Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland
Last inspected:
2701 Swindell Rd, Lakeland, FL 33805Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland has accumulated 68 violations across 15 inspections, averaging 4.5 violations per inspection. Employee health policy violations have been a recurring issue, cited in at least 5 inspections — the establishment has repeatedly failed to ensure employees are informed of their responsibility to report foodborne illness symptoms and has not maintained written procedures for responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. A high-priority violation for improper chemical storage was documented on November 17, 2022, when a spray bottle of sanitizer was found stored directly on top of food processing equipment; the person in charge corrected this during the inspection. Infrastructure deficiencies have required follow-up: a mop sink lacking proper plumbing and cold water was cited on November 17, 2022, and brought into compliance by January 13, 2023. The most recent inspection on March 17, 2026 was a focused offsite inspection confirming receipt of a required commissary letter, with no violations noted.
Most recent closure: July 15, 2023 for sewage back up.
Summary generated from Florida DBPR public inspection records.
Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland: Comparison to Polk County Averages
This Facility
4.5
violations / inspection
4.5 violations per inspection
Polk County Avg
3.26
violations / inspection
3.26 county average
This Facility
1
emergency closures
1 closures
Polk County Avg
0.18
closures / facility
0.18 county average
Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland: Emergency Closure History (1)
| Date | Reason | Reopened |
|---|---|---|
| Sewage back up | N/A |
Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland: Fines & Disciplinary Actions (2)
Total fines on record: $1,120.00
| Action Date | Case Number | Fine | Violation Date | Enforcement Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2023045690 | $800.00 | Jul 16, 2023 | Miami (Doral) | |
| 3--2022025076 | $320.00 | Mar 29, 2022 | Fort Lauderdale |
Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland: Full Inspection History — DBPR (15)
— 1 inspection4 violations · 3 high priority
— Routine - Food· 4 violations (3 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— 2 inspections6 violations · 5 high priority
— Routine - Food· 4 violations (3 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— Routine - Food· 2 violations (2 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action
— 2 inspections7 violations · 7 high priority
— Routine - Food· 3 violations (3 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action
High Priority Violations
— Routine - Food· 4 violations (4 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action
High Priority Violations
— 4 inspections16 violations · 12 high priority
— Complaint Full· 0 violations · Emergency Order Callback Complied
No violations recorded for this inspection.
— Complaint Full· 9 violations (7 high priority)· Emergency order recommended
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— Routine - Food· 3 violations (2 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— Routine - Food· 4 violations (3 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
— 3 inspections12 violations · 4 high priority
— Routine - Food· 5 violations (2 high priority)· Administrative complaint recommended
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Routine - Food· 2 violations · Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended
— Routine - Food· 5 violations (2 high priority)· Warning Issued
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— 2 inspections5 violations · 2 high priority
— Routine - Food· 5 violations (2 high priority)· Warning Issued
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Basic Violations
— Food-Licensing Inspection· 0 violations · Call Back - Complied
No violations recorded for this inspection.
— 1 inspection4 violations · 2 high priority
— Food-Licensing Inspection· 4 violations (2 high priority)· Warning Issued
High Priority Violations
Intermediate Violations
Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland: FDACS Inspection History (5)
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
— Focused Inspection· Focused Inspection
Comments: This Focused Inspection is being conducted offsite to ensure required and/or requested documentation has been received from
the food establishment. Updated commissary letter received via email.
No violations or enforcement actions recorded for this inspection.
— Met Sanitation Inspection Requirements - Check Back Needed· 5 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.
The issues described in request #5148930 were addressed with the person in charge during this inspection.
Employee Health Guidelines and reporting agreement, Manual Dishwashing Procedures handout, and Guidance for Written
Procedures for the Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events handout provided.
Failure to provide updated commissary letter in 30 days may result in Administrative Action. Commissary letter can be sent to
inspector at [email protected].
Risk-Based Violations
2-103.11(O)
Person in charge does not ensure food employees and conditional employees are
informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about
their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food. 2-103.11(O) PfPf
Employees not informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibility to report to the person in
charge information about their health related to foodborne illnesses.
