La Guajira
Last inspected: Apr 22, 2026
47
Score
The health department has logged eight inspections at La Guajira, the earliest from 2023. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 22, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around 24 violations to closer to nine violations per visit over the last few inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
By comparison, the average Hialeah facility scores 76, putting La Guajira on the weaker side. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
8
Inspections
2
Critical latest
3
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 22, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed Triple Sink (Chlorine 200+ppm) at front counter. Operator discarded it a set up sanitizer solution again Triple Sink (Chlorine 100ppm). **Corrected On-Site**
22-42-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed no vacuum breaker on three compartment sink faucet at front counter.
29-34-4
Intermediate - Certified food manager unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed certified food manager was unable to answer the right concentration of chlorine sanitizer. Coached manager during inspection.
53A-10-4
Intermediate - Certified food manager unable to answer basic questions about allergens. Observed certified manager was unable to answered allergens questions.
53A-16-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towel at handwash sink at kitchen area. Operator provided during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside chest freezer at back storage area. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored on top of soiled surface next to ice machine at front counter. Operator removed washed and sanitized ice scoop during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
10-12-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed double door reach in cooler gaskets soiled at front counter.
23-03-4
47
Feb 26, 2026
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 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.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Test kit for measuring the concentration of the sanitizing solution not used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or employee unaware of proper use. Observed quaternary test kit expired 01/15/2026.
16-43-4
Intermediate - Certified food manager unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed certified food manager unable to answer how to calibrate thermometer. Coached certified manager on proper procedure.
53A-10-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed 1 groove cutting board on top of preparation table at kitchen area.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed operator's personal food stored above establishment food inside reach in cooler and reach in freezer next to kitchen.
40-06-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed case of water bottles stored on the floor under three compartment sink at front counter. Operator stored 6 inches above the floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside chest freezer at back storage area.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed wet wiping cloth under cutting board on top of preparation table at kitchen area.
21-04-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior soiled with food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
51-13-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available.
51-18-6
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black mold like substance inside ice machine at front counter.
22-20-5
47
Oct 28, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Discussed with operator and provided printed handout.
02B-02-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
36-37-5
Basic - Ceiling tile missing.
36-36-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
36-32-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. By the front counter.
36-17-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees, located at the bathroom. Discussed with operator and provided printed handout.
31B-04-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed to go plastic plates stored on the floor. During the inspection operator removed items.
25-05-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
36-02-5
64
Aug 7, 2024
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 4 flies flying around the front area and kitchen area. Observed one live fly on top of cooked enchiladas at front counter. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: During the callback inspection observed approximately 2 flies flying around the front area. **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-6
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. **Time Extended**
29-42-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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/. Observed 5 employees working with no certificate food manager present. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: 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/. Observed 5 employees working with no certificate food manager present. **Time Extended**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink, located at cooking line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink, located at cooking line. **Time Extended**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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 employees Miguel Garcia, Elvin Garcia, Jose Rodriguez and Jonathan Garcia working more than 60 days with no proof of employees training. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: 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 employees Miguel Garcia, Elvin Garcia, Jose Rodriguez and Jonathan Garcia working more than 60 days with no proof of employees training. **Time Extended**
53B-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Discussed with operator and email form. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: 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. Discussed with operator and email form. **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink, located at cooking line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: No soap provided at handwash sink, located at cooking line. **Time Extended**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Inadequate number/capacity of hot holding units to maintain time/temperature control for safety food at proper temperatures. Observed trays of food stored at front counter at room temperature. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Inadequate number/capacity of hot holding units to maintain time/temperature control for safety food at proper temperatures. Observed trays of food stored at front counter at room temperature. **Time Extended**
04-09-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Time Extended**
36-37-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Throughout the establishment. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Throughout the establishment. **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Throughout the establishment. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Throughout the establishment. **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Time Extended**
50-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed standing ric gaskets torn. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Equipment in poor repair. Observed standing ric gaskets torn. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Inside/outside of dumpster not clean. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: During the callback inspection dumpster is clean. **Time Extended**
33-10-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven soiled. **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed ric gaskets soiled. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed ric gaskets soiled. **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Throughout the kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Throughout the kitchen area. **Time Extended**
36-27-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Time Extended**
42-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bottled with oils in the kitchen area not properly label. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bottled with oils in the kitchen area not properly label. **Time Extended**
02D-01-5
21
Aug 6, 2024
Complaint Full
10 critical violations. 10 major violations. 20 minor violations.
