Mellow Mushroom
Last inspected: Jan 14, 2026
70
Score
Going back to 2022, Mellow Mushroom has 12 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Jan 14, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around five violations compared to roughly eight violations earlier on.
The pattern that stands out is “employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging”, which has been cited three times.
That's lower than the typical Sanford restaurant, which scores around 77. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 14, 2026
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ -Gionna **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-14: **Time Extended**
53A-04-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. -handwashing sink in rear prep area across from beer cooler, operator states a plumber has been scheduled **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-14: -plumber on site snaking drain **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
27-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. -wall in dishwashing area missing tiles **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-14: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -walk-in cooler: green shelves **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-14: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -wall over triple sink has an accumulation of black, mold-like substance **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-14: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
70
Jan 13, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
41
Aug 14, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Aug 11, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
35
Mar 31, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: **Admin Complaint**
53B-05-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Wash solution in spray-type chemical warewasher less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. -bar area dishwasher reading 77F - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: -bar area dishwasher reading 112F, operator has contacted repair company **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
16-53-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. -missing tiles on wall in dishwashing area **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -walls in dishwashing area have an accumulation of black, mold-like substance **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
74
Mar 20, 2025
Complaint Full
4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ -Jayla
53A-04-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -inside of ice machine has an accumulation of pink, mold-like substance **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. -facility is currently on a warning from previous routine inspection
53B-05-5
Intermediate - Wash solution in spray-type chemical warewasher less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. -bar area dishwasher 83F **Repeat Violation**
16-53-4
Basic - Accumulation of dead flying insects. -on windows ledges along booths, employee cleaned **Corrected On-Site**
35A-06-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. **Repeat Violation**
13-04-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. -walls in dishwashing area missing tiles **Repeat Violation**
36-24-5
Basic - Ice buildup on walk-in freezer door curtains.
14-69-4
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. -walk-in cooler **Repeat Violation**
38-01-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -exterior of microwave soiled
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. -hoagie side reach-in cooler
29-49-6
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -wall behind dishwasher -wall behind flat top grill -wall above triple sink has an accumulation of black, mold-like substance **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
45
Jan 28, 2025
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 16 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -both ice machines have an accumulation of either pink or black, mold-like substance
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -handwash sink in bar area used as dump sink
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Intermediate - Wash solution in spray-type chemical warewasher less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. -bar area dishwasher reading 77F
16-53-4
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. -walk-in cooler **Repeat Violation**
38-01-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. -salad reach-in cooler drawer gasket torn
14-11-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. -mop sink area
36-22-4
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. -pizza sauce bucket lid cracked
14-38-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. -missing tiles on wall in dishwashing area **Repeat Violation**
36-24-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. -ceiling vents in dishwashing area **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. -employee bags stored on dry storage rack above single service items, operator removed **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. -multiple employees
13-04-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. -handwash sink next to flat top grill, provided handwashing signs **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -walls in dishwashing area have an accumulation of black, mold-like substance **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
37
Aug 27, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. -license expired on 4/1/2024, operator renewed license during inspection **Corrected On-Site**
50-17-3
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. -walk-in cooler: raw bacon stored over pre-cooked meatballs, operator reorganized walk-in cooler **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. -"salad station" reach-in cooler: hummus 47F, cut lettuce 48F, bleu cheese 46F, cooked chicken wings 50F, all products less than 2 hours per operator, reach-in cooler drawer had been left open slightly, operator closed drawer and placed lids to rapidly cool food , rechecked all foods 1 hour later, all foods 43F or below **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. -blue bottle of ecolab drain cleaner stored on top of ice machine, operator relocated **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. -ceiling vents in dishwashing area
36-34-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. -plastic cups in front service area, operator relocated to dish area to properly air dry **Corrected On-Site**
24-08-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. -multiple missing tiles in dishwashing area
36-24-5
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. -walk-in cooler
38-01-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. -handwash sink in dishwashing area, operator posted sign **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -plastic around soda nozzles has an accumulation of green, mold-like substance
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. -"hoagie station" reach-in cooler **Repeat Violation**
29-49-6
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -walls in dishwashing area have an accumulation of black, mold-like substance
36-27-5
35
Feb 8, 2024
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -dishes stacked in hand sink **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. **Repeat Violation**
16-62-1
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. -provided to operator **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Basic - Ceiling vents soiled with accumulated dust in kitchen.
36-34-5
Basic - Employee beverage container over a food preparation area.
12B-07-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bags of ice used for drinks stored on floor in walk in cooler.
08B-38-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. -provided to operator **Repeat Violation**
51-13-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. **Repeat Violation**
16-46-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Operator stated shut off hot water to hand-sink due to difficulty in turning faucet off. Operator turned hot water back on at hand wash sink.
29-08-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.
29-49-6
52
Sep 26, 2023
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 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. **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. **Repeat Violation**
16-62-1
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.
11-26-1
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. -men's bathroom
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -metal areas around soda nozzles at front counter are soiled
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
16-46-4
Basic - Water draining onto floor surface. -in front of reach in unit on cook line next to grill
29-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -toasted coconut **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
58
Feb 7, 2023
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 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. **Corrected On-Site**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine.
16-62-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Bar. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Pizza make table.
22-16-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar.
02D-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-04-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
33-19-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Pizza make table.
05-09-4
50
Sep 26, 2022
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Cleanable and Properly Maintained
FL-49
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mellow Mushroom last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mellow Mushroom on file is from Jan 14, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mellow Mushroom?
Across the inspection record, “employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Mellow Mushroom.
How does Mellow Mushroom compare to other restaurants in Sanford?
Mellow Mushroom most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Sanford average of 77.
Has Mellow Mushroom's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Mellow Mushroom have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Mellow Mushroom 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 Mellow Mushroom inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mellow Mushroom is inspected around four times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants