PUPUSERIA Y RESTAURANTE MARIA
4241 UNIVERSITY BLVD S, Jacksonville FL 32216 · 904-672-0726
Last inspected Aug 24, 2026 · 11 visits since July 2023
JUL 24
JAN 25
AUG 25
DEC 25
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between C and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects found. One fly by cook line
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Aug 24, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 26 violations recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority5 Intermediate14 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 26 findingsThe state's own report →
Container of medicine improperly stored. Medicine on shelf above drinks, employee moved medicine, upright cooler at front counter
Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Employee grabbed raw beef then grabbed a drink for customer, explained to her and she washed hands, discarded drink
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. Making palesnas/ like a quesadilla, ran out of gloves, manager arrived with gloves, she got gloves
Live, small flying insects found. One fly by cook line
Show the remaining 22 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef on shelf above sauces and cur cabbage, in reach in cooler, raw chicken above drinks in upright cooler at back prep, raw shrimp on shelf above cooked carrots in open bag, upright freezer, employee rearranged
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. 75f cooked beef and chicken on table, explained 4 hrs procedure, employee placed them in reach in cooler, less than 4 hrs
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Cleaner on prep table, food on table, employee moved cleaner
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand sink by triple sink, employee placed one
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. New cook here hasn't read it, has blank copy, explained to them
No soap provided at handwash sink. Hand sink by triple sink, employee placed one
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Only employee expired in 2/2026
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Blue substance on shelf at back prep, employee stated it's cleaner
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Opened drink for employees, on prep table, also in back prep table
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee food on shelf above customer drinks, front counter, employee rearranged upright cooler, employee rearranged
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Purse above prep table, back prep, employee moved purse
Equipment in poor repair. Gasket torn in reach in cooler by cook line
Food stored on floor. Flour on floor, back prep area, employee placed it on shelf, water bottles on floor in back closet
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. One missing
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed one
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Upright cooler with glass door, no thermometer
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand sink by cook line, also in hand sink by triple sink, emailed one
Plumbing line from a removed fixture not capped off. By hand sink in back prep area
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed celery on shelf above cut veggies in reach in cooler, employee rearranged
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Base of handle in hand sink by cook line, hand sink pipe leaking
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. White powdered in bulk container on shelf at cook line, employee stated it's sugar, two more container in back prep area
Dec 30, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Multiple foods stored in direct contact inside non-food grade bags in reach in freezer. Employee properly stored in zip lock bags
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs stored over open rice container in glass reach in cooler. Employee properly stored
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Pitcher stored inside hand wash sink in kitchen
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At hand wash sinks in both restrooms and at ware washing area. Employee provided paper towel at all sinks
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. Some employees with no proof of form. Provided blank form
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Men's restroom door not self closing with broken hinges
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee Bluetooth speaker stored on top of glass reach in cooler
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Food handler employee in kitchen preparing food with no hair restraint
Food stored on floor. Case of plastic water bottles stored on floor in kitchen
Open dumpster lid. In parking lot area
Stored food not covered. White rice stored uncovering glass reach in cooler
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Frozen raw chicken and beef stored thawing at room temperature in back kitchen prep table
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Multiple unused equipment's stored outside
Oct 17, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing back flow preventer on attached water hose on bib on exterior of building
Aug 18, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 16 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Employee medicine stored on prep table next to food
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operator license expired June 1, 2025 and under same ownership. Establishment observed preparing, serving, or selling food to public with an expired license
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw prep chicken stored over cooked foods in double door glass reach in cooler in kitchen area. Employee properly stored
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing back flow preventer on attached water hose on bib on exterior of building
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink in back kitchen with equipments stored inside
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At both hand wash sink in restroom
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 has 4 total food handler employees but only 3 hired under 60 days. One employee training certificate is expired and date was changed with a pen to attempt to show current.
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. Operator has 3 new employees with no proof of form completed
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Men's restroom door not self closing
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee purse and phone stored next to food on prep table
Food stored on floor. Bucket of prep cut green plantains stored on floor in prep area. Oil fry jug stored on floor in prep area
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler at front line with soiled gasket
Open dumpster lid. In back parking lot area
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior reach in cooler soiled
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Raw prep chicken and cooked food stored sitting and thawing at 41F at ware washing area. Employee properly stored
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Multiple unused equipment's stored outside near back door
Jan 9, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Atole corn (56-58F - Cooling), cooked corn sauce stored in huge deep metal pot inside 3 door glass reach in cooler from over night with no additional preparation today as per employee and manager. Stop sale issued.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Atole corn (56-58F - Cooling), cooked corn sauce stored in huge deep metal pot inside 3 door glass reach in cooler from over night with no additional preparation today as per employee and manager. Stop sale issued.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Atole corn (56-58F - Cooling), cooked corn sauce stored in huge deep metal pot inside 3 door glass reach in cooler from over night with no additional preparation today as per employee and manager. Stop sale issued.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. In both men's and women's restrooms. At hand wash sink next to three compartment sink area. Provided paper towels
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Men's rest room with door hinges broken
Equipment in poor repair. Microwave handle in disrepair
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Raw frozen chicken stored thawing at room temperature in back prep area. Employee place in cooler
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Hand wash ink with leaking pipe and in disrepair next to three compartment sink area
