BAJA FRESH MEX
5477 FACTORY SHOPS BLVD, Ellenton FL 34222 · 727-226-0564
Last inspected Jul 30, 2026 · 9 visits since August 2023
AUG 24
JAN 25
JUL 25
MAR 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $600
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2025060003 | Jul 25, 2025 | Nov 13, 2025 | $400 |
| 7--2024054162 | Aug 7, 2024 | Feb 26, 2025 | $200 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jul 30, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 4 findings
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed meat stored in freezer in direct contact with to go bag.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed operator wash hands in 3 compartment sink.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed panini press soiled.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed single service items not inverted on storage counter. Operator corrected storage.
Mar 9, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 29, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Observed no probe thermometer on site.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in reach in cooler.
Jul 25, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired.
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. Observed no written plan in place. Inspector will email.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Observed no probe thermometer on site.
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. Observed one employee with no written plan in place. Inspector will email form.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in reach in cooler.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed plastic forks stored improperly. Handles going both ways. Operator turned handles all one way.
Jan 9, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority4 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test strip on site. Inspector showed operator proper test strips to purchase.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand sink. Operator put towels at sink.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Observed no probe thermometer on site.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water not working at hand wash sink.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed no current license displayed. 2019 posted.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed food prep employee wearing a wristwatch. Employee removed watch.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed no choking poster displayed. Owner will put up.
Aug 7, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed food handling employee not wash hands prior to putting on gloves to prepare menu item. Employee removed gloves and washed hands and put new gloves on.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed posted license expired 12/2023.
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. Observed no written plan in place.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no test strips present.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Observed no probe thermometer present.
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. Observed one employee with no written plan in place.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed 2023 license posted.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting board on flip top sandwich cart.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed food handling employee with no beard guard.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed food handling employee with no hair restraint.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop in mop bucket with dirty standing water.
Nov 30, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
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. Observed no written plan in place.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed portion cups, soda nozzles and pipe in hand sink. Operator moved items out of sink.
Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hand sink with water temperature of 79F after 1 minute.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting board on flip top reach in.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed untreated concrete under three part sink.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash signs in mens and women's public restroom.
Oct 18, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 15, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 3 recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test strips on site.
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. Employee at location with no proof of food handler training.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Current license not displayed.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.