2-102.11(C)(2)-(3)
Person in charge does not correctly respond to questions that relate to preventing
transmission of foodborne disease by a food employee who has a disease or medical condition that may
cause foodborne disease, can not describe symptoms associated with diseases that are transmissible
through food, or can not explain how to comply with reporting responsibilities and exclusion or restriction of
food employees. 2-102.11(C)(2)-(3) and (17) PfPf
Person in charge does not correctly respond to questions related to foodborne illnesses.
Employee health policy reviewed with person in charge.
Y
o
2-501.11
Establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when
responding to an event that involves the discharge of vomitus or diarrhea onto surfaces at the food
establishment, or procedures do not address specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread
of contamination and the exposure of employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal
matter. 2-501.11 PfPf
No written procedures for responding to a vomiting or diarrheal event. Information regarding
written procedures provided to the person in charge.
95
Establishment does not have a certified food protection manager who has passed a
test through a recognized accredited program. 5K-4.021(1), F.A.C.Repeat
No certified food protection manager.
Good Retail Practice Violations
56
Mobile Food Establishment has not submitted to the Department a completed
Commissary Letter of Agreement. 5K-4.0041(1)(c)
Updated commissary letter not available. Establishment has 30 days to provide commissary
letter.
— 2 inspections
— Met Inspection Requirements· 4 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.
Thank you for submitting your food establishment permit application. To complete the application process, you must remit payment
in full. To expedite the processing of your food permit application, electronic online payment is available at
https://foodpermit.fdacs.gov. Follow the instructions on the portal page for payment processing. Payment by check or money order
is also accepted, but must be made payable to FDACS and remitted to Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,
PO Box 6720, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6720. Please note that payment by check or money order may delay the processing of your
food permit application.
Permit fees must be paid in full before your application can be processed further. Failure to pay any permit fees in full will result in
the denial of your permit and you may be subject to administrative penalties if you are found operating without a valid food permit,
which is a violation of Section 500.12(1)(a), Florida Statutes. If you are found to be in violation of this provision, the Department
may impose up to a $5,000.00 fine against you and/or seek administrative action to close your business.
The Minimum Construction Standards checklist has been used in accordance with 500.12(2)(a) Florida Statutes by the food safety
inspector to determine compliance before obtaining a food permit.
Employee Health Guidelines and reporting agreement, Guidance for Written Procedures for the Clean-up of Vomiting and
Diarrheal Events handout, Manual Dishwashing Procedures handout, and Certified Food Protection Manager Information provided.
Request#5101520.
Risk-Based Violations
2-102.11(C)(2)-(3)
Person in charge does not correctly respond to questions that relate to preventing
transmission of foodborne disease by a food employee who has a disease or medical condition that may
cause foodborne disease, can not describe symptoms associated with diseases that are transmissible
through food, or can not explain how to comply with reporting responsibilities and exclusion or restriction of
food employees. 2-102.11(C)(2)-(3) and (17) PfPf
Person in charge does not correctly respond to questions related to foodborne illnesses.
Employee health policy reviewed with person in charge.
o
2-501.11
Establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when
responding to an event that involves the discharge of vomitus or diarrhea onto surfaces at the food
establishment, or procedures do not address specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread
of contamination and the exposure of employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal
matter. 2-501.11 PfPf
Establishment does not have written procedures for responding to a vomiting or diarrheal
event. Information regarding written procedures provided to the person in charge.
95
Establishment does not have a certified food protection manager who has passed a
test through a recognized accredited program. 5K-4.021(1), F.A.C.
No certified food protection manager.
Good Retail Practice Violations
4-302.12
Food temperature measuring device not provided or not readily accessible for use in
ensuring food temperatures are attained and maintained; or food temperature measuring device with a
suitable small-diameter probe not provided or not readily accessible to accurately measure the temperature
in thin foods. 4-302.12 Pf
Mobile: No probe thermometer available.
