Taste of Jamaica

5711 Bowden Rd Ste 6, Jacksonville, FL 32216
African
Last inspected: Apr 21, 2026
16
Score
High Risk

Across the available record, Taste of Jamaica has 11 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 21, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.

Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around one violation to closer to eight violations per visit.

Across the inspection history, “no proof provided that food employees are informed” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.

That's lower than the typical Jacksonville restaurant, which scores around 74. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.

11
Inspections
7
Critical latest
4
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 21, 2026
Routine - Food
7 critical violations. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. One pan cooked rice (43-45F - Cooling), stored in upright rice covered with lid and condensation under lid from overnight with no additional preparation done today as per manager. Stop sale issued. Manager discarded
01B-02-5
High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. Spray hose at three compartment sink when unhooked is below the rim flood level.
29-37-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw prep chicken stored over raw prep oxtail in upright reach in cooler. Moved by manager. Raw prep chicken feet stored over case of plantains in reach in cooler. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Meat patties (127-130F - Hot Holding), stored in warmer on front counter approximately 40 mins ago for hot holding. Employee reheated to over 165F in oven. **Corrected On-Site**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. One pan cooked rice (43-45F - Cooling), stored in upright rice covered with lid and condensation under lid from overnight with no additional preparation done today as per manager. Stop sale issued. Manager discarded
03D-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing back flow preventer on bib with attached hose in storage closet
29-34-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Dish detergent stored on prep table next to in use cutting board. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. At front counter hand wash sink. Employee provided soap **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. One pan cooked rice (43-45F - Cooling), stored in upright rice covered with lid and condensation under lid from overnight with no additional preparation done today as per manager. Stop sale issued. Manager discarded
03D-15-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towel at men's restroom in dining area
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. Operator has 2 total employees and only 1 with no proof of written agreement. Provided form and employee completed **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Ceiling tile missing near back door kitchen area
36-36-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink bottle stored on prep table. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee personal phone stored on prep table. Moved by manager. Employee purse stored next to to go containers in walk in storage that is used for drying storage **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Upright reach in cooler with torn gasket
14-11-5
Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Operator recently change of ownership under 120 days and was sent license on 3-26-26. Previous ownership was no seating restaurant. New owner has 15 seats. Provided operator with Seating evaluation form and will send form to District office to be entered. Advised operator at license renewal to select seating on line and will pay a difference in fee upon renewal. No call back warning needed as per DDM at District office
51-09-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Kitchen back door with gap
35B-01-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. To go catering pans not inverted on dry storage shelf. Manager inverted **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Wet mop stored in mop bucket not hunged
42-01-4
16
Jan 5, 2026
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in freezer with torn gasket
14-11-5
95
Jul 31, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing back flow preventer at water spigot bib in back storage area located on wall
29-34-4
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. Unable to provide proof of form completed for 3 out for 4 employees total
11-26-1
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee preparing food with no hair restraint
13-03-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles in kitchen area with dust build up
36-34-5
70
Mar 28, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Mar 20, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Operator has total of 2 food handler employees hired over 60 days with no proof of training **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-20: Still the same. Operator left information at home and will bring email to me **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Operator has 2 employees with no proof of form **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-20: Still the same. Operator left information at home and will bring email to me **Time Extended**
11-26-1
82
Jan 16, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
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. Operator has total of 2 food handler employees hired over 60 days with no proof of training **Warning**
53B-01-5
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. Operator has 2 employees with no proof of form **Warning**
11-26-1
82
Sep 16, 2024
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Upright double door reach in cooler with torn gasket on left door in back kitchen area
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Case of fry oil on floor. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
90
Mar 4, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
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. Operator has 2 food handler employees hired under 60 days with no Employee Health Reporting Agreement form and completed during the inspection. **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
90
Sep 6, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
78
Jan 11, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
64
Oct 20, 2022
Food-Licensing Inspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
82

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Taste of Jamaica last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Taste of Jamaica on file is from Apr 21, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Taste of Jamaica?

Across the inspection record, “no proof provided that food employees are informed” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Taste of Jamaica.

How does Taste of Jamaica compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville?

Taste of Jamaica most recently scored 16 out of 100, which is lower than the Jacksonville average of 74.

Has Taste of Jamaica's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Taste of Jamaica have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly one earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Taste of Jamaica 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 Taste of Jamaica inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Taste of Jamaica is inspected around three times per year on average.