The Hot Tomato
2702 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570 · Permanent Food Service · License 3917862
What drove the grade
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Oct 14 complaint inspection2 intermediate (1 fixed on the spot, 2 repeats), 11 basic (3 repeats); basic violations cost 12 at most-19
- Safety score81
Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error
Inspection history
2 inspections · 2 visitsLatest inspection
Complaint inspection
- First visitOct 14, 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.
13 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
Intermediate2
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.
Cutting boards.
Repeat violation
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.
Mittens in hand wash sink next to 3 compartment sink. Removed at time of inspection.
Fixed on the spotRepeat violation
Basic11
Code 02, Labeling, date marking and consumer advisory: Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.
Containers of fish and chicken breading not labeled, employee labeled.
Fixed on the spotRepeat violation
Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Food stored on floor.
Multiple food items on floor in walk in cooler. Removed at time of inspection.
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.
Employee drink on prep table. Removed at time of inspection.
Fixed on the spot
Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Repeat violation
Equipment in poor repair.
Reach in cooler door handle broken.
Repeat violation
Code 16, Dishwashing facilities and test kits: Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Old labels on containers next to 3 compartment sink.
Code 21, Wiping cloths and linens: Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Wet wiping cloth on prep table. Removed at time of inspection.
Fixed on the spot
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Bottom of reach in cooler covered in wet news paper.
Code 25, Single-service items: Single-service articles improperly stored.
Box of Togo containers on floor in pizza area.
Code 29, Plumbing and backflow prevention: Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.
Standing water at time bottom of reach in cooler across from prep table.
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.
At hand wash sink near register.
Earlier inspections 1
Follow-up to an earlier routine inspectionFirst visit not on file · 1 follow-up visit Complaint after follow-up
- Follow-up visitJul 7, 2026 Complaint after follow-up
Problems from the first visit still weren't fixed, so the inspector recommended formal action by the state, which can include fines.
4 violations still not corrected:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat was still cited
Intermediate2
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.
At the first visitRepeat violation
Cutting board.
Code 53, Manager certification and employee training: No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.
Operator not able to provide proof of employee training, she stated that the books are ordered.
At the first visit
To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. All expired.
Basic2
Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
At the first visitRepeat violation
Cutting boards.
Equipment in poor repair.
At the first visit
Reach in cooler lid handle broken.
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
- Food-contact surface
- Anything food touches, such as cutting boards, utensils, counters and the inside of ice machines.