EL CARIBE CAFETERIA
299 WEST 27TH STREET, Hialeah FL 33010 · 305.979.0114
Last inspected Mar 9, 2026 · 8 visits since November 2023
MAR 24
JUL 24
JAN 25
SEP 25
MAR 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 23 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
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.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Mar 9, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 13 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken stored above raw beef at reach in cooler at kitchen area. Operator stored properly during inspection.
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. Provided and print during inspection.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed at kitchen area. Operator provided paper towel.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at men's and women's bathroom at dine in area.
Show the remaining 9 findings ▾
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed on top of preparation table at kitchen area. Operator replaced cutting boards during inspection.
Food stored on floor. Observed single service box stored on the floor at storage area. Employee stored properly during inspection.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed clean utensils in standing water 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Employee discarded water during inspection.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided and print during inspection.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at men's and women's bathroom at dine in area. Operator post signs during inspection.
Open dumpster lid.
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Observed single service empty metal can used to stored clean utensils on stove at kitchen area. Employee discarded empty metal can during inspection.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth all around kitchen area and front counter not stored in sanitizing solution. Operator removed during inspection.
Dec 1, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 26, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 4 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate0 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 stored over raw beef inside reach in cooler across cook line. Operator properly rearranged.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken (52F - Cold Holding); raw beef (53F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler across cook line. As per operator for less than 4 hrs. Operator placed products inside reach in freezer for rapid cooling.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed across cook line. Operator provided.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Yamile P. Santiago S. Expired on 8/25.
Jan 3, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink, located at cooking line. During the inspection employee provided paper towel.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw chicken thawing inside three compartments sink. During the inspection employee removed item and placed it in reach in cooler.
Jul 18, 2024Inspection 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 ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink, located at front counter. During the inspection employee placed a new paper towel roll.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer, located at front counter.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. During the inspection employee removed wiping cloth.
Observed standing reach-in freezer interior have accumulation of soil residues.
Mar 13, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
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.
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 glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled throughout.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Feb 13, 2024□ 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.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soap and paper dispenser.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Nov 29, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken over bread inside reach in cooler. Operator properly stored it.
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. Emailed form to operator.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Employee name Fidelina Ortega.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.
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. Emailed form to operator.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soap and paper dispenser.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
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.