Wards Super Market in Gainesville
Last inspected:
515 Nw 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609Wards Super Market in Gainesville has been subject to significant enforcement activity in 2025. On September 23, 2025, the facility received three stop-sale orders requiring voluntary destruction of adulterated products: items found in improper cold holding temperatures, products obtained from an unapproved source, and products with labeling violations. The same date brought three stop-use orders for unsanitary equipment, labeling violations, and container requirement failures. An October 13, 2025 follow-up inspection found the facility had corrected some violations but identified a repeat shellstock tag violation, requiring continued re-inspection activity. The September 23 inspection documented multiple priority-level violations including a meat department bandsaw used over four hours without cleaning, an employee cross-contamination incident with raw chicken, deli display coolers maintaining unsafe temperatures (45–53°F when 41°F or below is required), and packaged retail meat items cooling to only 42–47°F. Most violations were corrected on site during inspection. Prior inspections in 2022 and 2024 addressed consumer complaints with no violations cited.
Summary generated from Florida FDACS public inspection records.
Wards Super Market in Gainesville: FDACS Inspection History (4)
Inspections conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which oversees grocery stores, convenience stores, bakeries, food manufacturers, mobile vendors, and vending machines.
— 2 inspections
— Met Sanitation Inspection Requirements· 3 violations· Met Requirements
Comments: When citations have been corrected and initialed, an electronic copy of the completed report may be emailed to
[email protected].
Please note each observation that has been corrected.
Risk-Based Violations
3-203.12
Shellstock tags or labels do not remain attached to the original container until the
container is empty; date when the last shellstock from the container is sold or served not recorded on the
tag or label; identity of the source of shellstock not maintained by retaining shellstock tags or labels for 90
calendar days from the last date sold or served in chronological order; or shellstock removed from its
tagged or labeled container commingled with shellstock from another container before being ordered by the
consumer. 3-203.12 PfPfRepeat
Shellstock tags not marked with last date sold.
Good Retail Practice Violations
6-501.12
Physical facilities not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean, or cleaning
not done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed such as after closing. 6-501.12
Walk in cooler: Buildup of debris on ceiling and fan guards.
6-501.11
Dressing rooms not used by employees who regularly change their clothes in the
establishment, or lockers or other suitable facilities not used for the orderly storage of employee clothing or
other possessions. 6-501.110
Deli: Employee items stored on shelf above prep table/ prep cooler.
— Re-Inspection Required· 12 violations· 6 stop-sale orders· Re-Inspection Required
Comments: When citations have been corrected and initialed, an electronic copy of the completed report may be emailed to
[email protected].
Please note each observation that has been corrected.
Stop Use Order issued. Food establishment can visit https://foodpermit.fdacs.gov or contact the Business Center at (850)
245-5520 when corrections have been made and/or when required documents have been obtained to request food safety
inspector visit for written release of equipment. Failure to comply with the request for written release may or will result in
Administrative Action.
Stop Sale Order issued. Food establishment can visit https://foodpermit.fdacs.gov or contact the Business Center at (850)
245-5520 when corrections have been made and/or when required documents have been obtained to request food safety
inspector visit for written release of product. Failure to comply with the request for written release may or will result in
Administrative Action.
Re-inspection visit required issued for food establishment. A re-inspection will be conducted on or about 14 days.
Stop Use Order issued on exposed dispensing of hemp-based beverages. Food establishment can visit
Risk-Based Violations
3-203.12
Shellstock tags or labels do not remain attached to the original container until the
container is empty; date when the last shellstock from the container is sold or served not recorded on the
tag or label; identity of the source of shellstock not maintained by retaining shellstock tags or labels for 90
calendar days from the last date sold or served in chronological order; or shellstock removed from its
tagged or labeled container commingled with shellstock from another container before being ordered by the
consumer. 3-203.12 PfPf
Shell stock tags (mussels) not marked with last date served.
4-602.11(C)
Equipment food-contact surface or utensil used with time/temperature control for
safety food not cleaned throughout the day at least every 4 hours. Exception criteria for an alternative
cleaning frequency not met. 4-602.11(C) PP
Meat department: Bandsaw in use over 4 hours without breaking down and washing, rinsing
and sanitizing equipment. COS: item was taken apart and cleaned during inspection.
x
4-602.11(A)
Equipment food-contact surface or utensil not cleaned before each use with a
different type of raw animal food such as beef, fish, lamb or poultry; each time there is a change from
working with raw foods to working with ready-to-eat food; between use with raw fruit or vegetables and with
time/temperature control for safety food; before using or storing a food temperature measuring device; or at
any time during the operation when contamination may have occurred. 4-602.11(A) and (B) PP
Meat Department: Employee was cutting open bags of chicken, dropped knife on floor,
picked knife up and continued to cut open bags of chicken. COS: Inspector spoke with employee and knife
was changed out during inspection.
x
3-501.14(B)
Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from ingredients at ambient
temperature not cooled within 4 hours to 41°F or less. 3-501.14(B) PP
Retail: Packaged pork chops, packaged beef not cooled to 41 degrees F before placing into
retail reach in cooler for customer self service. Items found with an internal temperature range of 42-47
degrees F. COS: Inspector spoke with employee, employee removed all items and placed into walk in
cooler. Items cooled for 41 degrees F before placing back at retail.
x
3-501.16(A)(2)
Cold held time/temperature control for safety food not maintained at 41°F or below.
