SALSAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT
506 N STATE RD 19 STE 1, Palatka FL 32177 · 386.385.5944
Last inspected Mar 16, 2026 · 8 visits since July 2023
OCT 23
JUL 24
JAN 25
JUL 25
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between C and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One live roach observed on cooler in kitchen. Person in charge killed and discarded.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Mar 16, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 20 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate12 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 20 findingsThe state's own report →
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Multiple use wiping cloth no food grade used to wrap tortillas on cook line. Discussed with operator.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. In flip top reach in cooler, ceviche date marked 3/4. Operator discussed with employee to discard.
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Beef broth identified in time as public health control written procedures missing product time marking label. Discussed with operator.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In glass door warming cabinet, queso (110F - Hot Holding) employee removed to grill to reheat.
Show the remaining 16 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on cook line with food residue staining build up. Tubing of bulk ice bin with mold like substance on casing.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink used to store soiled wiping cloth on wait station side of passenger through. Operator removed wiping cloth.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand wash sink on cook line. Operator provided paper towels.
Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. In walk in cooler prepared shredded beef previously frozen with no added date for when placed back into refrigeration. Discussed with operator.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used as scoop in bulk sugar container.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Mold like substance observed on ceiling air vent by rear exterior door and three compartment sink. Dust on surrounding ceiling tile.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. On shelf of warewashing area, clean containers stacked while wet.
Food stored on floor. Plastic container of marinade stored on floor of walk in cooler. Operator had employee relocate.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Build up of garbage on dumpster pad in enclosure.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. On cook line, knives stored between prep table and reach in cooler. Operator relocated.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Burned food debris on bottom plate of microwave over steam table.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Bulk ice bin vent cover with dust build up.
Stored food not covered. In walk in cooler, uncovered pork carnitas. In walk in freezer multiple uncovered trays of chile rellenos.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Frozen beef steak thawing at ambient air temperature on shelf by rear exterior door. Operator discussed relocating so walk in cooler or to cook line to be prepared with employee.
Utensils in poor condition. On shelf opposite dish machine, bowl stacked with chipped edges.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Pipe under three compartment sink leaking water on to floor around drain.
Jul 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found. Observed two live flies on the back warewashing line.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In warming cabinet, queso (109F - Hot Holding) operator placed back on stove top to reheat.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on flip top reach in cooler stained with food residue. Bulk ice bin with mold like substance on the hose and top plate. Wait station soda bun with debris in the nozzle. Operator cleaned.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled chemical spray bottle of bleach. Operator labeled.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on shelf over steam table. Operator relocated.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on prep table, operator relocated.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. On shelves of back warewashing line, clean containers stacked while wet.
Food stored on floor. Jug of fryer oil stored on the floor of the cookline. Chicken bouillon container on floor of dry storage, operator relocated.
In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Knives stored between reach in cooler and steam table in crack and tongs stored on oven door handles. Operator relocated.
Single-service articles improperly stored. On warming cabinet single service single service Tina not inverted or covered.
Stored food not covered. Uncovered chile rellenos and empanada in the walk in freezer, operator covered.
Utensils in poor condition. Knife on cook line with melted handle.
Jan 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 17 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. In the walk in cooler two containers of ceviche, one from 12/29/2024 and one from 12/09/2024. Operator discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In the table top reach in cooler at pass through window, cut tomatoes in shallow container not touching cooling plate, cut tomatoes (48F - Cold Holding) discussed with operator to switch to deeper pan so container touches cooling plate. Operator switched out the cut tomatoes.
Time/temperature control for safety food held using time as a public health control not discarded at the end of the 4-hour/6-hour period. See stop sale. On the char grill, steak, chicken and carnitas marked with time of 11:07 and held on time as public health control not discarded at end of 4 hours. Operator had employee discard.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Waitstation soda gun has syrup build up in nozzle. Cook line cutting board on reach in cooler has food residue staining.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink on cook line used to dump drink as evident by ice in hand wash sink at beginning of inspection.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Metal pan used as a scoop for Birria in walk in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling vent over pass through area with dust build up.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Blue ice buckets not stored inverted or covered when not in use.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on in use prep table. Operator removed.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. In walk in beer cooler, employee personal food with drink mixes for bar drinks.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employees phone on prep table on cook line. Employees jacket on soda syrup boxes. Operator relocated the personal items.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. On shelves of warewashing area, clean plastic containers stacked while wet.
Food stored on floor. Fryer oil stored on the floor of the cook line. Operator relocated.
In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Tongs stored on cook line oven door handle. Knife stored between flip top reach in cooler and steam well prep table. Operator relocated all utensils.
Open dumpster lid. Dumpster lid open.
Stored food not covered. In the walk in freezer uncovered chile rellonos on sheet tray. In walk in cooler uncovered contained of cooked black beans.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk salt container missing labeling. Operator labeled.
Jul 11, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 17 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority0 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 2 flies in the dishwashing area by the employee restroom. Observed 2 flies behind the bar counter. Employee attempted to kill and discard with a fly swatter.
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Wiping cloth used to line chile relleno cooling on prep table, operator switched to food grade paper.
