Mercado Imperial Food Services
Last inspected: Jan 13, 2026
64
Score
Mercado Imperial Food Services appears in inspection records 12 times, starting in 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 13, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around three violations, down from roughly 10 violations earlier in the record.
The pattern that stands out is “raw animal food stored over/not properly separated”, which has been cited four times.
Restaurants in Jacksonville average 74, so Mercado Imperial Food Services trails the local norm. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
12
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 13, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In stand up reach in cooler, pans of raw chicken and raw shelled egg stored over multiple pans of ready to eat rice and one pan of raw fish. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of microwave soiled with food debris. Employee cleaned during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Bucket of rice and plastic water bottles on floor under service window counter.
08B-47-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee purse stored in cabinet at service window with single service items. **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. To go container used in bucket of rice as scoop. Operator removed from product. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. Dumpster plug missing on dumpster next to store.
33-11-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Multiple gaskets soiled/torn. Also, back edge under flip top lid of reach in cooler soiled with food debris.
23-03-4
64
Nov 21, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Sep 26, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Operator stated one of the employees has the binder with all training records on it with them and they are not in the area. Was not able to see any proof of certified food handler training. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-26: At callback observed no change. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
90
Sep 19, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In flip top reach in cooler, cut tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding); bologna (52F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (58F - Cold Holding); raw beef (50F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (51F - Cold Holding). Employee stated food has been in cooler for approximately 40 minutes. Employee stated she is going to ice things down and move some to other cooler. They will also be calling someone to look at cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: At callback, shredded cheese 47F, Ribs 45F, white rice 49F, cut tomatoes 51F. Operator has put multiple bags of ice around/on items to keep temperature down but flip top lid is open and reach in cooler is next to the open back door. Operator stated they have someone coming to look at cooler Monday. **Time Extended**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Operator stated one of the employees has the binder with all training records on it with them and they are not in the area. Was not able to see any proof of certified food handler training. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
78
Sep 18, 2025
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In flip top reach in cooler, cut tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding); bologna (52F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (58F - Cold Holding); raw beef (50F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (51F - Cold Holding). Employee stated food has been in cooler for approximately 40 minutes. Employee stated she is going to ice things down and move some to other cooler. They will also be calling someone to look at cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. In flip top reach in cooler, raw shelled eggs (60F - Cold Holding). Eggs are in plastic bag in top of cooler with lid open near back door to truck with back door open. **Warning**
03A-03-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In flip top reach in cooler, pan of raw beef stored on shelf above covered pan of cooked chicken. Operator switched items. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. In stand up reach in cooler, white rice stored in plastic to go bags. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
14-31-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found. Observed 1 live flying insect by 3 compartment sink.
35A-02-7
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Upon arrival handwash sink filled with dishes. Operator removed all dishes from sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Operator stated one of the employees has the binder with all training records on it with them and they are not in the area. Was not able to see any proof of certified food manager training. **Warning**
53A-01-7
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. Operator stated one of the employees has the binder with all training records on it with them and they are not in the area. Was not able to see any proof of certified food handler training. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Multiple gaskets soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Service window and back of food truck open during entire inspection and not serving any customers. Flying insects found observed by 3 compartment sink. **Repeat Violation**
35B-05-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall behind cook line soiled with grease/food debris.
36-27-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of microwave soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. In stand up reach in cooler, handle of spoon touching cooked beef. Operator removed handle from pan and product. **Corrected On-Site**
10-06-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. On floor in front of cash register, two cases of bananas and a bag of unwashed onions. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cellphone on top of reach in freezer next to cutting board with active prep going on. Employee removed cellphone. Also, employee cellphone on top of flip top reach in cooler. Employee removed cellphone. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
25
Apr 28, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. On reach in freezer by triple sink, raw chicken stored in plastic to go bag.
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In reach in cooler by entrance of food truck, raw chicken in plastic container stored on shelf above cooked chicken. Manager switched products so raw chicken is on bottom. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler by entrance of food truck, salami (55F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (51F - Cold Holding). Manager stated flip top has been open all morning with products over the fill line. Manager moved salami to bottom of cooler to bring temperature down and discarded cut tomatoes because they were in cooler all night and do not know when they went out of temperature. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink next to triple sink blocked by boxes, utensils and lids. Manager removed all items so there is access to handwash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Manager stated they do not have test strips for chlorine sanitizer.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap available at handwash sink next to triple sink.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle of clear liquid near triple sink not labeled. Manager labeled bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Under counter near service window, fry oil and plastic container of bananas stored on floor. Manager began to move products off floor to shelves. **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-38-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. In reach in cooler next triple sink, bay of unwashed limes stored on top of unwrapped ham. Manager moved limes to different part of cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-17-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. In reach in cooler, avocado cut open and used with sticker still present on skin.
