Taco Norteno
Last inspected: Jan 7, 2026
45
Score
Inspectors have visited Taco Norteno nine times, with records going back to 2022. The most recent visit was on Jan 7, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around 12 violations lately compared to roughly seven violations before.
The pattern that stands out is “raw animal food stored over/not properly separated”, which has been cited four times.
By comparison, the average Winter Garden facility scores 65, putting Taco Norteno on the weaker side. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
9
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 7, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food./ raw shell eggs stored over opened bag shredded cheese/cook line reach in cooler. Raw shell eggs stored over cooked beef tripe/walk in cooler/removed raw shell eggs/ **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
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 stored over raw beef/white reach in freezer. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-17-6
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels./battery out/cook line hand sink/placed roll of paper towels/ **Corrected On-Site**
31B-05-4
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service./serving undercook eggs on breakfast menu with no consumer advisory present/copy provided and posted immediately/ **Corrected On-Site**
02B-02-5
Basic - Base board tiles missing and/or in disrepair./kitchen entrance corner.
36-17-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food./used plastic sauce cup to scoop salsa/cook line prep table/removed/ **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils./opened water bottle and employee drink cup on kitchen prep table/removed/ **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board./under cook line white cutting board/removed/ **Corrected On-Site**
21-04-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination./paper trays/customer self service salsa chips station/ **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength./quar 0ppm/rechecked 200ppm/by 3 compartment sink/ **Corrected On-Site**
21-08-4
45
Aug 11, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food./raw shell eggs over cooked potatoes/cook line reach in cooler/ **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information./some training certificates missing employee's date of birth. **Repeat Violation**
53B-10-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled./near kitchen hand sink.
41-17-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting./metal containers on cleaned dish shelf.
24-08-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside./exit door.
35B-01-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer/small bar area.
14-69-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust./small chest freezer gasket at small bar soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler./cook line reach in cooler.
29-49-6
55
Jan 14, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 19 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 Shrimp in white reach in freezer. Operator corrected.
08A-17-6
High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. **Repeat Violation**
29-37-4
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 chill. Milk (52F - Cold Holding) **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice Chute in dining area soiled Long white Cutting board at cook line soiled. Operator cleaned. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information. No date of birth
53B-10-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Rusted shelves in walk in cooler
14-17-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Beef left to thaw on prep table. **Repeat Violation**
06-01-5
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. In flour container. Operator removed **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. On stove handle. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bottle of oil on floor in back dry storage area.
08B-38-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Coffee filter at front counter. Operated corrected **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler at prep table soiled. white reach in freezer in back dry storage area. Operator cleaned **Corrected On-Site**
22-16-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Water leaking under prep sink.
29-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gasket at prep table soiled. Fan guards in walk in cooler soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available.
51-18-6
Basic - Light not functioning. One light bulb at cook line
36-62-4
Basic - Building components, attachments or fixtures in poor repair. Handwashing sinks at front counter and dish area falling from wall
36-51-4
Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0 ppm manager changed water Rechecked 200 ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
21-08-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall by prep area next to upright white freezer eoiled Wall by three compartment sink and prep table
36-27-5
26
Jul 30, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
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
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
43
Mar 5, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Per operator less than 4 hours. Operator moved to quick chill milk (70F - Cold Holding) **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw unpasteurized shell eggs stored over ready to eat cheese walk in cooler **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda nozzles soiled **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing.P in kitchen Corrected On-Site** **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
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 - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable in kitchen
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. **Corrected On-Site**
24-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Interior cabinets soiled in bar area
23-03-4
Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles on the floor **Corrected On-Site**
21-44-1
Basic - Stored food not covered. Beans walk-in cooler not covered **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
43
Jul 31, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jul 24, 2023
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 6 major violations. 16 minor violations.
View 26 violations
High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. **Warning**
29-37-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.Raw sausage stored over tortillas in walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored.Oven cleaner stored under food prep table. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-10-4
High Priority - Taco shell stored on top of the stove. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-27-4
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.Milk in walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Coffee nozzles are soiled. Ice nozzle is soiled. All cutting boards are stained. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.Blocked by a strainer. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.Cooks line area. **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink.Cooks line. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Quaternary ammonia test kit provided at three-compartment sink is expired. **Warning**
16-37-1
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor.Ice on a bucket in kitchen area.Lemon juice on the ground.Corrected On-Site** **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-47-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Warning**
21-04-4
Basic - Insect control device installed over food preparation area. **Warning**
35B-02-4
Basic - Lights not functioning under the grill. **Warning**
36-62-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in cold holding units .Cooks line. **Warning**
05-09-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.Ladies bathroom. **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fryer cabinets are heavily soiled. Side of the grill have a heavy residue build up. Wipe down all equipment. Exterior of food storage containers. Walls soiled throughout the establishment. Side of walk in cooler door is soiled. Gaskets are soiled throughout the establishment. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair.Hot water faucet is not working at cooks line.Temperature of water 83 f. **Warning**
29-08-4
Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored on prep table, **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-44-1
Basic - Shelves under prep table with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning**
14-33-4
Basic - Single-service items for customer self-service not properly protected to prevent contamination.Lids at condiment station. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
25-09-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
21-12-4
Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength.0 ppm.Afterwards,200 ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-08-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.Flour is not labeled. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food.Bracelet. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
13-07-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
32-12-5
14
Jan 20, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
33
Oct 21, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
20
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Norteno last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Norteno on file is from Jan 7, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Norteno?
Across the inspection record, “raw animal food stored over/not properly separated” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Taco Norteno.
How does Taco Norteno compare to other restaurants in Winter Garden?
Taco Norteno most recently scored 45 out of 100, which is lower than the Winter Garden average of 65.
Has Taco Norteno's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Taco Norteno have averaged around 12 violations per visit, up from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Taco Norteno 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 Taco Norteno inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taco Norteno is inspected around three times per year on average.
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