Taco Ardiente Cordova
Last inspected: Feb 3, 2026
55
Score
Public records show nine inspections at Taco Ardiente Cordova stretching back to 2022. The most recent visit was on Feb 3, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around three violations across recent inspections versus roughly eight violations before.
Across the inspection history, “covered waste receptacle not provided in women'” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.
Taco Ardiente Cordova's latest score of 55 falls below the Lehigh Acres average of 78. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
9
Inspections
1
Critical latest
4
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 3, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef over ready to eat sausage patties and pico in reach-in cooler across from cook line. The owner moved the raw beef on bottom shelf under the ready to eat sausage patties and pico. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed ground beef and pork not date marked in stand up reach-in cooler beside cook line.
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board on cook line soiled.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed paper towel dispenser in kitchen not working.
31B-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. Printed Out Employee Reporting Form HR 5030-103 for Manager. The owner filled out form during Inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
Basic - Bathroom facility in disrepair. Observed bathroom door missing outside door handle.
32-05-4
55
Sep 11, 2025
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed buildup of food debris in the interior of the microwave on the left of the make table. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket torn on the door in glass door reach in cooler.
14-11-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in reach in freezer.
14-69-4
86
Feb 19, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Dec 19, 2024
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed CFM training expired operator states they took the test but have not received their copy yet. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Observed no date marking on food prepared onsite when portioned and frozen.
02C-04-5
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed employees training expired operator states they took the test but have not received their copy yet. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
53B-05-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed no covered receptacle for feminine hygiene products in shared unisex restroom. **Warning**
32-12-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled under the 3 compartment sink and dry storage shelves in the warehouse washing area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed buildup of food debris in the microwave ovens on the cook line above the make table. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign available in the restroom used by employees. **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed water leaking from faucet of the ADA compliant hand wash sink next to the 3 compartment sink. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
29-08-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wiping cloth on prep table next to make top table not stored in sanitizing solution. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
21-12-4
55
Jul 30, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
52
Nov 2, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed container of ibuprofen stored on shelf in dry storage with food products. **Repeat Violation**
41-07-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container and cleaning brush in hand wash sink by front counter.
31A-11-4
Basic - Insect control device installed over food storage area. Observed bug zapper on top shelf of rack where food supplies are stored, across from mop sink.
35B-02-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in reach in cooler.
05-09-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sign in unisex restroom. Providing operator with hand wash. Emailed form HR 5030-111. **Corrective Action Taken**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed build up of food and grease on shelf below grill in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.Observed build up of food debris inside reach in cooler across from the cook grill.
22-16-4
61
Jul 6, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed vitamins and headache medicine on same shelf as spices. Operator moved medicine to different location. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed no covered waste receptacle in shared restroom in restaurant. **Repeat Violation**
32-12-5
82
Feb 24, 2023
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
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. Emailed appropriate information. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer with build up food debris.
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. Emailed appropriate information. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed buildup of grease and food debris on shelf under grill.
23-03-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile missing above cookline. **Repeat Violation**
36-36-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed no cover on trash can in women's room. **Repeat Violation**
32-12-5
Basic - Exhaust/ventilation hood system not designed to prevent grease or condensation from dripping onto food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Observed hood vents with accumulation of grease, grease dripping from front of hood above grill.
36-63-4
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed buildup of food debris and grease under equipment on cook-line.
36-01-4
58
Oct 26, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Ardiente Cordova last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Ardiente Cordova on file is from Feb 3, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Ardiente Cordova?
Across the inspection record, “covered waste receptacle not provided in women'” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Taco Ardiente Cordova.
How does Taco Ardiente Cordova compare to other restaurants in Lehigh Acres?
Taco Ardiente Cordova most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Lehigh Acres average of 78.
Has Taco Ardiente Cordova's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Taco Ardiente Cordova have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Taco Ardiente Cordova 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 Taco Ardiente Cordova inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taco Ardiente Cordova is inspected around three times per year on average.
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