Mr Empanada Ind
Last inspected: Mar 20, 2026
55
Score
Going back to 2022, Mr Empanada Ind has eight inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 20, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.
The pattern that stands out is “accumulation of black/green mold-like substance”, which has been cited six times.
Compared to other Tampa restaurants (averaging 79), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
8
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 20, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Italian dressing that needs to stay refrigerated left out for and hour at 2pm temped at 3pm at 72f , employee placed in freezer , temped at 25f at 4:18 pm. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed ice machine in the back kitchen area with white film build up inside theice machine, discussed with operator the importance of cleaning the ice machine. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
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 two employees working more than 60 days without food handler training. Ryan Abend working at establishment since 2024 Luis Vasquez working at establishment since 2024
53B-01-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.observed grooved cutting board at make table next to the sandwich press.discussed with manager the importance of smooth surfaces.
14-09-4
Basic - Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Black duct tape used on handles attached to glass doors with entry to the walk in cooler. Masking tape and cardboard used on cooling plastic strips hung in snide walk in cooler door. Discussed with manager the importance of using food grade products for repairs.
14-71-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee food and drink in the back of the kitchen area across from the triple sink on shelf with single use food containers, employee moved food. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-02-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Observed both cardboard , and waste dumpsters with open lids behind the restaurant , discussed with the manager the importance of closed lids on the dumpster.
33-16-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.Observed wet mop stored in mop bucket not drying, manager hung mop to dry. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
55
Aug 13, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Inside of Soda nozzles soiled in soda fountain. Ice dispenser soiled with pink mold-like substance at soda machine. Cutting boards soiled on front line Reach in cooler. **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/ 4 employees working, no CFM present.
53A-05-6
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. Part-time employees not informed of their reporting responsibilities. Employees were informed during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior is ice machine slimy. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
70
Apr 24, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board soiled on front line cook Reach in cooler. Ice dispenser soiled with pink mold-like substance in soda machine, located in dining room.
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/pink mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Black and pink mold-like substance inside ice machine, adjacent to three compartment sink.
22-20-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand washing sign in men's and women's restroom.
31B-04-4
82
Nov 18, 2024
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
90
Apr 24, 2024
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Operator cleaned and sanitized area with sanitizer solution. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Light not functioning. Above fryer one of the three.
36-62-4
90
Sep 18, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Walk in cooler Cold holding: cut ham 46 f 2nd temp Cold holding: cut ham 46 f 2nd temp 43 f **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Quaternary
16-37-1
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. Manager signed and some employees **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. No handle inside the cut ham container.
14-01-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Food containers in boxes on floor by office
25-05-4
58
Mar 17, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operator paid at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
50-17-3
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. Provided by email. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Missing 1 employee training.
53B-13-5
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. Sent by e mail. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Basic - No hot running water at mop sink. Tested at 78 f tested for two minutes.
27-10-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Boxes of frozen empanadas on floor walk in freezer.
08B-38-4
55
Aug 19, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold holding cut lettuce 47 f 2nd temp Cuban sandwich reach in cooler operator placed in freezer 2nd temp. 41 f **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee Employee drink on prep table.
12B-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk in cooler gaskets soiled.
23-03-4
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mr Empanada Ind last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mr Empanada Ind on file is from Mar 20, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mr Empanada Ind?
Across the inspection record, “accumulation of black/green mold-like substance” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Mr Empanada Ind.
How does Mr Empanada Ind compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
Mr Empanada Ind most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Tampa average of 79.
Has Mr Empanada Ind's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Mr Empanada Ind have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Mr Empanada Ind 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 Mr Empanada Ind inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mr Empanada Ind is inspected around two times per year on average.
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