3-501.16(A)(2) PP
Deli: Items found in deli display cooler not maintained at 41 degrees or below. Various deli
meats and cheeses ( lemon pepper chicken, Turkey, Ham, Provolone cheese) found with an internal
temperature range of 45 to 53 degrees F. Case was open for an extended period while all items were
stocked approximately 3 hours prior to discovery. COS: items immediately placed into rolling carts and
move to freezer for rapid cooling. All items under 41 degrees within 4 hour total.Retail: Items found in the
open air reach in cooler under the hot holding station not maintained at 41 degrees or below. Various items
( Cookies and cream parfait, Chocolate mousse parfait, Smoked gouda pasta salad, Curried white meat
chicken salad, Boiled eggs, Hashbrowns, BBQ pulled pork, Smoked turkey and ham sandwich, Orzo with
roasted tomatoes BBQ beans, Mediterranean pasta salad) all found with an internal temperature range of
47 to 60 degrees F. Products in unit over 4 hours. Please see Stop Sale and Release Order.
x
71
Hemp or Hemp Extract intended for Human Consumption sold or distributed in a
container that is not compliant with ASTM International D3475-20, Standard Classification of Child
Resistant Packages, because the container does not meet one or more of the descriptions of child-resistant
packages set out in Table 1 therein. 5K-4.034(6)(j), F.A.C.
Retail: Hemp and/or hemp extract products intended for human consumption observed to be
sold or distributed in packaging that is not compliant with ASTM International D3475-20, Standard
Classification of Child Resistant Packages. See: 5k-4.034(6)(i), F.A.C.. Please See Stop Use Order
o
75
Hemp or Hemp Extract intended for human consumption is distributed or sold in
packaging that does not include: 1. A scannable barcode or quick response code linked to the certificate of
analysis of the hemp extract by an independent testing laboratory; 2. The batch number; 3. The Internet
address of a website where batch information may be obtained; 4. The expiration date; 5. The number of
milligrams of each marketed cannabinoid per serving. s. 581.217(7)(a)2. a. - e., F.S. and 5K-4.034(6)(a),
F.A.C.
Retail: Hemp and/or hemp extract products intended for human consumption observed to be
sold or distributed in packaging that does not include: 1. A scannable barcode or quick response code
linked to the certificate of analysis of the hemp extract by an independent testing laboratory; 2. The batch
number; 3. The internet address of a website where batch information may be obtained; 4. The expiration
date; 5. The number of milligrams of each marketed cannabinoid per serving. See: 5k-4.034(6)(b), F.A.C..
Please see Stop Use Order and Stop sale and release Order.
o
5-205.11
Handwashing sink not maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee
use or is used for purposes other than handwashing, or an automatic handwashing facility not used in
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. 5-205.11 PfPfRepeat
Deli: Ice dumped into hand washing sink in corner.
Good Retail Practice Violations
3-302.12
Working container holding a food or food ingredient that is not readily and
unmistakably recognized and has been removed from its original packaging for use in the establishment is
not identified with the common name of the food. 3-302.12Repeat
Meat department: White, unlabeled bottle possibly containing mineral oil found on bottom
shelf under prep table near slicer. COS: Item was discarded by employee during inspection.
4-501.11
Equipment not maintained in good repair or condition; equipment component not
kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer's specifications; or cutting or piercing part
of can opener not kept sharp to minimize the creation of metal fragments that can contaminate food when a
container is opened. 4-501.11
Deli: Deli display cooler not maintaining time/temperature controlled for safety food at 41
degrees or below. Various deli meats found with an internal temperature range of 45-53. Ambient
temperature on inspectors thermometer reading 48 degrees F. COS: Doors to unit held closed, unit was
adjusted, and check by technician during inspection. Unit maintaining 41 degrees or below by end of
inspection. Retail: Reach in cooler under hot holding case not maintaining time/temperature controlled for
safety foods a 41 degrees or below. Various products found with an internal temperature range of 47 to 60
degrees F. Please see Stop Use Order.
