TACO RICO
12275 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY, Miami FL 33156 · 305.458.1593
Last inspected Dec 30, 2025 · 9 visits since July 2023
FEB 24
NOV 24
MAR 25
AUG 25
DEC 25
— STEADY
5 inspections within 22 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw pork. Operator changed order during inspection.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Dec 30, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 3 findings
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at front counter sink. Observed in restroom; mechanical device not functioning.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry food and dish racks.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage to tiles in establishment.
Dec 29, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
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 raw beef with fries in chest freezer in kitchen.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter: pico de Gallo (60F - Cold Holding); chunky salsa (61F - Cold Holding); tomatillo salsa (60F - Cold Holding). As per operator, less than 2 hours. Operator added more ice to water bath to fully submerge items.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at front counter sink. Observed in restroom; mechanical device not functioning.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry food and dish racks.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed on dry food rack in kitchen. Observed in walk in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage to tiles in establishment.
Food stored on floor. Observed case of oil on floor of kitchen.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed case of to go containers on floor at front counter.
Aug 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee at cook line pull up pants and used same gloved hands to flip chicken. Inspector coached operator on proper handwash techniques.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in reach in cooler under grill; raw meat over veggies. Operator corrected during inspection.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical spray stored above to go boxes.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed dust on shelves in kitchen where dishes and food are kept.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry dish and food racks.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed in kitchen.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed on prep table in kitchen.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed backpack on dry food rack.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee with AirPod.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed cook at front with no hair restraint.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in chest freezer.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in walk in.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed in kitchen.
Mar 10, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw pork. Operator changed order during inspection.
Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by the inability to answer basic food safety questions. Observed line cook unable to tell inspector what temperature to cook chicken to. Inspector went over temperature with line cook.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed in back storage area not secure.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed purse stored on canned goods in kitchen area.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in chest freezer in kitchen.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed in bin at front counter.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop stored on floor; operator flipped for proper air drying during inspection.
Jan 21, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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. Observed food employees Ana K, Jacinto, Beatriz, Alexis all hired for more than 60 days.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Nov 20, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed peppers stored inside Nonfood-grade inside chest freezer.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled. Employee started to clean during inspection.
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. Observed food employees Ana K, Jacinto, Beatriz, Alexis all hired for more than 60 days.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed at dry storage. Operator placed chain around to secure tank.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop inside rice and beans container with handle in contact with product. Operator placed handle upwards.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Apr 29, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Feb 28, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed yellow rice (127 F - Hot Holding) at rice cooker. As per operator for less than 30 minutes. Operator turned on the cooker to reheat the rice.
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. Observed one new employee no proof of Food employee reporting agreement. The food employee reported agreement was signed.
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 the employee training expired on 09/2023.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed the utensil handling touching the cooked rice at steam table. Operator removed the handle.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed slow draining water in hand wash sink located next to three compartment sink.
Two employees with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employees put the hair restraint.
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 0 ppm). Operator changed the solution. Final concentration 200 ppm.
Jul 11, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beans (130 F - Hot Holding) and cheese sauce (120 F - Hot Holding) at steam table. Operator increased the temperature t the steam table to reheat the products.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 500 ppm) under steam table at front counter. Manager change the sanitizer solution, final concentration 200 ppm.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink blocked by containers on top of it and garbage can. Operator removed the containers and moved the garbage can.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed some holes on ceiling tiles above three compartment sink.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed two employees with no hair restraint at front counter.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer located at front counter.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed in use utensil with handle touching the rice at front counter. Operator removed the handle.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood soiled.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed water leaking from faucet of three compartment sink.
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.