08B-39-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination can occur. Entrance to food truck and service window open with no screen protection during entire inspection. **Repeat Violation**
35B-05-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above cook line soiled with grease. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of microwave has heavy build up of food debris.
22-08-4
32
Jan 28, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 22, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Observed no proof of employee training. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-22: Providing 60 day extension for employee trainings. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
90
Aug 13, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed shelled eggs on flip top cooler with ambient temperature of 55F. Person in charge moved eggs to reach in cooler below flip tops. Ambient shelled eggs (55F - Cold Holding) **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed; one dead flying insect at hand wash sink. Three dead flying insects under drying station by three compartment sink. **Warning**
35A-09-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed; 1 flying insect by three compartment sink. 1 flying insect by fryer station. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee cutting uncooked tomatoes with no gloves on. **Warning**
09-01-4
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee washing hands in three compartment sink. **Warning**
12A-03-4
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 person in charge unable to provide proof of cleaning procedures. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink next to three compartment sink unaccessible from food, boxes, and debris. Person in charge moved all items allowing access to hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
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. Observed no proof of employee training. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Observed; door to unit open upon arrival and throughout inspection. Service window open with no screen. Vermin present inside unit. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35B-05-4
Basic - Utensils in poor condition. Observed one white spatula in fryer basket with melted handle. **Warning**
14-12-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed; soiled handles on flip top cooler across from fryers. Soiled gaskets and door frames on reach in cooler under flip top. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed person in charge unable to provide last inspection. **Warning**
51-18-6
30
Jun 12, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No certified food manager for establishment. 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 proof of any certified food manager. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-12: Operator stated she took test last Monday and are awaiting results. Time extension given. **Time Extended**
53A-07-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. No proof employee food handler training for any employee. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-12: Operator stated she took test last Monday and are awaiting results. Time extension given. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
82
Apr 12, 2024
Routine - Food
8 critical violations. 6 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. One live fly present inside vehicle.
35A-02-6
High Priority - Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. In flip top cooler, container of moldy sliced American cheese.
01B-07-4
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 on cook line handled phone and immediately began handling clean equipment and preparing food without washing hands. Inspector coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-13-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from ambient temperature to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within four hours. See stop sale. In flip top cooler, cut tomatoes prepared 4.25 hours prior 55F. Tomatoes discarded. See stop sale.
01B-38-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. In flip top cooler, cut tomatoes prepared 4.25 hours prior 55F. Tomatoes discarded. See stop sale.
03D-06-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In reach in cooler, container of raw bacon stored over container of ready to eat chicken. In flip top cooler, raw shelled eggs stored over ready to eat sauces.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In white chest reach in freezer, opened bag of raw beef on top of opened bag of ready to eat french fries.
08A-02-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade hose conveying potable water. Green hose used to fill water tank is non-food grade.
29-04-4
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. No written plan available. Inspector emailed Form 5030-104 (Clean Up Instructions for Vomitting/Diarrhea). **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand washing sink in vehicle blocked by cover with items on top.
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No certified food manager for establishment. 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 proof of any certified food manager. **Warning**
53A-07-6
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No test kit could be provided. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
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. No proof employee food handler training for any employee. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - No soap, sign, paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink in vehicle missing all items. Soap and towels provided. Inspector emailed sign. **Corrective Action Taken**
31B-02-4
Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. Seven digit license number not present on outside of vehicle.
50-04-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. Last inspection report could not be provided.
51-18-6
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. One live fly present in vehicle - exterior door open during inspection.
35B-05-4
Basic - Employee with ineffective hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook in vehicle has no hair restraint.
13-02-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Container of oil on floor in vehicle.
08B-38-4
13
Nov 30, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips
16-37-1
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Back door does not have a self closing device.
35B-03-4
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mercado Imperial Food Services last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mercado Imperial Food Services on file is from Jan 13, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mercado Imperial Food Services?
Across the inspection record, “raw animal food stored over/not properly separated” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Mercado Imperial Food Services.
How does Mercado Imperial Food Services compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville?
Mercado Imperial Food Services most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the Jacksonville average of 74.
Has Mercado Imperial Food Services' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Mercado Imperial Food Services have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Mercado Imperial Food Services 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 Mercado Imperial Food Services inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mercado Imperial Food Services is inspected around six times per year on average.
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