MERCADO IMPERIAL FOOD SERVICES
6178 TOWNSEND DR, Jacksonville FL 32244 · 904-232-8856
Last inspected Jan 13, 2026 · 13 visits since November 2023
APR 24
AUG 24
APR 25
SEP 25
JAN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between C and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed; one dead flying insect at hand wash sink. Three dead flying insects under drying station by three compartment sink.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
13 visits, newest first
Jan 13, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 7 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In stand up reach in cooler, pans of raw chicken and raw shelled egg stored over multiple pans of ready to eat rice and one pan of raw fish.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. To go container used in bucket of rice as scoop. Operator removed from product.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee purse stored in cabinet at service window with single service items.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Bucket of rice and plastic water bottles on floor under service window counter.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of microwave soiled with food debris. Employee cleaned during inspection.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Dumpster plug missing on dumpster next to store.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Multiple gaskets soiled/torn. Also, back edge under flip top lid of reach in cooler soiled with food debris.
Nov 21, 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, 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 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
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. Operator stated one of the employees has the binder with all training records on it with them and they are not in the area. Was not able to see any proof of certified food handler training.
Sep 19, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In flip top reach in cooler, cut tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding); bologna (52F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (58F - Cold Holding); raw beef (50F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (51F - Cold Holding). Employee stated food has been in cooler for approximately 40 minutes. Employee stated she is going to ice things down and move some to other cooler. They will also be calling someone to look at cooler.
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. Operator stated one of the employees has the binder with all training records on it with them and they are not in the area. Was not able to see any proof of certified food handler training.
Sep 18, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 15 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found. Observed 1 live flying insect by 3 compartment sink.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. In stand up reach in cooler, white rice stored in plastic to go bags.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In flip top reach in cooler, pan of raw beef stored on shelf above covered pan of cooked chicken. Operator switched items.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. In flip top reach in cooler, raw shelled eggs (60F - Cold Holding). Eggs are in plastic bag in top of cooler with lid open near back door to truck with back door open.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In flip top reach in cooler, cut tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding); bologna (52F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (58F - Cold Holding); raw beef (50F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (51F - Cold Holding). Employee stated food has been in cooler for approximately 40 minutes. Employee stated she is going to ice things down and move some to other cooler. They will also be calling someone to look at cooler.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Upon arrival handwash sink filled with dishes. Operator removed all dishes from sink.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Operator stated one of the employees has the binder with all training records on it with them and they are not in the area. Was not able to see any proof of certified food manager training.
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. Operator stated one of the employees has the binder with all training records on it with them and they are not in the area. Was not able to see any proof of certified food handler training.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cellphone on top of reach in freezer next to cutting board with active prep going on. Employee removed cellphone. Also, employee cellphone on top of flip top reach in cooler. Employee removed cellphone.
Food stored on floor. On floor in front of cash register, two cases of bananas and a bag of unwashed onions.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. In stand up reach in cooler, handle of spoon touching cooked beef. Operator removed handle from pan and product.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of microwave soiled with food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Multiple gaskets soiled.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Service window and back of food truck open during entire inspection and not serving any customers. Flying insects found observed by 3 compartment sink.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall behind cook line soiled with grease/food debris.
Apr 28, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. On reach in freezer by triple sink, raw chicken stored in plastic to go bag.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In reach in cooler by entrance of food truck, raw chicken in plastic container stored on shelf above cooked chicken. Manager switched products so raw chicken is on bottom.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler by entrance of food truck, salami (55F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (51F - Cold Holding). Manager stated flip top has been open all morning with products over the fill line. Manager moved salami to bottom of cooler to bring temperature down and discarded cut tomatoes because they were in cooler all night and do not know when they went out of temperature.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink next to triple sink blocked by boxes, utensils and lids. Manager removed all items so there is access to handwash sink.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Manager stated they do not have test strips for chlorine sanitizer.
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap available at handwash sink next to triple sink.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle of clear liquid near triple sink not labeled. Manager labeled bottle.
Food stored on floor. Under counter near service window, fry oil and plastic container of bananas stored on floor. Manager began to move products off floor to shelves.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of microwave has heavy build up of food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above cook line soiled with grease.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination can occur. Entrance to food truck and service window open with no screen protection during entire inspection.
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. In reach in cooler, avocado cut open and used with sticker still present on skin.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. In reach in cooler next triple sink, bay of unwashed limes stored on top of unwrapped ham. Manager moved limes to different part of cooler.
Jan 28, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 22, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
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 no proof of employee training.
Aug 13, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee cutting uncooked tomatoes with no gloves on.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed; 1 flying insect by three compartment sink. 1 flying insect by fryer station.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed; one dead flying insect at hand wash sink. Three dead flying insects under drying station by three compartment sink.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed shelled eggs on flip top cooler with ambient temperature of 55F. Person in charge moved eggs to reach in cooler below flip tops. Ambient shelled eggs (55F - Cold Holding)
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee washing hands in three compartment sink.
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 unable to provide proof of cleaning procedures.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink next to three compartment sink unaccessible from food, boxes, and debris. Person in charge moved all items allowing access to hand wash sink.
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 no proof of employee training.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed person in charge unable to provide last inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed; soiled handles on flip top cooler across from fryers. Soiled gaskets and door frames on reach in cooler under flip top.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Observed; door to unit open upon arrival and throughout inspection. Service window open with no screen. Vermin present inside unit.
Utensils in poor condition. Observed one white spatula in fryer basket with melted handle.
Aug 13, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
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. No proof employee food handler training for any employee.
Jun 12, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ No proof of any certified food manager.
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. No proof employee food handler training for any employee.
Apr 12, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 19 recorded, 8 high priority.
8 High priority6 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee on cook line handled phone and immediately began handling clean equipment and preparing food without washing hands. Inspector coached employee on proper hand washing procedures.
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. In flip top cooler, container of moldy sliced American cheese.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. One live fly present inside vehicle.
Nonfood-grade hose conveying potable water. Green hose used to fill water tank is non-food grade.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In white chest reach in freezer, opened bag of raw beef on top of opened bag of ready to eat french fries.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In reach in cooler, container of raw bacon stored over container of ready to eat chicken. In flip top cooler, raw shelled eggs stored over ready to eat sauces.
Time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from ambient temperature to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within four hours. See stop sale. In flip top cooler, cut tomatoes prepared 4.25 hours prior 55F. Tomatoes discarded. See stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. In flip top cooler, cut tomatoes prepared 4.25 hours prior 55F. Tomatoes discarded. See stop sale.
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 written plan available. Inspector emailed Form 5030-104 (Clean Up Instructions for Vomitting/Diarrhea).
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand washing sink in vehicle blocked by cover with items on top.
No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ No proof of any certified food manager.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No test kit could be provided.
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. No proof employee food handler training for any employee.
No soap, sign, paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink in vehicle missing all items. Soap and towels provided. Inspector emailed sign.
Employee with ineffective hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook in vehicle has no hair restraint.
Food stored on floor. Container of oil on floor in vehicle.
Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. Seven digit license number not present on outside of vehicle.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Last inspection report could not be provided.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. One live fly present in vehicle - exterior door open during inspection.
Nov 30, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Back door does not have a self closing device.
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.