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Household pesticide spray stored on shelf with wrapped bread. Operator removed the pesticide.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In the walk in cooler, raw shell egg over ready to eat spinach. Operator relocated the spinach.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Vacuum breaker installed on mop sink over the splitter.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Bulk ice bin has mold like substance around the ice drip chute at the top of the bin.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Metal bowls used as scoops in bulk containers in the walk in cooler.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employees phone on shelf over steam table and on prep table with avocados. Operator relocated the phones.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. On the shelf by the mop sink, clean containers stacked while wet.
Equipment in poor repair. Cook line reach in cooler under the grill has a torn door gasket hanging off door.
Food stored on floor. Fryer oil on the floor of the main cook line. Operator relocated the oil.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs stored on oven and fryer door handle. Operator relocated the tongs.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Wait station soda dispenser has mold like substance behind the nozzles on the underside of the dispenser.
Open dumpster lid. One side of dumpster lid open.
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. On prep table at the end of the cook line, cut avocado with sticker still attached. Operator voluntarily discarded the avocado.
Stored food not covered. Uncovered sauce and birria in walk in cooler. Operator covered the items.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk sugar container with no label. Operator labeled the bulk container.
Oct 12, 2023□ 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 ▾
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. Some employees missing proof of employee training.
Oct 11, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 15 violations recorded, 8 high priority.
8 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Vitamins stored on shelf over steam table. Person in charge removed.
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. One can of pie filling with dent along seam. Person in charge states no longer uses product.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 11 flying insects in bar area. Observed 6 flying insects near bag in box soda in kitchen. Observed 5 flying insects near side cart in hallway at side cart. Observed 2 flying insects in dishwash area. Observed 2 flying insects at mop sink. Observed approximately 30 flying insects in external dry storage closet with onion storage.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw bacon stored over prepped lemons in walk in cooler. Person in charge removed.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One live roach observed on cooler in kitchen. Person in charge killed and discarded.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee wash gloved hands, then return to cookline, instead of removing gloves and washing hands.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Enchiladas at hot holding station at 79F. Person in charge states has been out less than 4 hours. Person in charge moved to walk in freezer.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Vacuum breaker in incorrect location at mop sink. Needs to be relocated to non chemical side of splitter with hose attached.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Debris buildup in soda nozzles at the bar and in margarita machine.
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. Some employees missing proof of employee training.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Two spray bottles with blue and yellow liquid unlabeled. Person in charge labeled.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Framing around keg pipes in beverage walk in cooler with damage, heavy mold like substance buildup. Ceiling vents in kitchen with dust buildup. Beverage walk in cooler walls with mold like substance buildup.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Shelving where clean dishware is stored with debris buildup. Walk in cooler fan with debris buildup. Shelf below grill with debris buildup.
Stored food not covered. Multiple items in walk in cooler uncovered. Personal items not segregated in beverage walk in cooler, in walk in freezer from food to be served to customers. Person in charge began rearranging.
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Sanitizer bucket at 0ppm. Person in charge discarded.
Jul 11, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 4 flying insects in kitchen area. Observed approximately 5 flying insects in external storage closet with food storage.
Jul 7, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 22 violations recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority5 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 22 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Ointment stored on shelf with food items and utensils. Person in charge removed.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 4 flying insects in kitchen area. Observed approximately 5 flying insects in external storage closet with food storage.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk in cooler raw steak stored over corn and spinach. Also, raw chicken stored over steak in walk in cooler. Also, in walk in freezer raw fish no longer commercially packaged stored on enchiladas with cooked filling. Person in charge began rearranging.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Beans in walk in cooler dated 6/30.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In drawers at cooktop corn, chicken, spinach at 47-52F. Person in charge states has had drawers open frequently. In fliptop cheese, sour cream at 51-54F. Person in charge states lids have been open for approximately 3 hrs.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cheese at 119F, beans in oven at 118F. Person in charge began reheating.
Wastewater on ground of establishment. Drain at dishmachine not properly draining, observed large amount of wastewater on the floor. Person in charge began removing, snaked drain during inspection. Is draining correctly by end of inspection. Employee sanitized floor.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink at cookline inaccessible due to broken handle, unable to wash hands with hot water at sink.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Pan in hand wash sink at dishmachine. Spoon at hand wash sink at cookline. Observed employee wring out towel in hand wash sink at server line.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Person in charge unable to provide thermometer during inspection.
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. Some employees working 3 months per person in charge with no proof of training.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Items in walk in cooler made 2-3 days ago with old labels per person in charge.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine chute with mold like substance buildup. Soda nozzles in bar and at server line with debris buildup.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups at server station wet nesting.
Equipment in poor repair. Knife in use with end of blade broken. Person in charge removed.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Tiles missing by back door.
Fly sticky tape hanging over food/food preparation area/food-contact equipment. Sticky fly trap stored on bag in box soda. Person in charge removed.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. At all ice bins, handles touching ice. Person in charge moved to appropriate location. Also, utensils at bar in water at 64F. Also, tongs stored on oven door.
Inside/outside of dumpster not clean. Side of shared dumpster with food debris buildup on left side, attracting large amount of flying insects, also lid open.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labels on clean dishware.
Stored food not covered. In walk in freezer multiple items stored uncovered.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar at server line unlabeled.
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.