5th Element Indian Restaurant

1133 Rinehart Rd, Sanford, FL 32771 · Permanent Food Service · License 6905261

Official report

out of 100

Grade F

Safety score 39 of 100

Latest visit: Sep 24, 2026 (6 weeks ago)

What drove the grade

Live, small flying insects foundHigh priority · not yet fixed · 18 other violations

How the score was calculated

Starting score100
Violations at the Jul 15 routine inspection
2 high priority (1 fixed on the spot, 1 repeat), 6 intermediate (2 repeats), 11 basic (5 repeats); intermediate violations cost 18 at most; basic violations cost 12 at most
-41
Complaint after follow-up on Sep 24
Counts in full until a follow-up finds the problems fixed
-20
Safety score39

Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error

Inspection history

1 inspection · 3 visits

Jul152026

Routine inspection

19 violations found · Inspector came back 2 times

2nd follow-up visitSep 24, 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.
6 violations still not corrected:
- 4 Intermediate
- 2 Basic
What was still cited
Intermediate4
- Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris.
  -stand mixer hook -white cutting board on prep table is stained
  Administrative complaint
- Code 53, Manager certification and employee training: No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling.
  More time given
  No certified food manager for establishment.
  Administrative complaint
  No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.
  Administrative complaint
Basic2
- Code 32, Restrooms: Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
  More time given
- Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Light not functioning.
  More time given
Official report, on the Florida DBPR website
1st follow-up visitJul 23, 2026 Extension granted
Some problems still weren't fixed, but the owner was working on them, so the inspector allowed more time and will come back again.
6 violations still not corrected:
- 4 Intermediate
- 2 Basic
What was still cited
Intermediate4
- Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris.
  More time given
- Code 53, Manager certification and employee training: No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling.
  More time given
  No certified food manager for establishment.
  More time given
  No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.
  More time given
Basic2
- Code 32, Restrooms: Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
  More time given
- Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Light not functioning.
  More time given
Official report, on the Florida DBPR website
First visitJul 15, 2026 Warning issued
Problems were found that had to be fixed. The inspector will come back to check.
19 violations found:
- 2 High priority
- 6 Intermediate
- 11 Basic
What the inspector cited
High priority2
- Code 03, Food out of temperature: Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41°F.
  -reach-in cooler across from stove: fried chicken 46°F and cooked goat 52°F, employee relocated foods to walk-in cooler to rapidly cool
  Fixed on the spotRepeat violation
- Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Live, small flying insects found
  -1 live, small flying insect in rear prep area near partially open door
Intermediate6
- Code 03, Food out of temperature: No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food.
- Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris.
  -stand mixer hook -interior of microwaves -white cutting board on prep table is stained
  Repeat violation
- Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: No soap provided at handwash sink.
  -handwash sink in men's bathroom
- Code 53, Manager certification and employee training: No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling.
  A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
  Repeat violation
  No certified food manager for establishment.
  A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
  No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.
  To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Basic11
- Code 06, Food properly thawed: Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner.
  -bags of raw chicken thawing at room temperature in prep sink
- Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor.
  -multiple buckets of food stored on the floor in the walk-in freezer
- Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.
  -plastic bowl stored in peanuts
  Repeat violation
- Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
  -walk-in cooler door -walk-in cooler green shelves -walk-in cooler fan covers have an accumulation of dust/debris -exterior of cooking equipment has an accumulation of grease and food debris -exterior of microwaves -mop sink is soiled -handwash sink next to mop sink is soiled -exterior of dry goods containers
  Repeat violation
- Code 32, Restrooms: Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
  -men's bathroom
- Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.
  -walls in rear prep area -walls at end of cookline -walls above mop sink
  Repeat violation
  Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
  -vents over cookline and dishwashing area
  Repeat violation
  Light not functioning.
  -over dry storage area
  Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
  -floor underneath cooking equipment
- 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.
  -employee cell phone stored on shelf over reach-in cooler
  Repeat violation
- Code 50, Current license displayed: Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
  -operator may access current license at myfloridalicense.com or by calling the DBPR Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395.
Official report, on the Florida DBPR website

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.
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.