook line. Hood vents above oven. Area around soda nozzles of dining room soda machine **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Containers stored on shelf across from mop sink room. **Repeat Violation**
16-46-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored in reach-in cooler behind front counter. **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Containers stored on shelf across from mop sink room.
24-08-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach-in freezer next to mop sink room.
14-69-4
37
Jul 24, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw ground beef stored over raw whole muscle beef in reach-in cooler across from mop sink room. Manager placed ground beef to shelf below whole muscle beef. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Water nozzle for tea machine behind front counter. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Spoon stored in hand washing sink across from front counter. Manager removed spoon. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No hand towels at hand washing sink behind front counter.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Flan stored in reach-in cooler behind front counter.
02C-02-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table across from three compartment sink. Employee removed drink from table. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door to kitchen.
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor in storage room across from mop sink. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Soda boxes stored on floor in storage room across from mop sink room. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Area behind soda nozzles of dining area soda machine. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Pans stored on clean dish rack across from mop sink room.
16-46-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Cut avocado in reach-in cooler behind front counter, label shrill on avocado after being washed.
08B-39-4
41
May 22, 2023
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 16 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
17
Dec 7, 2022
Routine - Food
9 critical violations. 6 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 22 violations
High Priority - Hot water takes too long to reach handwash sink resulting in employees using only cold water to wash their hands. Employees washing their hands at kitchen across from oven, hand washing sink across from oven. Manager turned hot water on. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-08-4
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Ham stored in reach-in cooler behind front counter, item dated 11/22. Manager discarded item. **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-24-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Item in ice bath on front counter: slaw (58F - Cold Holding). Manager stated item placed in ice bath 2 hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved item to reach-in cooler to reduce temperature to 41F. Item in reach-in cooler across from grill: butter (60F - Cold Holding); salsa (58F - Cold Holding). Manager stated butter stored in cooler overnight, stop sale. Manager discarded butter. Manager stated salsa placed in cooler 2 hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved salsa to reach-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Item held on prep table in kitchen: beans (115F - Hot Holding). Manager stated item placed in container for hot holding one hour prior to temperature being taken. Employee placed item on stove to reheat. **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle stored above clean utensils in dish area. Manager removed spray bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Shell eggs stored over cut celery in reach-in cooler next to produce cooler. Manager had employee place eggs on bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw ground beef stored over raw pork in dry storage reach-in cooler across from produce cooler. Manager had employee place ground beef beneath pork. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered kitchen from dining area and didn't wash their hands before handling food. Manager stopped employee and had them wash their hands. **Warning**
12A-16-4
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. Employee handled clean dishes after handling dirty dishes without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-13-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice chute for dining room soda machine. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Foil wrap stored on hand washing sink across from oven. Employee removed foil wrap. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No quaternary or chlorine test kit.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No hand towels at hand washing sink across from oven. Manager provided hand towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle stored at end of three compartment sink.
41-17-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Hand washing sink across from oven, hot water 78F. Manager turned hot water on, 108F.**Corrected On-Site** **Corrected On-Site**
27-16-4
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Reach-in cooler across from grill,ambient temperature 58F.
14-74-7
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on shelf above prep table in kitchen. Manager discarded drink. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Onions and potatoes stored on floor in dry storage area. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Dumpster behind building. **Repeat Violation**
33-23-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop stored on top of reach-in freezer next to ice machine. Manager had employee wash, rinse and sanitize scoop and place scoop in pan. **Corrected On-Site**
10-12-5
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handles touching garlic in reach-in cooler next to produce cooler. Manager removed scoops. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wiping cloth on counter across from front counter.
21-12-4
10
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Cocina De Abuela last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Cocina De Abuela on file is from Jan 16, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Cocina De Abuela?
Across the inspection record, “raw animal foods not properly separated” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at La Cocina De Abuela.
How does La Cocina De Abuela compare to other restaurants in Gainesville?
La Cocina De Abuela most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Gainesville average of 75.
Has La Cocina De Abuela's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at La Cocina De Abuela have averaged around 13 violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at La Cocina De Abuela 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 La Cocina De Abuela inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Cocina De Abuela is inspected around three times per year on average.
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