RESTAURANT EL MESQUITE
825 SR 66 · ZOLFO SPRINGS · Hardee County · FL 33890
Inspection Summary
Violation Summary
Counts reported for this inspection visit.
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All DBPR Inspector Observations
7 full violation description(s) documented by the inspector during this visit.
High Priority 3
22-42-4High Priority – Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. **Corrected On-Site**
09-01-4High Priority – Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands – food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed cook making tortillas and removing from grill with bare hand. Manager corrected. **Corrected On-Site**
14-31-5High Priority – Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw meat stored in to go bags with food on contract with bags.
Intermediate 1
11-26-1Intermediate – 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. Inspector emailed form and operator had employees read sign and date during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic 3
24-08-4Basic – Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried – wet nesting. Observed beverage glasses stored nested while still wet.
16-16-4Basic – Equipment and utensils not rinsed between washing and sanitizing. Employee washing and sanitizing with no rinse step. Manager corrected and rinse sink was set up. **Corrected On-Site**
10-12-5Basic – In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored on bucket with debris observed inside. Manager had items sent through dishwash. **Corrected On-Site**
Inspector observations synchronized from DBPR on October 19, 2026 2:48 PM.
Violation category totals
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 observation(s)
1 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.