CAO BAKERY & CAFE
16701 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY, Palmetto Bay FL 33157 · 305-799-0611
Last inspected Aug 7, 2026 · 10 visits since August 2023
DEC 24
MAR 25
NOV 25
MAR 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed approximately about 20 ants crawling on the wall behind the three compartment sink and approximately 15 crawling on prep table next to three compartment sink.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Aug 7, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 4 findings
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed chicken stored inside supermarket bags inside the walk in freezer.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a plastic container used as scoop inside the vanilla powder. Manager removed it.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler door gasket torn across from the stove.
very slow draining water in handwash sink in the kitchen area.
Mar 3, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed shelves at walk in cooler rusted.
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed a metal brush used with food. Employee discarded it.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets torn at the front line.
Food stored on floor. Observed gallons of milk stored on the floor of the wall in cooler.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed a knife stored between the wall and the preparation table in the kitchen. Employee removed it.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled at the front line.
Open dumpster lid. Employee closed it.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed on preparation table at the front line. Employee removed it.
Nov 10, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled at the kitchen area.
Can opener blade not readily removable for cleaning or replacement. Observed can opener soiled next to three compartment sink.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed at the front counter.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a watch while preparing food.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets at both reach in cooler next to griddle.
Nov 4, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 36 recorded, 11 high priority.
11 High priority6 Intermediate19 Basic
Show 36 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed at the front counter. Chlorine was 0 ppm.
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands.
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee answering phone call and then continued handling food without washing hand first.
Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observed washed oranges stored on the same dirty box at the front counter.
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed employee was not sanitizing utensils properly. Employee was coached.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed approximately about 20 ants crawling on the wall behind the three compartment sink and approximately 15 crawling on prep table next to three compartment sink.
Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale. Observed crack egg inside prep table next to sauté station.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beef pastries (105F - Hot Holding); croquettes (126F - Hot Holding), as per employee food was cooked less than 40 minutes ago.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a bottle of bleach stored above clean equipments by the three compartment sink.
Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. Observed chlorine sanitizer at three compartment sink was +300ppm. Employee adjust sanitizer to 100 ppm.
Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by lack of general knowledge in performing their assigned duties. Employee did not know how to sanitize utensils at the front counter. Employee was coached.
Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by the inability to answer basic food safety questions. Employee did not know how to sanitize utensils. They were rinsing utensils after being sanitized.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled at the kitchen area.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at handwashing sink next to the exit door.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed at the walk in cooler and next to 3 compartment sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed shredded beef no date marked inside reach in cooler at the front counter. As per employee beef was cooked 2 days ago.
Can opener blade not readily removable for cleaning or replacement. Observed can opener soiled next to three compartment sink.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed at the front counter.
Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Observed clean equipments stored on a rusted and soiled rack next to three compartment sink and at the walk in cooler.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed current license no display. Last license displayed from 10/01/24 at the front counter.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed multiple uncovered cups stored above preparation table.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed employees food not segregated from food served to public inside the walk in cooler.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed Cigarettes, cups,, purse, and keys store above preparation table and on a rack stored with clean utensils.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a watch while preparing food.
Equipment and utensils rinsed after the application of the sanitizer solution.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets at both reach in cooler next to griddle.
Food stored on floor. Observed syrup container stored on the floor next to rotary oven. Employee stored syrup at least 6" inches off the floor.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored on top of ice machine at the front counter.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knife store between wall and prep table next to three compartment sink.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign at handwashing sink next to the exit door.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled at the front line.
Open dumpster lid.
Stored food not covered. Observed food not cover in reach in cooler next to griddle.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rusted shelves inside walk in cooler.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled in the back of three compartment sink and by the mop sink.
Mar 4, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed establishment operating with an expired license. License expired on October 1st 2024. Operator showed receipt from previous inspection and license was paid for. Validation number 248242152 Batch Trace number 6638611
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed shelves at walk in cooler rusted.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling tiles at front counter where food preparation is being conducted not smooth and easily cleaned.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed vents at front counter soiled with debris. Observed vent in walk soiled with mold like substance.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a bracelet while preparing food.
Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster with lid open.
Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. Observed light at walk in freezer not illuminating sufficiently and properly.
