TACO MASALA
5415 N UNIVERSITY DR, Lauderhill FL 33351
Last inspected Jul 28, 2026 · 9 visits since November 2023
OCT 24
MAR 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and C. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 small roach behind front counter next to cook line area. Operator killed and sanitized the area Observed 2 small live roaches behind front counter next to cook line area, underneath cash register, next to drain. Operator killed and sanitized area Front counter is not a separate area from cook line.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
7 cases · $3,600
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2--2026017829 | Jan 14, 2026 | May 4, 2026 | $600 |
| 2--2024072176 | Oct 16, 2024 | Mar 6, 2025 | $600 |
| 2--2024040581 | Jun 27, 2024 | Sep 23, 2024 | $400 |
| 2--2022059283 | Dec 8, 2022 | May 3, 2023 | $800 |
| 2--2021033173 | Jun 28, 2021 | Sep 24, 2021 | $200 |
| 2--2015055597 | Oct 30, 2015 | Jan 21, 2016 | $200 |
| 2--2015022928 | May 19, 2015 | Jul 2, 2015 | $800 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jul 28, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 2 badly dented cans with tomato sauce stored in dry storage room. Operator informed and a stop sale issued.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handwashing sink in prep station used as dump sink. Evidence by large food particles found inside.
Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. -Observed 2 badly dented cans with tomato sauce stored in dry storage room. Operator informed and a stop sale issued.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinking water stored in food preparation area over prep table. Operator relocate
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee personal food items stored on shelf in walk in cooler.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed cases with unwashed tomatoes stored over cooked chicken in walk in cooler. Operator relocate cooked chicken.
Jan 14, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. -Observed precooked lamb meat cold held at 46F in flip top cooler. Lamb was overstock above chill rim. Per operator, lamb transfer to unit 2 hours before the inspection. Operator removed overstock position to freezer for quick chill.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Observed accumulation of black substances buildup on cutting boards at prep station. -Observed accumulation of old food residue on can opener blade.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -Observed employee washing rice in hand wash sink at front line.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels at prep station.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. -Observed 2 unlabeled spray bottles with cleaning chemicals at dishwashing area. Operator label.
Box containing roll/sheets of aluminum foil/plastic wrap/parchment paper/deli tissues has old food debris/soil residue inside. -Observed accumulation of old food debris buildup in box containing plastic wrap.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment or utensils not designed or constructed in a durable manner. -Observed splash guard needed between food preparation table and hand wash sink in prep station.
Food stored on floor. -Observed containers with margarine stored on walk in cooler floor. -Observed cases with drinking water stored on dry storage floor.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Observed accumulation of dirt buildup on Frigidaire freezer. -Observed accumulation of brown like substances buildup on can opener holster.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -Observed accumulation of black mold like substances buildup on wall behind 3 compartment sink.
Aug 14, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Employee washed hands for less than 8 seconds
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Kitchen flip top; lamb (40-45F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (40-47F - Cold Holding). Per operator foods not portioned or prepared today, in unit less than 4hrs. Observed food over filled in container and flip top kept open. Operator removed top layer of food and closed flip top for quick chill.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot table; chicken, cooked (127-141F - Hot Holding). Per operator food in unit less than 4hrs. Observed the top layer of food out of temperature. Operator made to reheat in microwave to 165F
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ As per operator no food manager present at time of inspection
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Thick accumulation of dust build up on ceiling vents in kitchen
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. White cutting boards grooved
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Beard guard not worn as a cook is actively preparing food
Single-service articles improperly stored. Box of single service food container stored in direct contact with floor
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Rags left on counter, not stored in sanitizer bucket. Operator removed and stored in a bucket
Mar 19, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Dishwasher washed, rinsed, sanitized and put up dishes without ever washing hands before handling the clean dishware. Reviewed with manager proper procedures to wash hands before handling the clean dishes.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Splitter with attached hoses at mop sink missing vacuum breakers.
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Standard paint brush in container of oil on back prep table.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Visible light around bottom right did of back door.
Oct 16, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee donned gloves before washing hands
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 1)Single door lowboy cooler; cooked chicken (46F - Cold Holding). Per operator foods not portioned or prepared today, in unit less than 4hrs. Operator moved food to walk in cooler for quick chill.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. 1) Kitchen Counter adjacent to microwave, white rice (84F - Hot Holding); Food under no temperature control for less than 4hrs, operator moved to walk in cooler for quick chill.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle next to triple sink with clear substance. Operator labeled water
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee backpacks stored on dry storage rack. Operator removed
Jun 28, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jun 27, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 7 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Food server behind front counter served food and removed gloves. Put on new gloves without washing hands and continued serving food.
Metal stem-type thermometer soiled. Operator cleaned and sanitized
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 small roach behind front counter next to cook line area. Operator killed and sanitized the area Observed 2 small live roaches behind front counter next to cook line area, underneath cash register, next to drain. Operator killed and sanitized area Front counter is not a separate area from cook line.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Behind the front counter: underneath kitchen flip top; raw shrimp (46F - Cold Holding); raw fish (46F - Cold Holding). Per operator foods portioned and prepared today, in unit less than 3 hours. Moved to WIC for quick chill.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken in 2 door lowboy cooler not date marked. Per operator food in unit more than 24 hours. Operator date marked
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee samosa not separate from customer food in 2 door low boy cooler behind front counter. Operator removed samosas
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Multiple employee water bottles in 2 door lowboy cooker behind front counter. Operator disposed of water bottles
Feb 27, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
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.
Equipment and utensils not rinsed between washing and sanitizing.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized.
Nov 14, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Sanitizer sink reading 0ppm chlorine. Employee remade to proper 100ppm chlorine.
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. Employees hired less than 60 days do not have signature forms on file. Bulletin provided to manager to have employees sign.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unknown substance in spray bottle by hand sink at front counter missing label. Manager labeled bottle as cleaning solution.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Plastic bowl in bulk container of flour. Manager removed.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labels on bus pans being used for hot holding.
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Sanitizer buckets at front counter reading 10ppm chlorine. Employee corrected to proper 100ppm chlorine.
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.