EL POTRO MEXICAN RESTAURANT
2470 W US HWY 90 · LAKE CITY · Columbia County · FL 32055
Inspection Summary
Violation Summary
Counts reported for this inspection visit.
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All DBPR Inspector Observations
19 full violation description(s) documented by the inspector during this visit.
High Priority 5
22-41-4High Priority – Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dish area dish machine, 0 ppm. **Warning**
08A-05-6High Priority – Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef stored over container of salsa in walk-in cooler. Manager moved salsa to another shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-24-5High Priority – Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Pan of pork stored in reach-in cooler across from walk-in cooler dated 8/31.
41-10-4High Priority – Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Container of chicken seasoning stored directly on top of container of soap in dry storage shelf behind building. Manager moved seasoning to another shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
29-34-4High Priority – Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Faucet underneath table next to dish machine.
Intermediate 5
11-27-4Intermediate – 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. No written procedure available. Inspector provided written procedure. **Corrective Action Taken**
35A-01-5Intermediate – Non-service animals in the food establishment or on premises. Observed two flies in kitchen area next to dish area.
02C-02-5Intermediate – Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Flan stored in walk-in cooler. Manager stated flan prepared the previous morning. Manager placed proper date on flan. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
53B-05-5Intermediate – 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. All employee training certificates expired on 1/21/2026.
41-17-4Intermediate – Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle of degreaser stored in dish area.
Basic 9
12B-07-4Basic – Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table next to cook line steam table. Manager had employee remove drink during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5Basic – Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee wallets on shelf above prep table next to walk-in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4Basic – Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried – wet nesting. Containers stored on shelf above prep table outside of walk-in cooler.
08B-38-4Basic – Food stored on floor. Bags of pork stored on walk-in freezer floor. Manager placed pork on shelf. Plastic container of peppers stored on walk-in cooler floor. Manager placed peppers on shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4Basic – In-use spatula stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Spatula stored between wall and pipe in kitchen. Manager removed spatula during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
51-13-4Basic – No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. No choking poster posted. Inspector provided operator with written procedure. **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-12-5Basic – Stored food not covered. Container of chicken in reach-in cooler across from walk-in cooler. Manager placed lid on chicken. **Corrected On-Site**
14-17-4Basic – Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk-in cooler shelves. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5Basic – Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Containers of salsa in walk-in cooler.
Inspector observations synchronized from DBPR on September 9, 2026 11:06 AM.
Violation category totals
1 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
3 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
2 observation(s)
1 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.