El Chef Efrain Cuban Cafe and Deli
124 E Alfred St, Tavares, FL 32778 · Permanent Food Service · License 4508819
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 Jul 22 routine inspection4 high priority (1 no follow-up needed, 3 fixed on the spot), 1 intermediate, 8 basic-23
- Safety score77
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 visitJul 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.
13 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.
Raw chicken over Cooked beef and tostones in reach in freezer. Operator removed.
Fixed on the spot
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.
Raw chicken over pork in reach in freezer at front counter. Operator removed.
Fixed on the spot
Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Container of medicine improperly stored.
Stored on shelf with seasoning. Operator removed.
Fixed on the spot
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored.
Bottle with degreaser on counter with cooking oils.
Intermediate1
Code 53, Manager certification and employee training: Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees.
To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Basic8
Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Food stored on floor.
Bottle with oil on the floor in the kitchen. Operator removed.
Fixed on the spot
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Reach in cooler interior at front counter.Operator cleaned.
Fixed on the spot
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
Reach in cooler gaskets at front counter.Operator cleaned.
Code 24, Clean equipment storage and air drying: Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
Operator inverted.
Fixed on the spot
Code 25, Single-service items: Single-service articles improperly stored.
forks and condiments at front counter on the floor. Operator removed.
Fixed on the spot
Code 40, Employee personal belongings: Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items.
Employees phones on prep table. Employees hats on dry storage shelf. Operator removed.
Fixed on the spot
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.
- Nonfood-contact surface
- Surfaces food doesn’t touch, such as the outsides of equipment, handles and door gaskets.