Benito's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
2219 County Rd 220 Ste 317, Middleburg, FL 32068 · Permanent Food Service · License 2001463
What drove the grade
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Oct 29 complaint inspection5 high priority (3 fixed by the Oct 30 follow-up, 2 fixed on the spot), 2 intermediate (1 fixed on the spot), 5 basic (2 repeats)-27
- Safety score73
Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error
Inspection history
1 inspection · 2 visitsComplaint inspection
- Follow-up visitOct 30, 2026 Fixed at follow-up
The inspector came back and found the problems fixed.
All earlier violations corrected.
Official report, on the Florida DBPR website - First visitOct 29, 2026 Warning issued
Problems were found that had to be fixed. The inspector will come back to check.
12 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
High priority5
Code 01, Approved source; food safe and unadulterated: Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse.
Observed in Clear double door cooler next to single door cooler, Lasagna (47,48,50,50°F - Cooling). Operator discarded.
Code 03, Food out of temperature: Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41°F.
Observed in flip-top cooler top cooler under microwaves in kitchen, Chicken (48,46°F - Cold Holding); pasta (48°F - Cold Holding); Chicken parm (48°F - Cold Holding). Observed on prep table next to grill Chicken stock (89°F - Cold Holding). Observed on wait station Garlic and oil mix (72°F - Cold Holding), butter pads (79°F-Cold Holding). Observed in clear door cooler marinara (47°F - Cold Holding)
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135°F to 41°F within 6 hours.
Observed in Clear double door cooler next to single door cooler, Lasagna (47,48,50,50°F - Cooling). Operator stated items were cooked last night, pans were covered with foil and plastic lids and stacked on top of each other. Operator discarded.
Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged.
Observed in clear door freezer, raw chicken over ready to eat foods, operator relocated to bottom shelf. As well as a bag of open broccoli with non Commercially packaged raw squid. Operator relocated broccoli.
Fixed on the spot
Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored.
Observed employee cologne on dry storage shelf next to hand washing station. Operator discarded.
Fixed on the spot
Intermediate2
Code 03, Food out of temperature: Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection.
Observed in Clear double door cooler next to single door cooler, Lasagna (47,48,50,50°F - Cooling). Operator stated items were cooked last night, pans were covered with foil and plastic lids and stacked on top of each other. Operator discarded.
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
Observed no paper towels at hand washing station next to oven. Operator added paper towels.
Fixed on the spot
Basic5
Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food.
Observed unwashed mushrooms over ready to eat marinara in reach in cooler.
Repeat violation
Code 12, Handwashing and hygienic practices: Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
Observed employee drink on dry storage shelf next to hand wash sink. Operator removed and relocated to bottom shelf.
Fixed on the spot
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Observed interior of multiple reach in coolers soiled with food debris. Observed interior of bulk ice bin door, soiled with black mold like substance.
Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
Observed multiple gaskets throughout kitchen soiled with food debris.
Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
Observed floors under triple sink and dishwasher, soiled with debris and residue.
Repeat violation
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
- Time/temperature control for safety food
- Food that has to be kept hot, at 135°F or above, or cold, at 41°F or below, to stay safe: meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, cooked rice and beans, cut melons and the like.
- Ready-to-eat food
- Food eaten without further cooking, such as salads, sandwiches, deli meats and cooked dishes.
- Nonfood-contact surface
- Surfaces food doesn’t touch, such as the outsides of equipment, handles and door gaskets.
- Stop sale
- An order that the food can’t be sold or served.