RINCON NICA RESTAURANT
4395 W 16 AVE, Hialeah FL 33012 · 305.827.2525
Last inspected Apr 30, 2026 · 8 visits since December 2023
APR 24
NOV 24
MAR 25
DEC 25
APR 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
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 to operator during inspection. Operator posted at office.
★ 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2020052770 | Nov 16, 2020 | Dec 9, 2020 | $400 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Apr 30, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 8 findingsThe state's own report →
Person in charge unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed certified food manager unable to answer how to calibrate thermometer and the internal cooking temperature of chicken. Coached certified food manager during inspection.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed all around kitchen area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles with water damage above walk in cooler door at kitchen area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled at kitchen area.
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole on the wall behind stove at kitchen area.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled next to three compartment sink compartment at kitchen area.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves with rust accumulation at kitchen area.
Apr 29, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 30 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority5 Intermediate21 Basic
Show 30 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored on top of raw beef on shelf at walk in cooler.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Marinated raw pork (61F - Cold Holding); Marinated Raw Chicken (57F - Cold Holding); Cooked Pork (54F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler next to three compartment sink at kitchen area. As per operator for more than 4 hours. Operator discarded them during inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Marinated raw pork (61F - Cold Holding); Marinated Raw Chicken (57F - Cold Holding); Cooked Pork (54F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler next to three compartment sink at kitchen area. As per operator for more than 4 hours. Operator discarded them during inspection.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200+ppm); at preparation table at kitchen area. Operator set up sanitizer bucket again Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 100ppm).
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 to operator during inspection. Operator posted at office.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test kit available at the time of inspection.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Observed probe thermometer no working at the time of inspection.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed under preparation tables at kitchen area.
Person in charge unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed certified food manager unable to answer how to calibrate thermometer and the internal cooking temperature of chicken. Coached certified food manager during inspection.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed all around kitchen area.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles with water damage above walk in cooler door at kitchen area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled at kitchen area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee purse and glasses stored on top of aluminum pans on storage shelf at kitchen area. Operator removed and stored properly during inspection.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed operator engaged in food preparation with no hair restraint. Operator put hair restraint during inspection.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting under reach in cooler next to three compartment sink at kitchen area.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler with an ambient temperature of 51 degrees Fahrenheit next to three compartment sink at kitchen area.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on the floor under dry storage shelf at kitchen at kitchen entrance.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor soiled with food debris and trash under dry storage shelf at kitchen entrance and all around kitchen area and front counter.
Food stored on floor. Observed three cases of green plantains stored in the floor at walk in cooler.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole on the wall behind stove at kitchen area.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside chest freezers all around kitchen area.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed 1 tong hanging on oven door handle at kitchen area.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed clean utensils stored inside water at 78 degrees Fahrenheit on preparation table at kitchen area.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator during inspection. Operator posted at office.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed on sink at women's bathroom.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled next to three compartment sink compartment at kitchen area.
Stored food not covered. Observed Raw beef (40F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (43F - Cold Holding); raw fish (40F - Cold Holding); raw beef (39F - Cold Holding); beef belly soup (42F - Cold Holding); marinated raw pork (39F - Cold Holding) Inside walk in cooler at kitchen area.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves with rust accumulation at kitchen area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt container not identified on top of preparation table at kitchen area.
Dec 10, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cooked rice, and raw pork stored inside non food grade bags inside chest freezer and walk in cooler.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee at kitchen, changed task, when from preparing food, to clean table, Bach to food preparation, no gloves changed or hands washing observed. Send flyer regarding proper hand washing and glove use to the owner.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200+ppm). Operator diluted solution with water, Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 100ppm)
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed portioned, cream, and cut cheese, according to employee sliced and portioned two days ago, no date labeled, at front display refrigerator.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.observed beef soup prepared yesterday morning around 10:30 am according to cook, cooked tamales from 3 days ago also no date labeled, inside walk in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at kitchen towels.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled grease buildup.
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed on top of preparation table at kitchen. Operator stored on shelf under prep table.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner.observed frozen chicken thawing inside sink at ambient temperature. Operator turn cold water faucet to run on top of frozen chicken chicken.
May 7, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed than you bags used to store raw pork inside chest freezer at kitchen.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed bowls and plates not inverted at kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed chest freezer ice buildup.
Mar 11, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed than you bags used to store raw pork inside chest freezer at kitchen.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw be container stored over pot containing cooked gallo pinto rice. Employee moved read to eat food to walk in cooler, separated from raw animal food.
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 inside chest freezer raw turkey, raw chicken, raw beef and raw pork no separated.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed training expired 2024 for all employees.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed cup no handle used to dispense chia seeds. Manager discarded cup.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed bowls and plates not inverted at kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed raw beef and box with plantains stored on the floor in walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed chest freezer ice buildup.
Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment.
Nov 15, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed tortillas and cheese stored in thank you bags.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw beef container, stored over raw fish inside walk in cooler. Manager stored raw beef in shelf under raw fish.
Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed sanitizer bucket Chlorine 200+ manager diluted solution. Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 100ppm)
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.
Stored food not covered. Observed pot containing chicken soup and pot with gallo pinto rice inside walk in coo no covered. Manager covered food pots with aluminum foil.
Apr 29, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed frozen pork stored inside thank you bags.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed shell e stored over box of limes in reach in cooler. Employee moved limes to walk in cooler
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed at kitchen Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200+ppm); manager replaced sanitizer solution, Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 100ppm)
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed bowls and plates not inverted at kitchen.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed at kitchen floor some tiles cracked.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside big white horizontal freezer at kitchen.
Stored food not covered. Observed pots containing chicken soup, and tripe soup inside walk in co no covered. Employee put lids on pots with food.
Dec 7, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed thank you bags used to store raw beef inside chest freezer.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken open container stored above creole sauce inside reach in cooler. 'Em moved raw chicken to walk in freezer.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled.
Food stored on floor. Observed a box of plantains stored on the walk in cooler floor. Manager stored plantains six inches ab the floor.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside large chest freezer ice buildup.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs on oven door. Employee removed tongs from oven door.
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.