Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina
Last inspected: Dec 5, 2025
100
Score
Across the available record, Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina has 13 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. On Dec 5, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around nine violations each.
Across the inspection history, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Gainesville restaurant scores 75. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 5, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Nov 17, 2025
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 17 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
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
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
10
Jul 29, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
32
Mar 3, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
27
Nov 18, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Nov 7, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
18
Feb 13, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched hair and proceeded to handle plate of food in pass through window without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
12A-25-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Both sides of splitter in mop sink. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-42-4
Intermediate - Identity of food or food product misrepresented. Sticker on front door states that establishment uses angus beef. Two boxes of beef in walk-in cooler not marked as angus beef. **Admin Complaint**
52-01-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on reach-in coolers across from cook line. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee dumped ice in bar area hand washing sink.
31A-11-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee purse stored next to corn meal on dry storage shelf across from ware washing area. Manager removed item from shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from cook line warmer. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Pipe beneath hand washing sink next to back door.
29-11-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Tamales stored on shelf in walk-in freezer. Manager had employee placed cover over tamales. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go containers on shelf in wait station. Manager turned containers over. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
25-06-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Dumpster behind building. Manager closed lid. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan covers in walk-in cooler. Area around soda nozzles of wait station soda machine. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Wet wiping cloth underneath cutting board on prep table across from cook line grill.
21-04-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Scoop stored in standing water in wait station, 89F.
10-07-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on cook line fryer handle. Manager placed tongs on top of pan. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups stored in wait station. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
32
Nov 30, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Sep 20, 2023
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 5 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. No vacuum breaker on either side of splitter for hoses. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-42-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Item stored in warmer on prep table across from grill: beef (105F - Hot Holding). Manager stated item placed in warmer 30 minutes prior to temperature being taken. Manager had employee reheat item. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched apron and handled a taco without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands and change gloves. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
12A-28-4
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered kitchen from dining room and began their shift then handled ice bucket without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
12A-16-4
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. No written procedure available. Inspector provided operator with written procedure. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from grill. Deflector plate of kitchen ice machine. Water nozzle of wait station tea machine. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee dumped container of ice water in wait station hand washing sink.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No towels and soap at hand washing sink at end of cook line.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - 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 and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Certificates available for three employees. Manager stated there are 20 employees. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
53B-13-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Vents throughout the kitchen.
36-34-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on cook line reach-in cooler across from warmer.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee fruit cup and Gatorade stored on shelf in walk-in cooler. Manager removed items from shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups stored in wait station.
24-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Containers of onions stored on walk-in cooler floor. Cases of tomatoes stored on floor in front of walk-in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Mop sink has been removed. **Warning**
29-27-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood vents above grill greasy. Fan covers in walk-in cooler. Area around soda nozzles of wait station soda machine. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go containers stored on shelf next to dis area. Manager turned containers over. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
22
Jun 21, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jun 13, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 5 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
27
Feb 21, 2023
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 5 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 24 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Item in warmer at end of cook line: beans (118F - Hot Holding). Manager stated item placed in warmer 2 hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager voluntarily discarded item. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Item on prep table on cook line: chicken (69F - Cold Holding). Manager stated item on table for one hour. Manager placed item in walk-in freezer to reduce temperature, 40F. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Beef in walk-in freezer stored in a to go bag.
14-15-4
High Priority - Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched face then proceeded to handle cooked fries without changing gloves and washing hands. Manager stopped employee and had employee wash hands and recook fries. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-25-4
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered kitchen from outside and began to handle clean utensils on cook line. Manager had employee wash hands and change utensils. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-16-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Containers of cascade stored next to clean dishes on rack next to dry storage area. Manager removed containers of cascade. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Container of milk in walk-in cooler. Manager stated item opened 2/20 in the morning. Manager placed proper date mark on item. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
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. Establishment has no written procedure available. Inspector provided written procedure to operator. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on reach-in cooler across from grill. Soda gun in bar area. Bottom of lid in wait station ice bin.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink next to back door. Manager provided towels at hand washing sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Probe thermometer not accurate within plus or minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Probe thermometer reading 6F when calibrating, thermometer should read 32F.
05-06-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Shelves in dry storage next to back door. Top of prep table next to grill.
14-05-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Vent in dish area.
36-34-5
Basic - Drain cover(s) missing. Drain in dish area.
29-18-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Pans stored on shelf next to can rack in back of kitchen.
24-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Case of cooking oil stored on floor in dry storage area.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on fryer door handle. Manager had employee place tongs on top of prep table. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Vents above grill greasy. Can rack next to three compartment sink. Area behind soda nozzles in wait station. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Containers stored on shelf in dish area. Pans stored on shelf next to can rack in back of kitchen.
16-46-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Dumpster behind building. Manager closed lid to dumpster. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Hand washing sink next to back door.
29-20-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Container of salsa in walk-in cooler. Manager placed lid on container. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Shelves underneath fan unit in walk-in cooler.
22-16-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Bucket on floor beneath wait station hand washing sink. Manager had employee place bucket on shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
13
Sep 19, 2022
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina on file is from Dec 5, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina.
How does Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina compare to other restaurants in Gainesville?
Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Gainesville average of 75.
Has Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina have averaged around nine violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina is inspected around four times per year on average.
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