Epicentro Cafe Hialeah
Last inspected: Feb 12, 2026
43
Score
Going back to 2022, Epicentro Cafe Hialeah has 10 inspections in the public record. On Feb 12, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near six violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet” is the recurring theme, flagged seven times.
Restaurants in Hialeah average 76, so Epicentro Cafe Hialeah trails the local norm. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
10
Inspections
4
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 12, 2026
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed black plastic containers used to store sugar, flour, beans. No food grade .
14-15-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed shell eggs stored over a box of unwashed tomatoes. Operator stored shell eggs on bottom shelf, under tomatoes box. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored over cooked pork inside Reach in cooler at kitchen. Operator stored raw beef under container with cooked pork. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed two faucets on mop sink, no vacuum breaker. **Repeat Violation**
29-42-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil containers stored on the kitchen floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensil at water 90F. Operator replaced water at 138F **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-07-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed on top of preparation tables at kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
21-12-4
43
Nov 17, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed two faucets on mop sink no vacuum breaker. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-17: Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed two faucets on mop sink no vacuum breaker. **Time Extended**
29-42-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at sandwich station. Towel under cutting board. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-17: Observed at sandwich station. Towel under cutting board. **Time Extended**
21-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-17: Missing drain plug at dumpster **Time Extended**
33-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-17: Open dumpster lid. **Time Extended**
33-16-4
74
Sep 8, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Operator washed utensils, then when to prep food, without washing hands, gloves changed. Operator coached employees on proper hand washing and gloves use. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-09-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed two faucets on mop sink no vacuum breaker. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
29-42-4
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed expired 08/12/2025 for Gladys Jaime's and Armando Valdes. **Warning**
53A-03-7
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates not inverted at kitchen. Operator inverted plates. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
24-05-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ice cream scoop inside cup with water at ambient temperature. Operator stored scoop inside a dry clean container. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at sandwich station. Towel under cutting board. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
21-04-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. **Warning**
33-11-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen beef thawing on top of prep table at ambient temperature. Operator stored raw beef inside reach in cooler for proper thawing. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
06-01-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed on top of prep tables at kitchen. **Warning**
21-12-4
47
Apr 10, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed two faucets no vacuum breakers. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: Observed two faucets no vacuum breakers **Time Extended**
29-42-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed cracked tiles on floor at kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: Observed cracked tiles on floor at kitche. **Time Extended**
36-17-5
82
Mar 12, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed two faucets no vacuum breakers. **Warning**
29-42-4
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed, Changed ownership, renovations were made, no plans submitted. **Warning**
51-16-7
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed cracked tiles on floor at kitchen. **Warning**
36-17-5
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided poster via email.
51-13-4
70
Oct 24, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed thank you bags used to cover cooked noodles container, inside double door reach in cooler.
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed inside reach in cooler, raw shrimp and raw be stored over a pot with wonton soup. Employee stored raw food items on bottom shelf under ready to eat food. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed on mop sink outside no vacuum breaker. **Repeat Violation**
29-42-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed cooks no hair restraints while preparing food. **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets in reach in coolers torn. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic cup used to dispense dry rice no handle. **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Observed under prep tables at kitchen.
14-45-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed wrist gold chains while preparing food .
13-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed on men bathroom, and hand wash sink next to 3 compartment sink by service window no signs.
31B-04-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
43
Mar 8, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
41
Sep 18, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed thank you bags used to store krab Rangoons inside chest freezer. **Repeat Violation**
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken stored over box containing green onions inside walk in cooler. Employee stored green onions in a different cooler away from raw chicken. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed no vacuum breakers at mop sink **Repeat Violation**
29-42-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer soiled.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Employee provided soap.
31B-03-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board at kitchen.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees no hair restraints. **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets in reach in coolers at storage area. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed at kitchen and storage areas. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed increased chest freezers. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled at cooking line .
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed on prep refrigerated table interior at kitchen by wok. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside reach in cooler at storage area two door silver. **Repeat Violation**
14-33-4
35
Mar 20, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored next to cooked pork inside reach in freezer. Employee stored raw ch on bottom shelf under ready to eat foods. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
11-27-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand wash sink in men bathroom. Employee provided paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
11-26-1
Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Observed at kitchen area.
14-45-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage on ceiling tile **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets in reach in cooler torn **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knifes stored between counter and refrigerated prep table at kitchen. Cook moved knifes to 3 compartment sink for cleaning. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-17-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed inside rice container, Employee stored scoop with handle upwards. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
21-04-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed interior of two door reach in cooler soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked chicken wings, and cooked pork containers inside reach in cooler no covered. **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
21-12-4
39
Jul 27, 2022
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 18 minor violations.
View 26 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Located in the mop sink.
29-34-4
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed cooked fried rice (62F - Cooling) stored inside make table cooler overnight in the kitchen area. As per operator cooked rice was prepared yesterday night. Operator discarded it. **Corrected On-Site**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over cooked fried rice inside make table cooler.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed bottle of windex and glade stored next to hand washing sink by front counter. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board soiled.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic bottle stored inside hand washing sink by front counter.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - 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/.
53A-05-6
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked fried rice and cooked ribs stored inside cooler not proper date marked.
02C-02-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
23-24-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Located by dining area.
36-32-5
Basic - Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Observed knife between make tables.
24-14-4
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Located by the back of the restrooms area.
36-03-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed employee bottle of drink stored inside standing cooler not properly segregated from establishment food.
08B-49-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Underneath equipment.
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of water on floor by front counter.
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Located inside white chest freezer in prep area.
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled.
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed interior of cooler soiled.
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-33-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked fried rice and ribs stored inside cooler not covered.
08B-12-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Backflow device not located for convenient service or maintenance access. Located in the mop sink.
29-38-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a small cup with no handle inside cooked fried rice and container with rice at the time of the inspection.
14-01-5
15
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Epicentro Cafe Hialeah last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Epicentro Cafe Hialeah on file is from Feb 12, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Epicentro Cafe Hialeah?
Across the inspection record, “vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Epicentro Cafe Hialeah.
How does Epicentro Cafe Hialeah compare to other restaurants in Hialeah?
Epicentro Cafe Hialeah most recently scored 43 out of 100, which is lower than the Hialeah average of 76.
Has Epicentro Cafe Hialeah's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Epicentro Cafe Hialeah have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Epicentro Cafe Hialeah means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Epicentro Cafe Hialeah inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Epicentro Cafe Hialeah is inspected around three times per year on average.
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