Mar 3, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 16 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority3 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed triple sink sanitizer 10ppm. Operator added chlorine sanitizer with a final reading 50ppm.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed establishment operating with an expired license. License expired on October 1st 2024. Operator showed receipt from previous inspection and license was paid for. Validation number 248242152 Batch Trace number 6638611
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed at walk in cooler MEAT PASTRIES (49F - Cold Holding); PREPARED SANDWICHES (56F - Cold Holding); CREAM CHEESE (47F - Cold Holding); SMALL MEAT PASTRIES (52F - Cold Holding); croissant sandwich;EMPANADAS (50F - Cold Holding), as per operator more than four hours.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at walk in cooler MEAT PASTRIES (49F - Cold Holding); PREPARED SANDWICHES (56F - Cold Holding); CREAM CHEESE (47F - Cold Holding); SMALL MEAT PASTRIES (52F - Cold Holding); croissant sandwich;EMPANADAS (50F - Cold Holding), as per operator more than four hours.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener at prep table soiled. Observed lid at cook line preparation station soiled with food debris.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handwashing sink at front counter with plastic cups and tongs in it. Employee removed items.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed shelves at walk in cooler rusted.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed handle of reach in cooler across from flattop soiled.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling tiles at front counter where food preparation is being conducted not smooth and easily cleaned.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed vents at front counter soiled with debris. Observed vent in walk soiled with mold like substance.
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. Observed walk in cooler ambient temperature at 55F. During in inspection operator moved remains TCS food to a walk in cooler for rapid cooling and technician arrived during inspection to fix cooling unit. Technician finished working on unit with final temperature of 39F
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a bracelet while preparing food.
Food stored on floor. Observed eggs stored at outside walk in cooler stored on the floor. Manager placed on shelf.
Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster with lid open.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed shelves at walk in cooler soiled with debris. Observed interior shelves at reach in cooler across flattop soiled with food debris. Observed interior of reach in cooler across from fryers soiled.
Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. Observed light at walk in freezer not illuminating sufficiently and properly.
Dec 3, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed sanitizer bucket 200plus ppm. Manager diluted solution with a final reading of 50ppm
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed current license expired as per owner, renewal was paid on 9/10/24 and waiting for license to be sent Validation number 248242152 Batch trace number 6638611
Food stored on floor. Observed frozen case of raw pork stored on the floor of the walk in freezer. Manager placed product on shelf.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observed grease like substance on the wall behind flat top griddle.
Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster lid open at time of inspection. Manager closed lid during inspection.
Apr 4, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed cook removed gloves, continued to find an infection on his mobile device, then put new set of gloves on to continue cooking and failed to wash hands prior. Coached cook on proper hand washing techniques, cook washed his hands.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener food contact soiled.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. In the walk in freezer observed cases of ham croquettes stored on the floor.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Oven interior soiled, located at cook line.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand wash sign at all HWS station.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues, cooler in front of the oven at cook line.
Nov 27, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In the rice cooker observed cooked rice (125F - Hot Holding), as per chef for less than 1 hour, employee reheating food.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 8, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 22 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority5 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 22 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed fish oil pills, Tylenol stored on a shelf above the preparation table next to the three compartment sink near food.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. In the Walking cooler observed Raw chicken stored over raw pork chorizo, sweet plantains.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In the rice cooker observed cooked rice (125F - Hot Holding), as per chef for less than 1 hour, employee reheating food.
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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed large water bottle stored in the hand wash sink located in the front counter.
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. For Noel Santos, Daniela Rodriguez, Daylin Gonzalez, working for over 60 days.
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.
Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Single Service cups, single service lid stored next to the hand sink exposed to splash.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employees drink on the preparation table located next to the three compartment sink, employee removed it.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee's watch stored on the preparation table in the pastry area, prescription glasses stored in a container with a knife used to prepare food.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. WIF has food debris on the floor.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Raw turkey stored on the walk in freezer floor.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. In the sugar container located in the storage area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. In the cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. WIF door gasket soiled with slime accumulation.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler located in the preparation table by the office, interior soiled.
Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in freezer.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wet wiping cloth used to wipe tableware or carry-out containers.m
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.