The Italian Cousin
Last inspected: Feb 23, 2026
43
Score
Inspectors have visited The Italian Cousin eight times, with records going back to 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 23, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 17 violations to closer to 13 violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “ready-to-eat” has been the most frequent reason, cited six times.
Compared to other Sebastian restaurants (averaging 76), there's room to close the gap. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
8
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 23, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell egg over Parmesan kale sauce walk in cooler
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw snapper reach in cooler
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked Lasagna not dated 2 door reach in cooler Cooked eggplant not dated. Walk in cooler
02C-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup used to scoop red pepper flakes
14-01-5
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. 2 pieces thawed mahi not removed from vacuum sealed packaging. Vacuum seal was broken educated
06-09-1
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Phone on make table
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets 2 door reach in cooler **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door screen **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Ladies bathroom **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket make table **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
16-46-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Salt / sugar
02D-01-5
43
Oct 21, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 13 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw shell eggs over unwashed produce. Walk in cooler **Repeat Violation**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Cook filled pitcher in sink **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Walk in freezer not working
14-74-7
Basic - Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Educated **Corrected On-Site**
16-13-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gasket 2 door reach in cooler
14-11-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door screen torn **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Kitchen **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Pre made salad. Walk in cooler **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in wall by dishwasher
36-24-5
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
10-08-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Corrected On-Site**
21-04-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Women's bathroom
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket reach small reach in chest freezer
23-03-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
21-38-4
41
Mar 19, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Shell eggs over unwashed eggplant and onions **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
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. 2 milk. Walk in cooler **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Lasagna 2 door reach in cooler **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used to scoop flour **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door screen torn
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Kitchen **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Ready to eat onions and lettuce. Walk in cooler Frying oil dry storage **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
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. Grease hood fan **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
21-38-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Flour **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-21-4
43
Oct 1, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. 0 ppm. Sanitizer bucket empty Changed bucket still 0 ppm. Will sanitize in triple sink till fixed
22-41-4
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 couldn't find signed copy. Resent **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
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. Jasmine and Vincent
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Lasagna 2 door reach in cooler **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gasket walk in freezer Gasket 2 door reach in cooler **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Kitchen
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Walk in freezer Soda box in closet **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Grease on hood fan **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Small make table
29-49-6
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
21-38-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-21-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup used to scoop sugar **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Vacuum seal not broken on mahi walk in cooler **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. **Corrected On-Site**
32-12-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Kitchen help **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
24-08-4
29
Feb 12, 2024
Routine - Food
7 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 21 violations
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 2 door reach in cooler
02C-03-5
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.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. To fill pitcher of water **Corrective Action Taken**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Sink at bar **Corrected On-Site**
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.
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. Single serve lasagna. 2 door reach in cooler **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. Had to use flashlight to see products walk in cooler
38-04-4
Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0 ppm. Corrected to 75 ppm **Corrected On-Site**
21-07-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
16-46-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup used to scoop parm cheese **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Raw mahi in walk in cooler vacuum seal not broken. Still frozen. Educated operator **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. **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. Phone on prep table **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Prep cook **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets salad make table **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Large gap in filters
14-42-4
25
Oct 30, 2023
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Lasagna in reach in cooler with no date mark
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray Bottles with no label on shelf above dish area
41-17-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade
22-02-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket on door of flip top cooler
14-11-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
32-04-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In sugar bin
14-01-5
Basic - Clean dishes dried with a towel/cloth. Dish washer used a clean rag to dry dishes.
24-17-4
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. In walk in cooler
06-09-1
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee bag in wire rack in storage room off dish machine area. 2. Cell phone on top of cooler
40-06-5
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Flour bins in dry storage
10-01-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Water reads 80F.
10-07-4
50
May 18, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Sep 16, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked/grilled mushrooms at cook line shelve 95/97f hot hold for 30 minutes removed from heat. Manager had employee place in reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dish machine tested multiple times at 0 ppm. Manager set up sanitizer in sink to 200 ppm quaternary. Manager called for service. **Corrective Action Taken**
22-41-4
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 line employee garnishing plates with lemon and parsley with are hand for immediate service. Discussed with owner. Spoons and tongs provided. **Corrected On-Site**
09-01-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris or mold-like substance. Can opener and cutting boards. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Strainer at sink at bar. Used as dump-sink. Removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
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 - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Multiple containers of cooked pasta in walk in cooler over 24 hours, all dated. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Boxes and containers on walk in cooler and freezer. Moved to shelves. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Grease on the ground and/or pad around back door storage area leading to walk in cooler.
33-20-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. In storeroom next to danish area. **Repeat Violation**
36-24-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with debris or dust. Walk in fan covers.
23-03-4
Basic - Screening at back door to kitchen is torn.
35B-13-4
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use.
21-10-4
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Discarded oven outside back door. **Repeat Violation**
33-31-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. At cook line next to hoods.
36-27-5
29
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Italian Cousin last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Italian Cousin on file is from Feb 23, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Italian Cousin?
Across the inspection record, “ready-to-eat” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at The Italian Cousin.
How does The Italian Cousin compare to other restaurants in Sebastian?
The Italian Cousin most recently scored 43 out of 100, which is lower than the Sebastian average of 76.
Has The Italian Cousin's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The Italian Cousin have averaged around 13 violations per visit, down from roughly 17 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at The Italian Cousin 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 The Italian Cousin inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Italian Cousin is inspected around two times per year on average.
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