Fish Tale Grill by Merrick Seafood
1229 SE 47 Ter, Cape Coral, FL 33904 · Permanent Food Service · License 4607813
What drove the grade
Container of medicine improperly stored in dessert reach in cooler.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Sep 23 routine inspection1 high priority (fixed on the spot), 3 intermediate (fixed on the spot, 1 repeat), 9 basic (2 repeats)-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 23, 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 priority1
Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Container of medicine improperly stored in dessert reach in cooler.
Operator properly stored medicines.
Fixed on the spot
Intermediate3
Code 02, Labeling, date marking and consumer advisory: Raw or undercooked oysters offered and establishment has no consumer advisory sign provided on wall, menu, placard, table tent or by any other written means.
Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Operator posted sign before leaving inspection.
Fixed on the spot
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Food-contact surface soiled with encrusted food debris on can opener.
Educated operator on cleaning can opener daily. Operator cleaned can opener.
Fixed on the spotRepeat violation
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.
Observed handwash sink in back food prep area blocked by trash container and pressure washer. Operator removed trash container and pressure washer.
Fixed on the spot
Basic9
Code 10, In-use utensils properly stored: Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
Fixed on the spot
In-use spatula stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.
Code 16, Dishwashing facilities and test kits: Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with slime/mold-like substance on pipe above dishwash area.
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink at cook line used by food employees.
Educated operator on importance of having handwash sign. Operator placed sign at handwash sink.
Fixed on the spotRepeat violation
Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Floors not maintained smooth and durable near back walk in cooler delivery area.
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.
Observed backpack stored on top of soda syrup boxes. Educated operator on proper storage of personal items. Operator removed backpack.
Fixed on the spotRepeat violation
Code 50, Current license displayed: Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Code 51, Other sanitary and safe operation: Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
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.
- Nonfood-contact surface
- Surfaces food doesn’t touch, such as the outsides of equipment, handles and door gaskets.