La Casita Mexican Restaurant
773 NE 5 St, Crystal River, FL 34429 · Permanent Food Service · License 1901447
What drove the grade
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Oct 30 routine inspection1 high priority (no follow-up needed), 3 intermediate (1 fixed on the spot, 1 repeat), 5 basic (1 repeat)-18
- Safety score82
Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error
Inspection history
1 inspection · 1 visitRoutine inspection
- First visitOct 30, 2026 No follow-up needed
Met the state's inspection standards; the inspector didn't need to come back. Any violations cited still count toward the grade.
9 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
High priority1
Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.
Raw shell eggs stored over cans of condensed milk in walk in cooler Raw chicken stored over raw beef on rack in walk in cooler
Intermediate3
Code 16, Dishwashing facilities and test kits: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Quaternary and chlorine test kits are expired
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris.
Can opener blade
Repeat violation
Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled in dish machine area.
Operator labeled degreaser.
Fixed on the spot
Basic5
Code 10, In-use utensils properly stored: In-use tongs stored on oven door handle between uses.
Operator removed to be washed.
Fixed on the spot
Code 12, Handwashing and hygienic practices: Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
Multiple employee drink cups on prep table in cook line area. Operator removed.
Fixed on the spot
Code 16, Dishwashing facilities and test kits: Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Code 24, Clean equipment storage and air drying: Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Pans on dish rack and cups at front counter
Repeat violation
Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Ceiling/ceiling vents soiled with accumulated dust at the entrance of the kitchen.
Reading this report
Priority levels
- High priority The problems most likely to make someone sick directly.
- Intermediate Could lead to a high-priority problem if not fixed.
- Basic Best practices and general upkeep.
Terms in the inspectors’ reports
- Ready-to-eat food
- Food eaten without further cooking, such as salads, sandwiches, deli meats and cooked dishes.
- Food-contact surface
- Anything food touches, such as cutting boards, utensils, counters and the inside of ice machines.
- Wet nesting
- Stacking dishes or containers before they have dried, which traps moisture where germs can grow.