Salsa
Last inspected: Jan 13, 2026
32
Score
Salsa appears in inspection records nine times, starting in 2022. On Jan 13, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. 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 17 violations each, up from closer to seven violations before.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food-contact surface soiled with food debris”, showing up six times.
Salsa's latest score of 32 falls below the Tavares average of 65. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
9
Inspections
2
Critical latest
3
Major latest
11
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 13, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 16 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. Raw chicken over raw pork in reach in freezer. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Per operator less than 4 hours. Moved to freezer for quick cooling. Raw Chicken (48F - Cold Holding) **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Multiuse food-contact surface not smooth, free of breaks/cracks/chips/pits/crevices. Plates on dish drying rack
14-16-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler at cook line Reach in freezer interior to the right of cook line soiled. Kelvinator reach in freezer interior soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Reach in cooler to the left of cook line.
29-49-6
Basic - Stored food not covered. Ground beef, salsa tortillas soup in walk in cooler. Operator covered. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelves.
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall by prep area. Wall by three compartment sink **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
16-03-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Plates on dish drying rack on the kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
24-05-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee sweater on prep table. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor throughout back kitchen Floor in walk in cooler soiled. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In water 76F at prep area. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gasket at cook line Reach in freezer gaskets to the right of cook line soiled. Kelvinator reach in freezer gasket and exterior soiled. Fan guards in walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
32
Aug 4, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle of fabulous stored at the end of cook line on table next to box of rice and above seasonings. Operator removed **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Per operator from day prior. cooked Corn (51F - Cold Holding)
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Per operator from day prior. cooked Corn (51F - Cold Holding)
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled Green cutting boards in the kitchen **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Blocked with cart and mop bucket. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked beef in walk in cooler
02C-02-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Plastic containers on dish rack
24-08-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine by drink area in dining room. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Vents and ceiling tiles in the kitchen
36-34-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Plates and bowls on dish ranch in the kitchen. Open inverted. **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under steam table soiled. Floor between flat top grill and stove. Soiled Floor by prep table soiled. Floor in dry storage Flip in walk in cooler **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. In reach in freezer next to reach in freezer to the right of cook line.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Scoop in standing water 76F. Operator removed feather. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave on prep table soiled. Oven at cook line soiled Operator cleaned. **Corrected On-Site**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets to the right of cook line. Reach in freezer gasket next to reach in cooler to the right of cook line. Fan guards in walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler to the right of cook line. Reach in freezer next to reach in freezer to the right of cook line. Reach in cooler shelves in low boy by cook line. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Queso and cooked beef in walk in cooler
08B-12-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall by three compartment sink
36-27-5
26
Mar 27, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. - raw pork stored vegan eat in reach in freezer. - raw shell eggs stored over bag of onions **Repeat Violation**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - white cutting boards at salad station
22-02-4
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. -1 new hire **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. - wire shelving in walk in cooler.
22-31-4
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.
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. - -spray bottle of clear liquid.
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-21-4
Basic - Clean equipment/utensils not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. - Foam containers in dry storage area.
24-26-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. - walk-in cooler - under ice machine in service area.
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. -Cooking oil
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. - katom oven on cooks line
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. - exterior of all cooking equipment. - walk-in door gasket **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
16-46-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation.
08B-39-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
30
Aug 26, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. - spray bottle of cleaner stored next to microwave on cooks line. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - can opener - drink nozzle on soda nozzle
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. - hand sink in kitchen block with dishwasher trays. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. - plastic container draining in hand sink at front bar **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
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. - 2 new hires
11-26-1
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. -Gallon milk **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Gaskets on kelvinator freezer - walk-in gasket
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
41
Jan 22, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale.
01B-01-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. - raw beef stored over raw shell eggs in walk-in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - white cutting board on salsa station
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. - Hans sink at front bar
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Toxic substance/chemical on premise that is not required for the operation of establishment. - WD40 stored on bottom shelf at prep station **Corrected On-Site**
41-04-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. - bottle of water stored on prep table in kitchen area.
12B-07-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
10-20-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. - microwave on cooks line. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
45
Sep 13, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jul 11, 2023
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 5 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. **Warning**
12A-16-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored over liquid margarine. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employees moving in and out of walk-in changing task. **Warning**
12A-09-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle of cleaner hanging on shelf with liquor at bar area. **Warning**
41-10-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose bib located next to hand sink in kitchen area. **Warning**
29-34-4
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Gallon milk open day prior. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/Le Lesya Pinyan **Warning**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener **Warning**
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/ **Warning**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle of purple liquid stored on shelf in kitchen area. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
16-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning**
16-21-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. 2 Line cooks **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave on cooks line. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Warning**
22-20-5
21
Apr 5, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose Bibb located at corner hand sink.
29-34-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Large container of Fabuloso stored on counter at Togo area. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used as scooping device in Bread crumbs, salt, flour. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave on cooks line
22-08-4
Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0 ppm Operator change sanitizer solution 200 ppm **Corrected On-Site**
21-08-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk Bread crumbs, black beans, sugar **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
16-03-4
55
Oct 12, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
50
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Salsa last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Salsa on file is from Jan 13, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Salsa?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Salsa.
How does Salsa compare to other restaurants in Tavares?
Salsa most recently scored 32 out of 100, which is lower than the Tavares average of 65.
Has Salsa's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Salsa have averaged around 17 violations per visit, up from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Salsa 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 Salsa inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Salsa is inspected around three times per year on average.
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