EL RANCHITO FOOD MARKET
3334 NW BLITCHTON RD, Ocala FL 34475
Last inspected Feb 12, 2026 · 11 visits since December 2023
□ Not on the state's active licence list
This licence isn't in DBPR's current active file, which usually means the business has closed, been sold, or let the licence lapse. Everything below belongs to this licence, not to whoever may be trading here now. The history stays public because it is a public record.
MAR 24
OCT 24
NOV 24
JUL 25
FEB 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects found Approximately five live flies throughout establishment.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5--2025065498 | Jul 7, 2025 | Dec 15, 2025 | $400 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Feb 12, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 11 findingsThe state's own report →
Establishment operating with changed menu and/or increased seating without septic system approval for such change. Operating with 26 seats.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Pan of raw beef on shelf over pan of raw pork. Moved during this inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Spatula in hand washing sink. Removed during this inspection.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Prep area and steam table added with no approved plan review.
Show the remaining 7 findings ▾
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Hand wash sink in kitchen has water at 74F.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl in macaroni salad. Removed.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Opened water bottle on prep table. Moved during this inspection.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Loose trash on ground around dumpster.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand wash sink in back prep area. Hand wash sink near walk in cooler.
Open dumpster lid. Two lids open on dumpster.
Storage of maintenance equipment/tools in areas that may result in cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and/or single-service and single-use articles. Screw driver on shelf over single service items. Moved during this inspection.
Oct 17, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Prep area added to front counter area. Mop sink moved from original location. Hand washing sink and three compartment sink added to back prep area.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Establishment licensed as a non seating establishment. Establishment has 29 seats. Provided seating change evaluation form.
Sep 9, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Prep area added to front counter area. Mop sink moved from original location. Hand washing sink and three compartment sink added to back prep area.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Establishment licensed as a non seating establishment. Establishment has 29 seats. Provided seating change evaluation form.
Jul 14, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Prep area added to front counter area. Mop sink moved from original location. Hand washing sink and three compartment sink added to back prep area.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. One certificate provided with no dates.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Establishment licensed as a non seating establishment. Establishment has 29 seats. Provided seating change evaluation form.
Jul 8, 2025Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
2 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Items stored in front counter reach-in cooler: macaroni (46F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed was placed in cooler at 11:00 am. Items stored in prep sink across from back door: pork (65F - Cold Holding); beef (76F - Cold Holding). Employee stated items placed in sink to thaw at 9:00 am.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Items stored on shelf across from cook line oven: red beans (92F - Hot Holding); black beans (94F - Hot Holding). Manager stated items placed on shelf one hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager placed items on stove to reheat. Items stored on front counter: rice (97F,92F - Hot Holding). Manager stated items placed on counter at 11:00 am.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Prep area added to front counter area. Mop sink moved from original location. Hand washing sink and three compartment sink added to back prep area.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. One certificate provided with no dates.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Establishment licensed as a non seating establishment. Establishment has 29 seats. Provided seating change evaluation form.
Jul 7, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 41 violations recorded, 11 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
11 High priority8 Intermediate22 Basic
Show 41 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Female employee entered front line at buffet area, touched gloves, placed back in box, then flipped over white foam tray without washing hands. No hand sink located in the area.
Food prepared in a private home. See stop sale. Desserts stored in front counter reach-in cooler prepared at home.
Live, small flying insects found Approximately five live flies throughout establishment.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef stored over cooked macaroni in cook line reach-in cooler.
Raw sewage on ground of establishment. Sewage on ground behind back of restaurant, wood over top of septic tank. Pink and brown substance with pieces of toilet paper inside coming from under wood and on top of drain, strong odor present. Mop sink is located next to drain that is covered in water and bubbles when water is ran in sink. Mop Sink is located in porch area next to added prep area.
Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. Sprayer for cook line three compartment sink. Employee placed sprayer above flood rim.
Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Desserts stored in front counter reach-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Items stored in front counter reach-in cooler: macaroni (46F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed was placed in cooler at 11:00 am. Items stored in prep sink across from back door: pork (65F - Cold Holding); beef (76F - Cold Holding). Employee stated items placed in sink to thaw at 9:00 am.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Items stored on shelf across from cook line oven: red beans (92F - Hot Holding); black beans (94F - Hot Holding). Manager stated items placed on shelf one hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager placed items on stove to reheat. Items stored on front counter: rice (97F,92F - Hot Holding). Manager stated items placed on counter at 11:00 am.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Surface cleaner and Simple Green bottles next to cooking wine underneath front counter. Lacquer thinner stored on top of mustard on food storage shelf in back storage room.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Faucet on the side of the building.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Milk stored in reach-in cooler across from cook line. Manager stated milk was opened two days earlier.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board on prep table across from cook line. Interior of storage area reach-in cooler.