Jul 26, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 25, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. 3 qts pico and 2 qts salsa (44-48F - Cooling), both times stored covered with condensation under lids in upright three door reach in cooler in kitchen area from over night with no additional preparation as per manager. Stop sale issued.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw thawed fish from upright single door reach in freezer is stored over cooked foods and bags of ice. Moved by manager.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. 3 qts pico and 2 qts salsa (44-48F - Cooling), both times stored covered with condensation under lids in upright three door reach in cooler in kitchen area from over night with no additional preparation as per manager. Stop sale issued. 1 container of prep raw chicken (44-47F - Cold Holding), stored in upright three door reach in cooler in kitchen area from over night with no additional preparation as per manager. Stop sale issued.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 1 container of prep raw chicken (44-47F - Cold Holding), stored in upright three door reach in cooler in kitchen area from over night with no additional preparation as per manager. Stop sale issued.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. 3 qts pico and 2 qts salsa (44-48F - Cooling), both times stored covered with condensation under lids in upright three door reach in cooler in kitchen area from over night with no additional preparation as per manager. Stop sale issued.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. In upright single door reach in freezer in back kitchen area
Time/temperature control for safety food not maintained frozen solid in a freezer. Single door upright reach in freezer in back kitchen area with food thawed. Door left slightly open but TCS foods still maintaining proper cold holding temperatures. Manager closed door of freezer
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. In back area of restaurant
Mar 19, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing back flow preventer at outside bib on wall next with attached water hose
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Operator serves undercooked eggs on Choripapa on menu and has no indication that this items is served raw
Jan 18, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 21 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority8 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Bottle of medicine and other employees personal lotions stored on shelf next to restaurant food in kitchen area.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 1 live flying insect in dining room area on tabletop
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw prep beef stored over commercial dressings in bottom reach in cooler on cook line. Frozen prep chicken stored over frozen open bag ice in white single door upright reach in freezer in back storage area. Flats of raw shell eggs stored over open container of salsa in glass triple door reach in cooler in kitchen area Employee properly stored all items
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Frijoles (105-107F - Hot Holding), stored in pot on stove top on cook line, place there for hot holding around 9am after cooking as per employee. Employee reheated to 171F
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing back flow preventer at outside bib on wall next with attached water hose
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. Provided operator with Clean-Up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events handout
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Cup stored inside front line hand wash sink. Employee removed. Pans stored inside ware washing hand wash sink in back kitchen area
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. No proof of manager certification provided and no other certified manager at this establishment
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Operator serves undercooked eggs on Choripapa on menu and has no indication that this items is served raw
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At hand wash sink next to ware washing area. At both mens and women restrooms
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. Operator has 2 food handler employees hired over 60 days and no proof of any employees food handler training provided for any employees at this establishment
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. Discussed and provided the Employee Health Reporting Agreement form during the inspection.
No soap provided at handwash sink. At hand wash sink next to ware washing area
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Men's restroom with door hinges in disrepair
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Multiple employees clothing and bags stored under prep table next to restaurant food in kitchen area
Equipment in poor repair. Single white upright reach in freezer in kitchen area missing door handle
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Upright reach in freezer with ice buildup on shelves and back fan area
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior of white upright reach in freezer soiled
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Raw beef stored at 39F thawing in sink with no water running. Employee turn on water
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Multiple unused equipments stored inside building and outside
Jul 11, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedLicensing Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 7, 2023Warning IssuedLicensing Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 23 recorded, 9 high priority.
9 High priority7 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 23 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Fried chicken (45-47F - Cooling), stored in direct contact of non food grade bag in front line reach in cooler and prep yesterday as per employee with no additional prep today. Stop sale issued.
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed employee begin work after eating without washing hands. Employee wash hands for less then 20 seconds
Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Observed employee begin work after eating without washing hands. Employee wash hands for less then 20 seconds
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed Approximately 7 live flying insects in following area: One flying insect inside first flip top reach in cooler on top of cooked rice in a bowl. Stop sale issued Six flying insect in back kitchen area near reach in freezer and mop sink
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Fried chicken stored in direct contact inside non food grade bag
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs over cooked foods in glass door reach in cooler in back kitchen area
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. One flying insect inside first flip top reach in cooler on top of cooked rice in a bowl. Stop sale issued
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Fried chicken (45-47F - Cooling), stored in direct contact of non food grade bag in front line reach in cooler and prep yesterday as per employee with no additional prep today. Stop sale issued.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked pork (88F - Cold Holding), stored in reach in cooler on front line, place there approximately 30mins ago,as per employee from main reach in cooler in kitchen area after sitting out. cooked pork and cheese mix (47F - Cold Holding) and rice (50F - Cold Holding), stored in reach in cooler on front line, place there approximately 1 hour ago,as per employee from main reach in cooler in kitchen area after sitting out. shredded cheese (76F - Cold Holding), bag sitting under prep table on front line, place there approximately 1 hour ago as per employee. Employee place in reach in cooler
Ambient air thermometer in holding unit not accurate within plus or minus 3 degrees Fahrenheit. In back glass door reach in cooler in prep area
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. Provided operator with Clean-Up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events handout
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Fried chicken (45-47F - Cooling), stored in direct contact of non food grade bag in front line reach in cooler and prep yesterday as per employee with no additional prep today. Stop sale issued.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Bowls stored inside both hand wash sink on cook line and ware washing area. Employee removed
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At all hand wash sink. Employee providing during inspection
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Operator has no probe thermometer
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. Discussed and provided the Employee Health Reporting Agreement form during the inspection.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. At both mens and women restroom
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee bottle water on prep table
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee eating in kitchen prep area at prep table next to food
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. In front line reach in cooler
Open dumpster lid. In back parking lot area
Water draining onto floor surface. From hand wash sink at ware washing area when sink is on
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. At hand wash sink at ware washing area
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.