CARMELO'S ITALIAN RISTORANTE
321 RETTA ESPLANADE, Punta Gorda FL 33950 · 941.621.4091
Last inspected Feb 9, 2026 · 6 visits since August 2023
JAN 24
OCT 24
FEB 25
AUG 25
FEB 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 7 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw scallops at Reach in Drawers. Operator switched the food items.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
6 visits, newest first
Feb 9, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 3 findings
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed multiple ice cubes at bar handwash sink. Informed operator of the handwash strictly for handwashing.
Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. Observed photocopy of foodhandler training certificate. Educated the operator.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed multiple plates not inverted at dish shelf. Operator inverted the plates.
Aug 26, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed open gallon of milk not date marked at reach in cooler. Operator date marked the food item.
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.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet multiple container stacked with no airflow at dish shelf. Operator placed the containers on the side to allow airflow.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed excessive food debris inside the Reach in Cooler. Operator cleaned the interior of Reach in Cooler.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth at make table. Operator placed the wet wiping cloth back in sanitizer solution.
Feb 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/Carmelo Mangiafico, 02/11/2020.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed residue buildup interior of ice machine. Operator cleaned the interior of ice machine.
Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed food debris on bottom of Reach in Freezer. Operator cleaned the food debris.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed wet wiping cloth sanitizer bucket on the floor at prep area. Operator replaced with the clean sanitizer bucket at prep table underneath shelf.
Oct 2, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
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. Observed chlorine sanitizer 0ppm on test strip at bar dish machine due to empty sanitizer container. Operator replaced the empty sanitizer container with a full container of sanitizer. Observed chlorine sanitizer 100ppm after priming the sanitizer.
No quaternary chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Operator able to provide by the end of inspection.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle touching the ice at bar ice bin. Operator removed the handle touching the ice.
Jan 25, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw scallops at Reach in Drawers. Operator switched the food items.
Multiuse food-contact surface not smooth, free of breaks/cracks/chips/pits/crevices. Observed lids at ware washing area shelf. Operator discarded the chip lids.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed mini-bowl with no handle in shredded cheese container at Make Table. Operator removed the mini-bowl.
Stored food not covered.
Aug 25, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Observed raw pork over beverages at Walk in Cooler. Operator moved the beverages to a safe location.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed at microwave. Operator cleaned the equipment.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Operator cleaned the interior of Reach in Cooler.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed at flour container. Operator labeled the food item.
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.