6-501.12
Physical facilities not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean, or cleaning
not done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed such as after closing. 6-501.12
Walk in cooler: Buildup of debris and dust on ceiling and around fan guards
6-501.11
Dressing rooms not used by employees who regularly change their clothes in the
establishment, or lockers or other suitable facilities not used for the orderly storage of employee clothing or
other possessions. 6-501.110
Deli: employee items stored above prep area and inside coolers with product to be served to
the public.
Stop-Sale Orders & Supplemental Actions
STOP SALE ORDER AND RELEASE
Reason: FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper cold holding temperatures.
Lot: Number of Packages:
Quantity: Size of Packages: · Total Weight:
Disposition: Product was voluntarily destroyed by food establishment management and witnessed by inspector.
STOP SALE ORDER AND RELEASE
Reason: FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Approved Source: Food obtained from approved source.
Lot: Number of Packages:
Quantity: Size of Packages: · Total Weight:
Disposition: Product was voluntarily destroyed by food establishment management and witnessed by inspector.
STOP SALE ORDER AND RELEASE
Reason: FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling
Lot: Number of Packages:
Quantity: Size of Packages: · Total Weight:
Disposition: Product was voluntarily destroyed by food establishment management and witnessed by inspector.
STOP USE ORDER
Reason: FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Utensils, Equipment and Vending: Food and nonfood-contact
surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used.
Comments: To request a Food Safety Inspector visit for written release when corrections have been made for request release of equipment,
contact the Business Center at (850) 245-5520 or [email protected].
Print Date: 9/25/2025
Page 2 of 4
Lot: Number of Packages:
Quantity: Size of Packages: · Total Weight:
STOP USE ORDER
Reason: FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling
Comments: To request a Food Safety Inspector visit for written release when corrections have been made for request release of equipment,
contact the Business Center at (850) 245-5520 or [email protected].
Lot: Number of Packages:
Quantity: Size of Packages: · Total Weight:
STOP USE ORDER
Reason: FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Container Requirements
Comments: To request a Food Safety Inspector visit for written release when corrections have been made for request release of equipment,
contact the Business Center at (850) 245-5520 or [email protected].
Print Date: 9/25/2025
Page 3 of 4
When the department or its duly authorized agent finds, or has probable cause to believe, that any food or food-processing equipment is in
violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under this chapter so as to be dangerous, unwholesome, fraudulent, or insanitary within the meaning
of this chapter, an agent of the department may issue and enforce a stop-sale, stop-use, removal, or hold order, which order gives notice that
such article or processing equipment is, or is suspected of being, in violation and has been detained or embargoed and which order warns all
persons not to remove, use, or dispose of such article or processing equipment by sale or otherwise until permission for removal, use, or disposal
is given by the department or the court. It is unlawful for any person to remove, use, or dispose of such detained or embargoed article or
processing equipment by sale or otherwise without such permission in accordance with 500.172 (1) Florida Statutes.
Release - Other
The Food Establishment voluntarily agrees to release the products listed in the stop-sale order(s) on page(s) 1, 2 for destruction. The Food
Establishment will not hold the Department liable for any lost revenue or income as a result of the destruction.
___________________________________
Signature of Food Establishment Representative
AN ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL ORDERS, NOTICES, AND REPORTS IN THIS
SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
If you wish to contest the Department's action, you have the right to request an administrative hearing to be conducted in accordance with
Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes and to be represented by counsel or other qualified representative. Your request for hearing must
contain:
1. Your name, address, and telephone number, and facsimile number (if any).
2. The name, address, and telephone number, and facsimile number of your attorney or qualified representative (if any) upon whom service of
pleadings and other papers shall be made.
3. A statement that you are requesting an administrative hearing and dispute the material facts alleged by the department, in which case you must
identify the material facts that are in dispute (formal hearing), or that you request an administrative hearing and that you do not dispute the facts
alleged by the department (informal hearing).
4. A statement of when (date) you received the Notice and the file number of this Notice.
Your request for a hearing must be received at the address shown on this Notice within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of this
Notice. If you fail to obtain a Release from this Notice or fail to request an administrative hearing within the twenty-one (21) day
deadline you waive your right to a hearing and the Department may enter a Final Order imposing up to the maximum penalties as authorized by
Florida Law.
HEARING WAIVER AND WAIVER OF RIGHTS
Danielle Ward
I, _____________________________________________________
the person in charge of WARDS SUPER MARKET hereby waive a notice
and a hearing as provided in Chapter 120, Florida Statutes and waive all rights as provided on the last page of this report.
____________________________________________
(Signature)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I acknowledge receipt of a copy of this document.
