Valentina's Italian Bistro
Last inspected: Apr 17, 2026
33
Score
Public records show nine inspections at Valentina's Italian Bistro stretching back to 2023. On Apr 17, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around seven violations to closer to 12 violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “in-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.
Valentina's Italian Bistro's latest score of 33 falls below the Orange Park average of 73. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
9
Inspections
5
Critical latest
1
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 17, 2026
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
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. See stop sale. Observed cook place cheese on top of prepared rolls ready to be served with bare hands.
09-01-4
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Whole tomatoes stored in direct contact with grocery bags in walk-in cooler.
14-31-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed cook place cheese on top of prepared rolls ready to be served with bare hands.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Lasagna in bottom right of flip top reach in cooler at 49F. Door was found slightly open due to lasagna pan not fitting into the unit. Cook moved lasagna to walk-in cooler and temperature approximately 15 minutes later at 45F. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle of degreaser stored on top of bag in box soda. Cook moved chemical to proper storage. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No quaternary ammonium or chlorine test strips available for triple sink, wiping cloths and dishmachine.
16-37-1
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. One carbon dioxide tank in the bar is unsecured. **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Two employee beverages on shelf above prep/expo table. Cook removed beverages. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. No choking poster available. Provided DBPR HR 5030-105. **Corrected On-Site**
51-13-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Hot water valve on handwash sink by dishmachine is inoperable.
29-08-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Both cooks wearing a watch. **Repeat Violation**
13-07-4
33
Dec 3, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
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
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
61
Apr 18, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. In flip top reach in cooler at end of cook line, bread stored in plastic to go bag. Also, in walk-in freezer on top of back rack, bread stored in plastic to go bags. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
14-15-4
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Triple Sink (Quaternary 0ppm). Owner stated the line was not all the way in the container of sanitizer. Owner fixed line and refilled sanitizer sink and rechecked at 300ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
22-43-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. On cook line, container of garlic butter mix held on time with no time marking. Employee stated they put it out at 11 am and put time marking on container. **Corrected On-Site**
03F-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. In dry storage shed out back of establishment, container of delimer stored next to bags of flour. Employee moved chemicals away from food products. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
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. In reach in cooler across from pastry display case, gallon of milk not date marked. Owner stated it was opened yesterday morning at open. Owner added date marking to milk. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Owner has time as a public health control paperwork but paperwork is not filled out.
03F-10-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine by back door has accumulated mold-like substance.
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In storage cooler next to pizza reach in cooler, bag of sugar has cup used as scoop in it. Employee removed cup from bag. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. In walk-in cooler, case of pork on floor. In dry storage shed out back of establishment, box of uncooked noodles and cannoli shells on floor. Employee moved food products to shelf.
08B-47-4
Basic - Food stored outside. On table out back of establishment, three cans of ground tomatoes and three cans of whole peeled tomatoes.
08B-42-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Multiple tongs stored on handle of pizza oven. Employee removed tongs from handle. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Multiple gaskets soiled throughout kitchen.
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. In pastry room, case of to go boxes stored on floor in front of pastry reach in freezer. Owner removed case from the floor. **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. In flip top reach in cooler on cook line across from fryers, standing water in bottom of cooler.
29-49-6
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. In storage cooler next to pizza reach in cooler, container of sugar and flour not labeled.
02D-01-5
29
Sep 13, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed one flying insect in kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. In walk in cooler outside back door, basil stored in to go bag.
14-15-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In flip top reach in cooler on make line, butter (52F - Cold Holding) stored over fill line. Item was over fill line less than 45 mins ago, per manager. Butter moved below reach in cooler to cool properly. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee head out back door, touch the handles of walk in cooler and walk in freezer stored outside, then proceeded to come back inside and engage in food prep without washing hands. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
12A-13-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wash cloth sitting on cutting board of pizza station not stored in sanitizer between uses. Manager removed cloth from area. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Two Co2 containers at bar are not secure. **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. On pizza prep table, employee drink. Manager removed drink. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Upon arriving in kitchen, two employees engaged in food prep did not have hair restraints. Manager instructed employees to put on hair restraints. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. In use tongs sitting on handle of fryer basket. Manager removed tongs. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
43
Mar 11, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Mar 7, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Multiple spray chemicals stored on shelf above to go items in small storage closet near office. Chemicals moved and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee in bar area simultaneously handling personal cell phone while dumping ice into bin. Inspector coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-13-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Three live flies in bar area. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately two hundred two (202) rodent droppings in establishment: approximately 130 in kitchen area behind reach in coolers and cooking equipment, 25 in small back storage room adjacent to kitchen, 25 in bar area in dining area, 20 in small retail/bakery area near dining area, and two in small storage room by office in dining area. Employees began cleaning up droppings. **Warning**
35A-04-4
Intermediate - No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. No test kit available. Operator has ordered test strips. **Corrective Action Taken**
16-62-1
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Tank in bar area.
51-11-4
Basic - Dead rodent present. One dead rodent in glue trap behind flip top cooler on cook line. Dead rodent and trap discarded. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
35A-20-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Two employees working in prep area of kitchen.
13-03-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Green dumpster outside of establishment.
33-19-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Multiple tongs on oven handle on cook line. Tongs removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Sinks in bar and kitchen have "hand wash only" signs. Inspector emailed correct sign. **Corrective Action Taken**
31B-04-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Pizza boxes on floor in small storage room by office.
25-05-4
35
Nov 16, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Approximately 3 flying insects around floor drain at end of cook line.
35A-02-6
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/ Approximately 7 food handlers present and no one on site is a certified food manager.
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. One employee on site was hired in March
53B-02-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Multiple boxes of food in outside walk in freezer, employee corrected during inspection. Multiple boxes of food behind bakery counter. **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Multiple tongs on oven handles on cook line, employee corrected during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soda gun holster at bar, employee corrected during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
23-03-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Back door to kitchen leading to outside walk in cooler/walk in freezer does not have a self closing device. Outside dry food storage shed does have have a self closing device. Outside dry storage shed's self closing device has broken off.
35B-03-4
58
Jun 30, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
May 9, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Valentina's Italian Bistro last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Valentina's Italian Bistro on file is from Apr 17, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Valentina's Italian Bistro?
Across the inspection record, “in-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Valentina's Italian Bistro.
How does Valentina's Italian Bistro compare to other restaurants in Orange Park?
Valentina's Italian Bistro most recently scored 33 out of 100, which is lower than the Orange Park average of 73.
Has Valentina's Italian Bistro's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Valentina's Italian Bistro 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 Valentina's Italian Bistro 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 Valentina's Italian Bistro inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Valentina's Italian Bistro is inspected around three times per year on average.
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