Restaurant EL Mesquite
825 SR 66, Zolfo Springs, FL 33890 · Permanent Food Service · License 3500270
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 Sep 22 routine inspection4 high priority (1 no follow-up needed, 3 fixed on the spot, 1 repeat), 1 intermediate, 4 basic-21
- Safety score79
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 visitSep 22, 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 priority4
Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.
Observed pan of chorizo sausage above orange juice in reach in cooler in kitchen, owner moved sausage to bottom shelf.
Fixed on the spotRepeat violation
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged.
Observed raw chicken over raw beef in reach in freezer in back of kitchen.
Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment.
Observed a can of household raid ant and roach spray in kitchen, owner removed.
Fixed on the spot
Container of medicine improperly stored.
Observed bottle of medicine above reach in freezer in back of kitchen, owner moved.
Fixed on the spot
Intermediate1
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing.
Observed food debris at hand washing sink in the kitchen.
Basic4
Code 12, Handwashing and hygienic practices: Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
Observed employee drinks at different preparation tables in kitchen.
Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
Observed ice buildup up in reach in freezer back of kitchen.
Code 29, Plumbing and backflow prevention: Water draining onto floor surface.
Observed water dripping from bottom of reach in cooler into pan on floor in kitchen.
Code 33, Garbage and refuse: Dumpster rusted out on bottom.
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.