Handwash sink missing in warewashing or food preparation area. No hand sink located in area of kitchen with added buffet.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Mop chemicals being dispensed into hand washing sink across from back door.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No soap, hand towels or hand washing sign for hand washing sink added across from back door in prep area.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Prep area added to front counter area. Mop sink moved from original location. Hand washing sink and three compartment sink added to back prep area.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. One certificate provided with no dates.
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. Missing for approximately 6 employees
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup used to scoop macaroni in container on cook line prep table lower shelf.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Ceiling tiles on cook line.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Pitcher stored above cook line three compartment sink. Spoons on buffet line.
Dead roaches on premises. One dead roach on floor in back storage room.
Dumpster overflowing garbage. In front parking area.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table behind serving counter.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee bottle of Sprite in cook line reach-in cooler.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employees hats on shelf above kitchen prep table.
Equipment in poor repair. Gasket for reach-in cooler across from cook line.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Establishment licensed as a non seating establishment. Establishment has 29 seats. Provided seating change evaluation form.
Fly sticky tape hanging over food/food preparation area/food-contact equipment. Fly sticky tape above prep table across from back door.
Food stored on floor. Cooking oil stored on floor in front of prep table across from cook line.
Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Shelves in storage room. Wooden cutting board in kitchen.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Walls in closet next to back door.
Insect control device used to electrocute or stun insects not designed to retain insect within the device. Establishment utilizing fly zapping paddle at buffet table.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Light fixtures in storage room next to back door. Light fixtures in back storage room.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Vents above cook line greasy.
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Milk containers to store tea in reach-in cooler across from cook line. Red snapper stored in old chicken box in reach-in cooler located in back storage room.
Stored food not covered. Bacon stored in storage room reach-in freezer.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Beef and pork thawing in prep sink across from back door.
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Multiple coolers, freezers, a smoker, steam table, construction supplies throughout backroom and behind establishment.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet towel on prep table across from cook line.
Nov 13, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In reach in cooler at front counter: pans of raw chicken and raw beef on shelf over pan of potato salad.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Dish and towel in hand sink in kitchen area.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Spoons and scoops not inverted in kitchen area.
Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Cloth under clean dishes at front counter.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Opened bottle of water on shelf over chicken. Moved.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Establishment operating with 34 seats.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Several plastic jugs of oil on floor in storage room.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan in kitchen soiled with dust.
Oct 22, 2024Inspection 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 ▾
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 person in charge cannot provide verifiable proof 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.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Cook drank water from a water bottle on cook line
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Single use containers used to store prepared food and drinks
Mar 6, 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 ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shelled eggs stored on top shelf above cooked meat and tomato sauce of reach in cooler in kitchen. Cook placed raw shelled eggs on bottom shelf
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed covered pork at 107F and Chicken at 105F stored above stove. Cook advised that both items were cooked one hour earlier and were out to allow to cool. Cook placed both items in reach in freezer to cool.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels not removed from food containers before cleaning, stored on the clean ware rack.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed boxes of cups stored on floor in dry goods storage area
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of food removed (sugar ) from original container not labelled with name of contents, next to coffee machine.
Mar 6, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Dec 7, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 19 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority7 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed bottle of windex stored with box of green beans. Employee removed spray bottle.
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. Observed person in charge at 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. Inspector provided vomitting and diarrhea procedure.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed dirty dishes on flip-top make table cutting board in kitchen.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test strips available at establishment.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed establishment does not have proof of approved enjoyer training.
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 person in charge cannot provide verifiable proof 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.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Observed establishment did not have any written consumer advisory posted. Inspector provided consumer advisory and person in charge posted.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle not properly labeled with identifying contents ( disinfectant ). Person in charge put label on bottle.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed no self closing mechanism on bathroom door.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed Bowl with no handle used to dispense food (flour)
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board in kitchen on flip-top make table cooler with numerous groves and is no longer cleanable.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed establishment has chairs and tables to accommodate 34 customers. Establishment is licensed for no seats.
Establishment using sponges on cleaned and sanitized, or in-use food-contact surface. Observed establishment using sponge on in-use food-contact surface at three-compartment sink.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed establishment did not have a choking poster. Inspector provided choking poster.
Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Observed swing door entering kitchen and selves in walk-in-cooler made of wood are not painted or smooth and easily cleanable.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed coffee filters not inverted or protected. employee discarded coffee filters.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed produce ( Tomato ) stored over ready-to-eat food ( lettuce ) in walk in cooler.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not in use stored on floor in kitchen.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of food removed ( sugar ) from original container not labelled with name of contents.
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.