(Signature of FDACS Representative)
(Signature of Representative)
PATRICK PACE, ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II
DANIELLE WARD, PERSON IN CHARGE
Print Name and Title
FDACS-14325 Rev. 07/13
Print Date: 9/25/2025
Page 4 of 4
Lot: Number of Packages:
Quantity: Size of Packages: · Total Weight:
— 1 inspection
— Focused Inspection· Focused Inspection
Comments: The issues described in the associated consumer complaint were addressed with the person in charge during this visit per
request# 5112327.
No violations or enforcement actions recorded for this inspection.
— 1 inspection
— Focused Inspection· Focused Inspection
Comments: Per Request 5083024, inspector completed a focused inspection and addressed the issues in the consumer complaint with the
person in charge.
No violations or enforcement actions recorded for this inspection.
Wards Super Market in Gainesville: Stop-Sale & Stop-Use Orders (6)
Products placed under stop-sale or stop-use order by FDACS inspectors. Stop-sale orders prohibit the sale of food that is adulterated, mislabeled, or poses a health risk.
| Date | Order Type | Product | Brand/Lot | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STOP SALE ORDER AND RELEASE | — | Number of Packages: | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Proper cold holding temperatures. | |
| STOP SALE ORDER AND RELEASE | — | Number of Packages: | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Approved Source: Food obtained from approved source. | |
| STOP SALE ORDER AND RELEASE | — | Number of Packages: | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling | |
| STOP USE ORDER | — | Number of Packages: | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Utensils, Equipment and Vending: Food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanabl… | |
| STOP USE ORDER | — | Number of Packages: | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling Comments: To request a Food Safety Inspector visit for written… | |
| STOP USE ORDER | — | Number of Packages: | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Container Requirements Comments: To request a Food Safety Inspector vis… |
Wards Super Market in Gainesville: Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Wards Super Market in Gainesville last inspected?
- Wards Super Market in Gainesville was last inspected by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) on October 13, 2025. Inspection type: Met Sanitation Inspection Requirements.
- How many inspections has Wards Super Market in Gainesville had?
- Wards Super Market in Gainesville has 4 FDACS food safety inspection(s) on record from January 2022 to present.
- What did the most recent FDACS inspection of Wards Super Market in Gainesville find?
- Wards Super Market in Gainesville was most recently inspected by FDACS on October 13, 2025 (Met Sanitation Inspection Requirements).
- Has Wards Super Market in Gainesville had any stop-sale or stop-use orders?
- Yes, Wards Super Market in Gainesville has 6 stop-sale or stop-use enforcement action(s) on record with Florida FDACS. Most affected products were voluntarily destroyed.
- What are the most common violations at Wards Super Market in Gainesville?
- The most frequently cited FDACS violations at Wards Super Market in Gainesville are: 3-203.12: Shellstock tags or labels do not remain attached to the original container until the container is empty; date when the last shellstock from the container is sold or served not recorded on the tag or label; identity of the source of shellstock not maintained by retaining shellstock tags or labels for 90 calendar days from the last date sold or served in chronological order; or shellstock removed from its tagged or labeled container commingled with shellstock from another container before being ordered by the consumer. 3-203.12 Pf; 6-501.12: Physical facilities not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean, or cleaning not done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed such as after closing. 6-501.12; 6-501.11: Dressing rooms not used by employees who regularly change their clothes in the establishment, or lockers or other suitable facilities not used for the orderly storage of employee clothing or other possessions. 6-501.110.
- Does Wards Super Market in Gainesville have any repeat violations?
- Yes, Wards Super Market in Gainesville has had the following violations cited on multiple FDACS inspections: 3-203.12: Shellstock tags or labels do not remain attached to the original container until the container is empty; date when the last shellstock from the container is sold or served not recorded on the tag or label; identity of the source of shellstock not maintained by retaining shellstock tags or labels for 90 calendar days from the last date sold or served in chronological order; or shellstock removed from its tagged or labeled container commingled with shellstock from another container before being ordered by the consumer. 3-203.12 Pf; 6-501.12: Physical facilities not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean, or cleaning not done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed such as after closing. 6-501.12; 6-501.11: Dressing rooms not used by employees who regularly change their clothes in the establishment, or lockers or other suitable facilities not used for the orderly storage of employee clothing or other possessions. 6-501.110.
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Editorial Standards & Data Oversight
Data Source: This report is based on official public inspection records from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Editorial Process: Content generated using AI to synthesize complex regulatory data, then reviewed and verified for accuracy by our editorial team.
Disclaimer: All data reflects official state records at time of publication. Facilities may have since corrected cited violations, resolved enforcement actions, or changed ownership.
Editor: All content reviewed and verified by Christopher F. Nesbitt, Sr., Nationally Registered EMT & BU-trained Paralegal.
This page is maintained by FloridaFoodSafety.org and is not affiliated with Wards Super Market. How we collect and verify this data.