View 40 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
29-42-4
High Priority - Certified Food Manager or person in charge failed to verify employee health, exclusions or restrictions. **Warning**
11-02-5
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee engaging in food preparation and no washing hands after changing task. **Warning**
12A-07-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 4 flies flying around the front area and kitchen area. Observed one live fly on top of cooked enchiladas at front counter. **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed bread stored inside thank you bags. **Warning**
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw shells eggs over salad stored inside the ric, located at front counter. **Warning**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed one live roach on top of the front counter. **Admin Complaint**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe shredded pork (107F - Hot Holding) corn tamales (118F - Hot Holding); cooked pork (80F - Hot Holding); cooked chicken (112F - Hot Holding); pupusas (81F - Hot Holding); eggs and beans tacos (82F - Hot Holding); beef burritos (91F - Hot Holding); beans tamales (118F - Hot Holding); cooked vegetables (85F - Hot Holding); cooked ground beef (86F - Hot Holding); cooked pork (81F - Hot Holding); cooked eggs with sausage (120F - Hot Holding); cooked beef (124F - Hot Holding); chicken taquitos (83F - Hot Holding); cooked pork belly (67F - Hot Holding); chicken tacos (66F - Hot Holding); eggs baleadas (76F - Hot Holding); chicken enchiladas (84F - Hot Holding) cooked beef (144F - Hot Holding); cooked pork (42F - Hot Holding); beef sandwiches (80F - Hot Holding). As per employee food was prepared 4 hours before the inspection. held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked beans 62F stored inside ric at front counter. Observed Front counter: lettuce (52F - Cold Holding); cooked beans (62F - Cold Holding); one door standing ric: raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding). As per employee food was stored inside the front counter reach in cooler for more than 24 hours. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked beans 62F stored inside ric at front counter. Observed Front counter: lettuce (52F - Cold Holding); cooked beans (62F - Cold Holding); one door standing ric: raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding). As per employee food was stored inside the front counter reach in cooler for more than 24 hours. **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. Observe shredded pork (107F - Hot Holding) corn tamales (118F - Hot Holding); cooked pork (80F - Hot Holding); cooked chicken (112F - Hot Holding); eggs and beans tacos (82F - Hot Holding); beef burritos (91F - Hot Holding); beans tamales (118F - Hot Holding); cooked vegetables (85F - Hot Holding); cooked ground beef (86F - Hot Holding); cooked pork (81F - Hot Holding); cooked eggs with sausage (120F - Hot Holding); cooked beef (124F - Hot Holding); chicken taquitos (83F - Hot Holding); cooked pork belly (67F - Hot Holding); chicken tacos (66F - Hot Holding); eggs baleadas (76F - Hot Holding); chicken enchiladas (84F - Hot Holding) cooked beef (114F - Hot Holding); cooked pork (42F - Hot Holding); beef sandwiches (80F - Hot Holding). As per employee food was prepared 4 hours before the inspection. **Warning**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
16-37-1
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/. Observed 5 employees working with no certificate food manager present. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink, located at cooking line. **Warning**
31B-02-4
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 employees Miguel Garcia, Elvin Garcia, Jose Rodriguez and Jonathan Garcia working more than 60 days with no proof of employees training. **Warning**
53B-02-5
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. Discussed with operator and email form. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink, located at cooking line. **Warning**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of employee health policy and health requirements. **Warning**
11-03-5
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. **Warning**
11-07-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Inadequate number/capacity of hot holding units to maintain time/temperature control for safety food at proper temperatures. Observed trays of food stored at front counter at room temperature. **Warning**
04-09-4
Basic - Inside/outside of dumpster not clean. **Warning**
33-10-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of oven soiled. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. **Warning**
51-13-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed ric gaskets soiled. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler, located at front counter. **Warning**
29-49-6
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed container with cooked beans stored inside ric no cover located at front counter. **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Throughout the kitchen area. **Warning**
36-27-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bottled with oils in the kitchen area not properly label. **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cellphone stored on top of prep table and front counter next to food trays. **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Warning**
36-37-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Throughout the establishment. **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Throughout the establishment. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employees drinking soda at front counter. **Warning**
12B-02-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employees engaged in food preparation without hair restraint l **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed standing ric gaskets torn. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knife stored between handwashing sink and wall in the kitchen area. **Warning**
10-17-4
3
Mar 26, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
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
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
32
Aug 24, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 8 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
39
Mar 24, 2023
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed front counter floor tiles broken **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler soiled.
23-03-4
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Guajira last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Guajira on file is from Apr 22, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Guajira?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at La Guajira.
How does La Guajira compare to other restaurants in Hialeah?
La Guajira most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the Hialeah average of 76.
Has La Guajira's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at La Guajira have averaged around nine violations per visit, down from roughly 24 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at La Guajira 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 La Guajira inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Guajira is inspected around three times per year on average.
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