EL TARASCO MEXICAN RESTAURANT
1320 BUSINESS WAY, Lehigh Acres FL 33936 · 239.491.2227
Last inspected Aug 17, 2026 · 8 visits since September 2023
AUG 24
JAN 25
AUG 25
FEB 26
AUG 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
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 rewrapped steaks over cooked uncovered chicken in the walk in freezer.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
4 cases · $2,120
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2022055635 | Nov 17, 2022 | Feb 3, 2023 | $400 |
| 7--2019042866 | Jul 15, 2019 | Feb 18, 2020 | $800 |
| 7--2017021137 | Apr 3, 2017 | Dec 29, 2017 | $600 |
| 7--2015038505 | Aug 27, 2015 | Jan 27, 2016 | $320 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Aug 17, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate10 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 12 findingsThe state's own report →
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw cut beef in to go bags in the walk in freezer.
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 rewrapped steaks over cooked uncovered chicken in the walk in freezer.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed brown substance on the interior bin of the ice machine.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed open bottle of sports drink on make table on the cook line.
Show the remaining 8 findings ▾
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cell phone on cutting board on the cookline.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets on the make table across from the fryers torn.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles missing next to the cook line.
Food stored on floor. Observed cases of water bottles stored on the floor in the walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in the walk in freezer.
Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster lid open.
Stored food not covered. Observed cooked chicken in the walk in freezer not covered.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete in the walk in cooler.
Feb 3, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured in storage room.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach-in cooler across from cook line gasket torn.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. The manager removed tongs from equipment.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container of rice in storage room. The manager removed scooper from containers of rice.
Aug 4, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed buildup of food debris on the can opener blade. Operator moved for cleaning.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed 6" plate on cooked shredded chicken bulk bin in the walk in cooler. Operator removed plate.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in contact with ice in the kitchen servers soda dispenser. Operator moved ice scoop.
Stored food not covered. Observed stuffed poblano peppers in walk in freezer not covered. Operator covered.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves rusted.
Mar 28, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed buildup of food debris on reach in cooler and walk in cooler door handles.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed build up of food debris on walk in cooler shelves.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves rusted.
Jan 15, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded.
0 High priority5 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 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/ observed food manager certificate is expired.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed build up of food substance on can opener blade.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed container of sugar and beverage in hand wash sink at the inside bar operator removed items.
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/ observed no certified food manager present with 4 employees working.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink next to the dishwasher.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed brown slime like material on interior of ice machine.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed buildup of food debris on reach in cooler and walk in cooler door handles.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed dust like substance on ceiling tiles and vents.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed build up of food debris on walk in cooler shelves.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves rusted.
Aug 7, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed bulk containers of prepared pulled chicken and cooked ground taco meat not date marked in The walk in cooler.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled white spray bottle on table next to the floor mixer.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles with built up of dust/grease on ceiling tiles.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed buildup of ice in walk in freezer on the door and on the condenser.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in contact with ice in the large ice maker near the rear exit door.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on walk in cooler door soiled with food debris.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust on the shelves in the walk in cooler.
Flammables stored near a source of ignition. For reporting purposes only. Observed 1 can of gasoline store in the front dining room next to the double doors.
Marked exit/path to marked exit blocked. For reporting purposes only. Observed fire exit door blocked in main dining room blocked with restaurant items and bags of towels.
Dec 5, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed prescription medicine bottle on top shelf above plate line on right hand side of cook line. Operator removed medicine.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Paper towels unable to be dispensed at dispenser on cook line next to fryers. Operator replaced batteries.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed 5 gallon bulk buckets of sauce, bulk bins of cooked beef, cooked chicken and cooked pork in walk in cooler prepared over 24 hours in advance according to staff not date marked.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed no handle bowl in contact with sugar in bulk sugar bin in kitchen next to hot box. Operator removed bowl.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed build up of food debris on walk in cooler door handle.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in contact with ice in bin in kitchen. Operator moved ice scoop.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwash sign at sink next to dishwashing area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed buildup of food debris on walk in cooler shelves.
Sep 29, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed chest congestion medicine on cook-line with utensils. Operator moved medicine.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed beef, chicken wings, cooked shredded chicken and various 5 gal containers of sauce, beans, and fresh salsa not date marked, prepared over 24 hours.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed co2 tanks not secured in dry storage.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on gas line next to fryer. Operator moved tongs to other location.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometers inside reach in coolers. Operator located behind food item.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in door gaskets soiled with food debris.
Stored food not covered. Observed poblano stuffed peppers on walk in freezer not covered or wrapped. Operator wrapped trays of peppers.
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.