GARCIA'S TACO EXPRESS INC
1448 US HWY 17 N · WAUCHULA · Hardee County · FL 33873
Inspection Summary
Violation Summary
Counts reported for this inspection visit.
All DBPR Inspector Observations
12 full violation description(s) documented by the inspector during this visit.
High Priority 2
14-31-5High Priority – Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed yellow rice in a carry out bag in the microwave, operator transferred to food storage bag. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5High Priority – Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw steak in the reach in cooler in the kitchen, operator moved the chicken. **Corrected On-Site**
Intermediate 2
31A-11-4Intermediate – Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed lettuce in the hand wash sink by the shelve in the kitchen.
02C-02-5Intermediate – Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed in reach in cooler a pan of salsa and a pan of cactus with pork ribs made two days ago and not date marked, operator date marked. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic 8
36-34-5Basic – Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles throughout the kitchen soiled with dust.
24-08-4Basic – Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried – wet nesting. Observed stack of small pans on the shelves with water in between and not air drying properly.
14-11-5Basic – Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket torn on reach in cooler in the kitchen and the ice machine is not working in wait staff area. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4Basic – No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at the hand wash sink in wait staff area next to the ice machine, operator placed a hand wash sign there. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4Basic – Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hoods soiled with grease. **Repeat Violation**
16-46-4Basic – Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels on a pan of salsa and a pan of sliced onions in the reach in cooler.
29-08-4Basic – Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed handle is broken and not connected on the mop sink in back of kitchen.
14-33-4Basic – Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed shelves in reach in cooler in the kitchen is rusted and pitted. **Repeat Violation**
Inspector observations synchronized from DBPR on August 16, 2026 7:35 AM.
Violation category totals
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
3 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
Inspection records and inspector observations reflect conditions documented by DBPR at the time of the inspection and may not reflect current conditions.