Merkado 31
Last inspected: Mar 12, 2026
41
Score
The health department has logged nine inspections at Merkado 31, the earliest from 2022. Merkado 31 was last inspected on Mar 12, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around 11 violations each, up from closer to six violations before.
Across the inspection history, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.
By comparison, the average Doral facility scores 73, putting Merkado 31 on the weaker side. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
9
Inspections
3
Critical latest
2
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 12, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed case of bandages on top of the prep cooler located. Chef removed case of bandages . **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw beef inside of thank you. **Repeat Violation**
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed shell eggs over milk. Employee stored eggs on the bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed kitchen hand washing sink used as a dump sink. **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Observed three compartment sink set up as wash rinse and wash. Coached employee and chef to set up as wash rinse and sanitize. Employee corrected.
16-13-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of drinks stored on the storage area floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside of the reach in freezer located at the back area. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed inside of the microwave soiled, inside oven soiled.
22-08-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed Swai stored inside of the reach in freezer not covered. Employee covered Swai. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
41
Nov 3, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef over coleslaw and butter inside reach in cooler in front of stove in kitchen. Operator stored products as per safety storage requirements. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw chicken stored in thank you bags in reach in freezer in front of Walk in cooler.
14-31-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled in kitchen. Operator sent blade to be washed and sanitized. **Corrective Action Taken**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed coffee cup stored inside HWS in kitchen. Operator removed cup. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked pork and beef not date married inside reach in cooler in front of griddle in kitchen. As per Operator both were cooked last Friday October 31st, 2025. Operator date marked both containers. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer in front of Walk in cooler.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tong stored on oven handle. Operator removed tong. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic cup stored inside shredded cheese container inside reach in cooler in front of griddle in kitchen. Operator removed cup. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in coolers and freezer gaskets soiled throughout kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked pork container uncovered inside reach in cooler in kitchen. Operator covered container. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container unlabeled in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scoop in standing water at 90°F in kitchen. Operator started to reheat water. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
10-07-4
35
Apr 8, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken over raw beef inside reach in freezer in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed under hand wash sink in kitchen.
29-34-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at both hand wash sinks in kitchen. Operator provided soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Basic - Clean equipment/utensils not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed clean pot stored on kitchen floor. Operator removed pot from floor. **Corrected On-Site**
24-26-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil plastic containers stored on kitchen floor. Operator removed containers from floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tong stored on oven handle in kitchen. Operator removed tong. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed spoons in standing water at 90°F on reach in cooler in kitchen. Operator removed water. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in coolers gaskets inside kitchen.
23-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed cinnamon powder and salt containers unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled containers. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
50
Jan 21, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no Chlorine Test Kit. - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: At time of callback inspection observed No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no Chlorine Test Kit. **Time Extended**
16-37-1
90
Nov 20, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken over raw beef inside reach in freezer in front of Walk in cooler. Operator stored products properly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed three milk desserts containers without a proper invoice inside Walk in cooler.
01B-04-5
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.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed utensils stored inside hand wash sink inside kitchen. Operator removed utensils. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no Chlorine Test Kit.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/.
51-16-7
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
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed inside kitchen. Operator provided soap. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at both restrooms.
32-04-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees engaged with food preparation without hair restraint. Employees put a hair restraint. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed seafood thawing in standing water inside kitchen. Operator put food under running water. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt and flour containers unlabeled inside kitchen. Operator labeled containers. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
33
Apr 1, 2024
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
64
Oct 25, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 11 violations
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/ **Repeat Violation**
53A-05-6
Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observed grease on filters.
36-68-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled microwaves interior inside kitchen.
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed by dish washing machine in back kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled beverage reach in cooler gaskets by cook line. Also, observed soiled Walk in cooler fan covers. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Also, observed shelves with rust that has pitted the surface in front of dish washing machine.
14-17-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt and oil containers without labeled inside kitchen. Operator labeled them. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-21-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at Men's and Women's restrooms.
32-04-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed plastic bottles of water stored on dry storage floor. Operator removed bottles from floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-47-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed lemon box stored on kitchen floor. Operator removed it from floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
55
Mar 28, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw beef over seafood mix inside reach in freezer in back kitchen. Employee stored them correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). Operator was told by Inspector to Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly.
22-41-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee washing container in hand wash sink at front counter. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
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/ **Repeat Violation**
53A-05-6
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-21-4
Basic - Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
16-23-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting board on prep table at front counter.
14-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil plastic container stored on kitchen floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at front counter.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled Walk in cooler fan cover. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed Salt and Flour containers on prep table inside kitchen.
02D-01-5
41
Aug 8, 2022
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 15 violations
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/
53A-05-6
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.
53B-14-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed broken ceilings in back kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet plastic containers stored on shelf in front of dish washing machine. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed thorn gaskets in reach in cooler by hand wash sink inside kitchen, and Walk in cooler.
14-11-5
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle touching salt inside salt container on shelf by reach in freezer in back kitchen. Employee stored scoop correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled hood filters. Also, observed soiled Walk in cooler fan cover. Also, observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets inside dining room. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Observed on shelf under front counter.
14-20-4
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Observed by cutting board inside kitchen.
21-10-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked chicken not covered in Walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed risotto and chicken thawing at room temperature on prep table inside kitchen. Employee stored them inside Walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed black debris on wall behind three compartment sink and dish washing machine. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
43
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Merkado 31 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Merkado 31 on file is from Mar 12, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Merkado 31?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Merkado 31.
How does Merkado 31 compare to other restaurants in Doral?
Merkado 31 most recently scored 41 out of 100, which is lower than the Doral average of 73.
Has Merkado 31's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Merkado 31 have averaged around 11 violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Merkado 31 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 Merkado 31 inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Merkado 31 is inspected around three times per year on average.
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