Inspection Report

Florida DBPR Inspection Report

LA COCINA DE ABUELA

125 NW 23 AVE · GAINESVILLE · Alachua County · FL 32609

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Inspection Summary

Inspection dateAugust 4, 2026
Inspection typeRoutine – Food
Inspection classFood
DBPR dispositionAdministrative complaint recommended
Resultfollow_up_required
Inspection number3754198
Visit number1
Inspection Visit ID13792700
DBPR license1103169

Violation Summary

Counts reported for this inspection visit.

Full inspector observations available
4 High Priority3 Intermediate11 Basic0 Critical0 Non-Critical18 Total

All DBPR Inspector Observations

18 full violation description(s) documented by the inspector during this visit.

High Priority 4

#12High Priority50-17-3

High Priority – Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment open and operating with an expired license of 6/1/2026. **Admin Complaint**

Admin Complaint
#13High Priority08A-05-6

High Priority – Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken over cooked foods in reach in cooler in side storage area. Chicken was moved below. **Corrected On-Site**

Corrected On-Site
#14High Priority03B-01-6

High Priority – Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. sausage (122F – Hot Holding); empanada (127F – Hot Holding) items in display case other items over 135F. Retemped sausage 186F empanada 183F. plantains (125F – Hot Holding) item in steam table at front counter, other items above 135F. Retemped plantains 208F. **Corrected On-Site**

Corrected On-Site
#15High Priority41-10-4

High Priority – Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Soap over single service Togo lids in side storage room, employee moved soap. **Corrected On-Site**

Corrected On-Site

Intermediate 3

#16Intermediate31A-11-4

Intermediate – Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -Dust pan in front counter Handwash sink. -Fan blocking Handwash sink at front counter.

#17Intermediate53A-07-6

Intermediate – No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ No proof of food manager. **Warning**

Warning
#18Intermediate53B-01-5

Intermediate – 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. No proof of training. **Warning**

Warning

Basic 11

#1Basic14-01-5

Basic – Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Scoop with no handle in uncooked rice, employee removed scoop. **Corrected On-Site**

Corrected On-Site
#2Basic51-11-4

Basic – Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. 2 tanks not secured in side storage room. **Repeat Violation**

Repeat Violation
#3Basic36-36-4

Basic – Ceiling tile missing. 2 tiles in middle prep kitchen. **Repeat Violation**

Repeat Violation
#4Basic24-05-4

Basic – Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Metal bowls on clean storage shelf with the food contact upwards. Manager turned bowls over. **Corrected On-Site**

Corrected On-Site
#5Basic12B-07-4

Basic – Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. 2 opened drinks on shelf above prep table in kitchen.

#6Basic08B-38-4

Basic – Food stored on floor. -Jug of vegetable oil on floor in side storage room. -Bag of peas on floor in side room. Oil was placed on shelf. **Corrective Action Taken**

Corrective Action Taken
#7Basic14-42-4

Basic – Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. 1 filter missing from hood system in kitchen.

#8Basic38-07-4

Basic – Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Lights in side dry storage room.

#9Basic23-03-4

Basic – Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Hood vents soiled with grease. -Reach in cooler gasket soiled in produce cooler. -Exterior ice machine door soiled. **Repeat Violation**

Repeat Violation
#10Basic14-33-4

Basic – Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Metal shelves in reach in cooler in side storage room with rust on the surface.

#11Basic25-05-4

Basic – Single-service articles improperly stored. Plastic wrap on floor in prep area, operator placed item on table. **Corrected On-Site**

Corrected On-Site

Inspector observations synchronized from DBPR on August 10, 2026 1:49 AM.

Violation category totals
Category 3 · Time/temperature control for safety food
1 observation(s)
Category 8 · Food protection and cross-contamination
2 observation(s)
Category 12 · Handwashing and hygienic practices
1 observation(s)
Category 14 · Food-contact and nonfood-contact surface design/maintenance
3 observation(s)
Category 23 · Non-food-contact surfaces clean
1 observation(s)
Category 24 · Storage/handling of clean equipment and utensils
1 observation(s)
Category 25 · Single-service and single-use items
1 observation(s)
Category 31 · Handwash sinks, supplies and signage
1 observation(s)
Category 36 · Floors, walls, ceilings, attached equipment and ventilation
1 observation(s)
Category 38 · Required lighting and protected fixtures/bulbs
1 observation(s)
Category 41 · Chemicals and toxic substances
1 observation(s)
Category 50 · Current license displayed
1 observation(s)
Category 51 · Other sanitary and safe-operation conditions
1 observation(s)
Category 53 · Food manager certification / employee training verification
2 observation(s)

Inspection records and inspector observations reflect conditions documented by DBPR at the time of the inspection and may not reflect current conditions.