EL ACAJUTLA RESTAURANT
3228 FOWLER ST, Fort Myers FL 33901 · 239 277 0611
Last inspected Aug 26, 2026 · 10 visits since July 2023
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 7 small flying insects on outside of bulk containers in room with dish machine.
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $360
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2024059605 | Aug 23, 2024 | Jan 14, 2025 | $200 |
| 7--2022022843 | Apr 4, 2022 | May 27, 2022 | $160 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed bags of raw beef and raw chicken in reach in freezer over corn. The operator corrected the items.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee rinse a metal pan in handwash sink in kitchen.
Equipment and utensils not rinsed between washing and sanitizing. Observed 3 compartment sink setup as wash/sanitize/rinse. Reviewed proper setup with operator.
In-use tongs stored on oven door handle between uses. The operator removed the tongs.
Show the remaining 1 finding ▾
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed copy to operator during inspection.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Show 1 finding ▾
Open dumpster lid.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 3 high priority.
Show 13 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed sugar and flour mixtures stored in non-food grade plastic bins.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked pork (47F - Cold Holding); cooked rice (47F - Cold Holding); in reach in cooler at end of cook line, operator states they were made day prior and discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut tomatoes (58F - Cold Holding); cut leafy greens (53F - Cold Holding); cut cabbage slaw (51F - Cold Holding; raw tilapia (48F - Cold Holding) in reach in coolers at end of cook line. The items were prepared today and have been in cooler for less than 2 hours. The operator iced down each item to bring to temperature and is contacting technician. Observed cooked pork (47F - Cold Holding); cooked rice (47F - Cold Holding); in reach in cooler at end of cook line, operator states they were made day prior and discarded.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed silverware in handwash sink near dishmachine.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at cook line. The operator replaced a paper towels.
Employee cell phone stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. The operator removed the phone from prep area.
Equipment and utensils not rinsed between washing and sanitizing. Observed 3 compartment sink wash/sanitize/rinse. Educated operator on proper order of wash/rinse/sanitize.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Operator removed the tongs.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils on cook line stored in standing water 119F. The operator replaced water and turned heat up.
Old food stuck to clean dishware/utensils. Mandolins hanging up with food debris. Operator placed in wash.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old label for chicken on container that currently had pork.
Open dumpster lid.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler at end of cook line.
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 3 findings ▾
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Observed beans cooling inside too deep buckets.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handwash sink in dishwash area blocked by container of soiled containers.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Operator changed water and turned up heat element.
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 6 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee handle broom and trash can then change gloves without washing hands.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored over cooked pork in walk in cooler. Operator moved items for proper storage.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed damage to floor in main kitchen near fryers.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Observed ice buildup hood filters missing in main kitchen. Operator replaced filters.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed tongs knives stored between prep table and cooler at bar area. Operator moved items moved items for proper storage.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in bottom of roll top reach in cooler in main kitchen.
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
Show 3 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Observed beans in cooler at 73F after cooling overnight. See stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in walk in cooler chicken (49F - Cold Holding); salsa (47F - Cold Holding); pupusa filling (51F - Cold Holding).
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded, 2 high priority.
Show 5 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Observed beans in cooler at 73F after cooling overnight. See stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in walk in cooler chicken (49F - Cold Holding); salsa (47F - Cold Holding); pupusa filling (51F - Cold Holding).
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl used as a scoop in bulk flour bin in kitchen.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled ceiling vent in prep room.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
Show 11 findings ▾
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed eggs on shelf next to stove at 85F. Observed operator voluntarily dispose of eggs.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed eggs on shelf next to stove at 85F. Observed operator voluntarily dispose of eggs. Observe cheese on counter at cook line 67F. Observed operator voluntarily dispose of cheese.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe cheese on counter at cook line 67F. Observed operator voluntarily dispose of cheese.
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/
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked yuca, pico de gallo, assorted tamales and marinated meats in reach-in cooler and Walk-in cooler all prepared onsite more then 24 hours prior as per employee statement not date marked
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Bowl with no handle used to dispense flour from bin at back prep table.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris throughout kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Door handles soiled, gaskets on reach-in cooler soiled, bottom of reach-in cooler soiled.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
Show 1 finding ▾
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on 2 door stainless steel reach in cooler by fryers.
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 4 recorded, 1 high priority.
Show 4 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 7 small flying insects on outside of bulk containers in room with dish machine.
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 no written health acknowledgment available. Provided Operator with emails and printouts.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on 2 door stainless steel reach in cooler by fryers.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in bottom of reach in cooler with salsas. Operator cleaned and sanitized area.
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.