POPPO'S TAQUERIA
1033 CENTRAL AVE, Saint Petersburg FL 33705 · 727-289-1121
Last inspected Jul 9, 2026 · 11 visits since July 2023
AUG 24
JAN 25
JUL 25
FEB 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. Wastewater backing up through floor drains near warewashing area when operating all hand wash sinks in kitchen, three-compartment sink, and dishmachine. Cannot be isolated or closed. Plumber cleaned drai
★ 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2025059754 | Jul 25, 2025 | Sep 4, 2025 | $400 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Jul 9, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 1 finding
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. At bottom of cooler closest to the cash register.
Jul 7, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Food items stored in deli cooler at front counter: pico (50 F - Cold Holding); guacamole with diced tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (50F - Cold Holding) Food items haven't been out of temperature for more than 4 hours. Employee iced items to bring down the temperature rapidly. Re-temp items: pico (50F - Cold Holding); guacamole with diced tomatoes (38F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (43F - Cold Holding) Container with salsa in portion cups stored on top of reach in cooler/prep counter next to fryers: chip salsa (83F - Cold Holding) Re-Temped: chip salsa (70F - Cold Holding) Discussed with operator food items must be held at 41 degrees or below or they may utilize Time as a Public Health Control.
Operator is doing a special process, conducting reduced oxygen packaging, cooking time/temperature control for safety food to a time and temperature combination lesser than those in the Food Code or operating a molluscan shellfish tank for human consumption without a HACCP plan approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Observed raw chorizo, raw steak, raw chicken, cooked black beans, cooked pinto beans, cooked carnitas, pickles cabbage in bags, pickled onions and jalapeños in jars stored in room temperature in front counter area. Establishment is receiving food items from commissary. Discussed with operator to add this location to the HACCP plan.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Soda machine Ice chute soiled with black and green substance.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. At bottom of cooler closest to the cash register.
Feb 3, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 25, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment and utensils when using a chemical sanitizer.
No proof provided that two recently food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Hired less than 60 days ago. 1. Santiago 2. Becca
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table is rusted.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable.
Reach-in cooler in prep area interior have accumulation of soil residues.
Jul 25, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 10 violations recorded, 2 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
2 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Reading 0 ppm. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Three-compartment sink is setup. Quaternary reading 200ppm.
Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. Wastewater backing up through floor drains near warewashing area when operating all hand wash sinks in kitchen, three-compartment sink, and dishmachine. Cannot be isolated or closed. Plumber cleaned drai
Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment and utensils when using a chemical sanitizer.
No proof provided that two recently food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Hired less than 60 days ago. 1. Santiago 2. Becca
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table is rusted.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water in warewashing area.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Wastewater backing up through floor drains near warewashing area when operating all hand wash sinks in kitchen, three-compartment sink, and dishmachine. Cannot be isolated or closed.
Reach-in cooler in prep area interior have accumulation of soil residues.
Jan 23, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Reading 10ppm. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Operator primed dishmachine. Rechecked reading 50ppm.
Handwash sink next to three-compartment sink has wiping cloths stored inside bowl. Employee removed cloths.
Spray bottle hanging above three-compartment sink containing multi surface cleaner substance not labeled. Operator labeled spray bottle multi surface cleaner.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Aug 8, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee exit outside through rear kitchen door then return to front counter, don gloves and begin preparing food for customers at front counter. Discussed with PIC proper hand-hygiene techniques. Will email DBPR Form 5030-157. Washing Hands Method.
Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the three-compartment sink and/or dishmachine. Wrong test kit for chlorine dishmachine.
Two spray bottles hanging on side of hand wash sink containing toxic substance not labeled.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Five gallon container of cooking oil is stored on floor in dry-storage area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled gaskets on reach-in cooler doors in prep area.
Reach-in cooler in prep area across from three-compartment sink and at front counter interior have accumulation of soil residues.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover on bottom shelf of prep table across from flat-top grill.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation area.
Unwrapped single-service utensils located at front counter not presented so that only the handles are touched.
May 22, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from three-compartment sink
Spray bottle located in front of mop sink containing toxic substance not labeled.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Mar 19, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority6 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 17 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. Observed employee washing soiled dishes touch clean dishes without washing hands. Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Steam table at front counter at 4:28pm. Operator discarded beef. a. cooked beef (123F - Hot Holding)
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from three-compartment sink
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Trash can in front of hand wash sink at front counter.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Soiled dry wiping cloth stored on hand wash sink next to three-compartment sink. Operator removed cloths.
No chemical test kit provided when using chlorine sanitizer at warewashing machine.
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.
Spray bottle located in front of mop sink containing toxic substance not labeled.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Unwashed avocados stored on shelf with clean containers across from warewashing area.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Inaccurate/damaged temperature and/or pressure gauge(s) on dishmachine.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hand wash sinks in kitchen and front counter soiled with debris buildup.
Reach-in coolers in prep area and front counter interior accumulation of soil residues.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler at front counter.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Seasoning in sprinkle cup at front counter not labeled.
Nov 8, 2023Inspection 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. Base pads around nozzles on soda machine soiled
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Front counter
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Paint peeling on floor surface
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Bin of herbs with old label in walk-in cooler
Jul 21, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained,
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Back hallway Wall and ceiling soiled near hood. Hood vents soiled.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Exhaust/ventilation hood system not preventing grease laden vapors in air.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under shelving. Drains soiled.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Floor pain peeling.
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.