EL CUBA CAFE
3501 S BELL SHOALS RD, Valrico FL 33596 · 813.403.3463
Last inspected Aug 13, 2026 · 9 visits since July 2023
NOV 24
FEB 25
AUG 25
FEB 26
AUG 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operator renewed license during inspection.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Aug 13, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 8 findingsThe state's own report →
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Can of jalapeños dented at seam. Operator removed from inventory.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef stored over cooked pork in reach in cooler. Operator arranged correctly.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Sliced ham and shredded cheese in flip top cooler. Portioned sliced cheese in reach in cooler.
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. 1 employee, no training
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
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. 2 employees with no food handler training, no reporting agreement. Emailed reporting agreement to operator.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked pork in reach in cooler
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. 2 employees preparing food with no hair restraint.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters
Feb 3, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw beef in reach in cooler in prep area. Operator moved chicken to lowest area.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Open packages of cheese and ham not date marked.
Aug 14, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 13, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Establishment using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until approved sanitizer is available for warewashing. Operator using low splash Great Value brand bleach, not approved for sanitizing food contact surfaces. Establishment is operating inside a convenience store, operator was able to purchase Clorox brand disinfecting bleach, approved for sanitizing food contact surfaces.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Sliced ham, sliced cheese, shredded cheese in reach in coolers not date marked spatter opening.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked pork and rice in reach in cooler not date marked.
Feb 13, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired 2/1/2025. Operator renewed license during inspection
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Lunch meats and sliced cheeses in reach in coolers not date marked.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold Holding; Sliced Turkey (55F); Cut Tomatoes (51F); Cut Lettuce (53F); Pooled Eggs (53F); Sliced Cheese (54F). Checked at 10:10am. Operator moved some items to different cooler, placed ice in flip top cooler Re-check at 10:30: Sliced Turkey (51F); Cut Tomatoes (49F); Cut Lettuce (50F); Pooled Eggs (51F); Sliced Cheese (51F)
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Cup of ice in hand sink. Operator removed.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Nov 15, 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 ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operator renewed license during inspection.
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 sandwich meats in reach in cooler not date marked. Operator stated items were opened 1 or 2 days proor. Operator placed date marking on items.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets soiled on flip top cooler at front line
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Crab meat thawing at room temperature in 3 compartment sink. Operator placed in reach in cooler.
Dec 12, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 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. Cheese
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cellphone
Sep 13, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 15, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 2 recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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/ Observed manager certification through ServeSafe for Nadia Gonzalez 6/4/2023
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle filled with soap Corrected- observed employee label
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.