— Focused Inspection· Focused Inspection
Comments: This is a check back for a 30 day notice given to the food establishment from previous inspection to repair the mop sink's drain
plumbing and have at least cold water available at the sink. I checked the mop sink and plumbing has been repaired and it has
cold water available at the sink. No further action needed.
No violations or enforcement actions recorded for this inspection.
— 1 inspection
— Met Inspection Requirements; Check Back Needed· 9 violations· Met Requirements
Comments: 30 days notice given to food entity to repair their mop sink, sink must be properly installed/plumbed to the septic system and have at
least cold running water available at the sink. Food establishment may call our business center at 850-245-5520 to request to have
inspector check back prior to the 30 days given for compliance check. Failure to repair the mop sink within 30 days may result in an
adminstrative action being taken.
Risk-Based Violations
2-201.11(A)
The establishment does not require food employees or conditional employees to report to the
person in charge information about their health and activities as they relate to reportable symptoms, diagnosis, past
illnesses or history of exposure to diseases that are transmissible through food. Food employee or conditional
employee does not report necessary additional information such as date of onset of symptoms or illness, or
diagnosis without symptoms. 2-201.11(A) PP
Person in charge does not have knowledge of employee health and cannot answer basic questions
about foodborne diseases, symptoms, and other important information that relate to employee health. Employee
health policy guidance for development of a policy was given to the entity.
o
2-501.11
Establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to
an event that involves the discharge of vomitus or diarrhea onto surfaces at the food establishment, or procedures do
not address specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread of contamination and the exposure of
employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter. 2-501.11 PfPf
The food establishment does not have a written vomit or diarrhea event clean up procedure available.
A guidance handout was given to the food establishment's management to help them write up step by step
procedures for vomit and/or diarrhea event clean up.
o
7-201.11
Poisonous or toxic materials not stored to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils,
linens, and single-service and single-use articles by separating the poisonous or toxic material by spacing or
partitioning, or locating the poisonous or toxic material in an area that is not above food, equipment, utensils, linens,
and single-service and single-use articles. 7-201.11 PP
Processing area- spray bottle of QT sanitizer stored on top of food processing equipment. COSperson in charge moved the spray bottle to properly store it below the food equipment.
x
Print Date: 11/17/2022
Page 1 of 4
Good Retail Practice Violations
4-204.11
Temperature measuring device sensor not located to measure the air temperature or a
simulated product temperature in the warmest part of a mechanically refrigerated unit or in the coolest part of a hot
food storage unit; cold or hot holding equipment used for time/temperature control for safety food not equipped with
at least one integral or permanently affixed temperature measuring device that is located to allow easy viewing of the
temperature display; or temperature measuring device not designed to be easily readable. 4-204.112(A), (B) and (D)
Processing area- no thermometer in small cooler unit for dairy whip containers.
o
6-202.15
Outer opening not protected against the entry of insects and rodents by filling or closing holes
and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings; closed, tight-fitting windows; and solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors.
Windows or doors kept open for ventilation or other purposes not protected against the entry of insects and rodents
by 16 mesh to 1 inch screens; properly designed and installed air curtains to control flying insects; or other effective
means. 6-202.15
Processing and retail/food service areas- no screening for roll down entrance door that is left open
during business hours.
o
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
Processing area- 3 rubber spatulas are damaged on the ends, worn. COS- person in charge removed
the spatulas from service by discarding them.
x
5-205.15(B)
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair. 5-205.15(B)
Back area- mop sink's cold water plumbing is not connected and the waste drain connection has come
apart and is not connected to the sink. 30 days notice given to the food establishment to repair the sink and have
cold water plumbed to the sink and reconnect the waste water drain pipe under the sink. See comments at the end of
the inspection report.
o
5-402.11
Direct connection exists between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment
in which food, portable equipment, or utensils are placed. 5-402.11 Pf
Processing area- 3 compartment sink is directly connected to the septic system, no air gap installed in
the waste water drain plumbing under the sink.
o
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
Retail/food service area- personal food items stored in cooler and freezer chest units with retail/food
service foods and not stored in separate and designated area away from retail and food service food items.
o
Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland: Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland last inspected?
- Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland was last inspected by Florida DBPR on March 13, 2026. The result was: Inspection Completed - No Further Action.
- When was Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland last shut down?
- Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland was last shut down on July 15, 2023 for sewage back up. This data reflects state records at time of publication. The facility may have since resolved these issues.
- What are the most common violations at Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland?
- The most frequently cited violations at Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland are: Proper hand/arm washing, Consumer advisory, Clean multi-use utensils.
- How many health inspections has Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland had?
- Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland has had 15 inspections on record with Florida DBPR, averaging 4.5 violations per inspection, below the statewide average of 5.2.
- What did the most recent inspection of Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland find?
- Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland was most recently inspected on March 13, 2026 with 4 violation(s). Disposition: Inspection Completed - No Further Action.
- Has Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland ever been shut down?
- Yes, Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland has been emergency-closed 1 time by Florida DBPR inspectors.
- What does Florida violation V01 (Management awareness) mean?
- Violation 01 (Management awareness) is classified as a high priority violation under Florida DBPR food safety regulations. See the full explanation at floridafoodsafety.org/violation/01.
- What does Florida violation V08 (Proper hand/arm washing) mean?
- Violation 08 (Proper hand/arm washing) is classified as a high priority violation under Florida DBPR food safety regulations. See the full explanation at floridafoodsafety.org/violation/08.
- What does Florida violation V14 (Food contact surfaces) mean?
- Violation 14 (Food contact surfaces) is classified as a high priority violation under Florida DBPR food safety regulations. See the full explanation at floridafoodsafety.org/violation/14.
- Has Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland faced any disciplinary actions?
- Yes, Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland has 2 disciplinary action(s) on record with Florida DBPR totaling $1,120.00 in fines.
- How much has Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland been fined?
- Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland has been fined a total of $1,120.00 across 2 disciplinary action(s) on record with Florida DBPR.
- When was Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland last inspected?
- Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland was last inspected by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) on March 17, 2026. Inspection type: Focused Inspection.
- How many inspections has Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland had?
- Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland has 5 FDACS food safety inspection(s) on record from January 2022 to present.
- What did the most recent FDACS inspection of Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland find?
- Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland was most recently inspected by FDACS on March 17, 2026 (Focused Inspection).
- Has Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland had any stop-sale or stop-use orders?
- No, Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland has no stop-sale or stop-use orders on record with Florida FDACS.
- What are the most common violations at Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland?
- The most frequently cited FDACS violations at Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland are: 2-102.11(C)(2)-(3): Person in charge does not correctly respond to questions that relate to preventing transmission of foodborne disease by a food employee who has a disease or medical condition that may cause foodborne disease, can not describe symptoms associated with diseases that are transmissible through food, or can not explain how to comply with reporting responsibilities and exclusion or restriction of food employees. 2-102.11(C)(2)-(3) and (17) Pf; 2-501.11: Establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to an event that involves the discharge of vomitus or diarrhea onto surfaces at the food establishment, or procedures do not address specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread of contamination and the exposure of employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter. 2-501.11 Pf; 2-103.11(O): Person in charge does not ensure food employees and conditional employees are informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food. 2-103.11(O) Pf.
- Does Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland have any repeat violations?
- Yes, Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Lakeland has had the following violations cited on multiple FDACS inspections: 2-102.11(C)(2)-(3): Person in charge does not correctly respond to questions that relate to preventing transmission of foodborne disease by a food employee who has a disease or medical condition that may cause foodborne disease, can not describe symptoms associated with diseases that are transmissible through food, or can not explain how to comply with reporting responsibilities and exclusion or restriction of food employees. 2-102.11(C)(2)-(3) and (17) Pf; 2-501.11: Establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to an event that involves the discharge of vomitus or diarrhea onto surfaces at the food establishment, or procedures do not address specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread of contamination and the exposure of employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter. 2-501.11 Pf.
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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 Mi Pueblo Restaurant. How we collect and verify this data.