Restaurant El Mezquite
Last inspected: Mar 16, 2026
50
Score
Restaurant El Mezquite appears in inspection records 11 times, starting in 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 16, 2026. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around six violations each.
Looking across the full record, “nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
Compared to other Florida restaurants (averaging 72), there's room to close the gap. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
11
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 16, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Food Temperature Measuring Devices Provided and Accurate
FL-46
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
50
Dec 15, 2025
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets in the reach in cooler in the kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-15: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present. Observed back screen door is torn. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-15: **Time Extended**
35B-09-4
90
Oct 8, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Food Temperature Measuring Devices Provided and Accurate
FL-46
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
47
May 21, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed non food grade bags used in the freezer and reach in.
14-31-5
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 the reach in freezer with chicken repackaged and stored over beef and seafood. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-17-6
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed a mold like substance on the ice drop tray on the inside of the ice machine.
22-20-5
70
Nov 6, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed no vacuum breaker on the hose bibb under the preparation sink located in the kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-06: **Time Extended**
29-34-4
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 strips for sanitizer bucket or 3 compartment sinks. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-06: **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at handwashing sink in wait station. Owner placed soap at sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-06: **Time Extended**
31B-03-4
70
Nov 5, 2024
Routine - Food
8 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over container of milk and container of margarine on the right side of reach in cooler in the kitchen. Owner removed the eggs. Observed a pan of raw beef stored over a pan ready to eat broccoli in the reach in cooler on the left side in the kitchen. Owner removed the beef. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw beef stored in and in direct contact with black garbage bag in the reach in freezer chest by back exit. Owner removed the beef. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
14-31-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Enchiladas sauce (84F - Cooling) stored at room temperature on a dry storage shelf in the kitchen. Owner stated the enchiladas sauce was cooked at 10:00 am and placed on rack to cool. Owner discarded sauce. **Warning**
01B-36-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Enchiladas sauce (84F - Cooling) stored at room temperature on a dry storage shelf in the kitchen. Owner stated the enchiladas sauce was cooked at 10:00 am and placed on rack to cool. Owner discarded sauce. **Warning**
03D-01-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed no vacuum breaker on the hose bibb under the preparation sink located in the kitchen. **Warning**
29-34-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All the following items stored in the reach in cooler on the left side of cook line, Sliced tomato (54F - Cold Holding); Sliced American cheese (58F - Cold Holding); Shredded mix cheese (59F - Cold Holding); Sliced fresco cheese (55F - Cold Holding); Cut lettuce (55F - Cold Holding). Manager stated the items stored in reach in cooler over night, manager discarded the items. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. All the following items stored in the reach in cooler on the left side of cook line, Sliced tomato (54F - Cold Holding); Sliced American cheese (58F - Cold Holding); Shredded mix cheese (59F - Cold Holding); Sliced fresco cheese (55F - Cold Holding); Cut lettuce (55F - Cold Holding). Manager stated the items stored in reach in cooler over night, manager discarded the items. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Bag of ice, container of creamer and pitcher of lemonade stored in the ice machine and in direct contact with the ice in the machine used for customer drinks. Owner removed the items and discarded the ice in the machine. **Warning**
01B-13-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips for sanitizer bucket or 3 compartment sinks. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at handwashing sink in wait station. Owner placed soap at sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not rinsed between washing and sanitizing. Observed employee washing dishes in three compartment sink without rinsing before sanitizing. Employee set up a rinse bay in three compartment sink and rehashed the dishes. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
16-16-4
23
Jan 30, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over jug of milk and bread and cut vegetables operator rearranged shelves. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed thank you take out bags used to store raw meats in reac in chest freezer.
14-31-5
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Bserved tortillas stored in damp cloth and covered by garbage bag in reach in cooler. Operator discarded tortillas touching cloth and rewrapped others in deli paper and plastic wrap. **Corrected On-Site**
14-86-1
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. Inspector provided form and operator had employees sign during inspection **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
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 cooked two days ago not dated at working cooler across from steam table. Operator dated. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed box of potatoes stored n floor at back door. Operator moved to shelving. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed exterior of bulk flour containers with old grease and food debris.
23-03-4
47
Oct 25, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw meat stored in to go bags with food on contract with bags.
14-31-5
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 cook making tortillas and removing from grill with bare hand. Manager corrected. **Corrected On-Site**
09-01-4
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. **Corrected On-Site**
22-42-4
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. Inspector emailed form and operator had employees read sign and date during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed beverage glasses stored nested while still wet.
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not rinsed between washing and sanitizing. Employee washing and sanitizing with no rinse step. Manager corrected and rinse sink was set up. **Corrected On-Site**
16-16-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored on bucket with debris observed inside. Manager had items sent through dishwash. **Corrected On-Site**
10-12-5
50
Mar 17, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw beef in reach in cooler at cookline. Operator rearranged shelves. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over home fries. Observed bag of hash browns and bag of shredded cooked chicken stored on top of and touching raw shell eggs. Operator rearranged shelves with ready to eat foods above raw meats. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at back prep area.
31B-02-4
Basic - Hood filters/grease extractors not clean.
14-49-4
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. No light shell observed on light fixture in dry storage room which also hold coolers and clean dish ware.
38-01-4
61
Dec 9, 2022
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.Observed employee rolling silverware with silverware bucket stored on handsink basin. Employee removed to table. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed sanitizer bucket with ppm of 200+. Strip turned black. Corrected by emploee to 100 ppm.
21-07-4
Basic - Clean equipment/utensils not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed clean pots stored on floor on storage area.
24-26-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl used to scoop flours in bulk containers
14-01-5
70
Aug 26, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (49F - Cold Holding); sliced cheese (48F - Cold Holding); pico salad (51F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (49F - Cold Holding) in reach in prep top cooler across from grill on at 41F or below. Operator stated foods were placed in cooler at 1200pm all must be served or discarded by 4pm. Gave operator Time as a Public Health Control form.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed rice in steamtable in thank you bags. Operator discarded.
14-31-5
Basic - Single-service articles stored on a soiled surface. Observed stack of to go containers stored on lower shelf that was dirty with old flour residue.
25-17-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.at front waitstation.
31B-04-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed cooler able to maintain foods at 41F or colder at prep table. Must not use to store potentially hazardous foods or must use Time as a public health control until able to maintain foods at 41F or below.
14-11-5
Basic - Cosmetics/toiletries stored with food, clean equipment and utensils, clean linens or single-service items. Observed phone on food storage rack.
40-04-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Manager discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Restaurant El Mezquite last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Restaurant El Mezquite on file is from Mar 16, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Restaurant El Mezquite?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Restaurant El Mezquite.
Has Restaurant El Mezquite's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Restaurant El Mezquite have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Restaurant El Mezquite 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 Restaurant El Mezquite inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Restaurant El Mezquite is inspected around three times per year on average.
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