El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee
Last inspected:
625 Ne Park St, Okeechobee, FL 34972El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee had 5 inspections on record between January 2023 and January 2024. The facility's most significant enforcement action occurred on January 31, 2023, when a full rated inspection documented 32 violations, including multiple priority-level violations for food safety failures. Inspector observations included white mold-like growth on tomatoes and sour cream in cold storage, raw chicken stored directly above ready-to-eat cheese and sauces in the walk-in cooler, raw shell eggs stored directly above ready-to-eat products in display coolers, hot-held flautas measuring 92–122°F (minimum required 135°F), and cold-held cut produce and cheese measured at 46–65°F (maximum allowed 41°F). All affected items were corrected on site during the inspection. A follow-up inspection on February 15, 2023 documented 15 additional violations, including continued cross-contamination of raw chicken stored above raw shrimp, raw pork and beef stored above ready-to-eat sauces, and absence of a mop sink for proper wastewater disposal. These violations were also corrected on site. Subsequent focused inspections on March 8, 2023, May 1, 2023, and January 8, 2024 resulted in zero violations, with inspector notes indicating that previously identified issues were addressed and resolved.
Summary generated from Florida FDACS public inspection records.
El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee: 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.
— 1 inspection
— Focused Inspection· Focused Inspection
Comments: Request # 5108421 The Issues described were address with the person in charge.
f this report has been provided to the person in charge of the food establishment and will be available online at
of this re| ’
thine ecebent fdacs.gov/Reports/SearchFoodEntity.aspx.
OMAR OUF, PERSON IN CHARGE
E ma SEECAUST. Name and Title of Whom This Report was Issued
Pose PAVON, SANITATION AND SAFETY
No violations or enforcement actions recorded for this inspection.
— 4 inspections
— Focused Inspection· Focused Inspection
Comments: Visit conducted due to Request #5096714. Final Notice hand delivered to owner during visit.
No violations or enforcement actions recorded for this inspection.
— Focused Inspection· Focused Inspection
Comments: Mop sink verified during 30 day checkback.
No violations or enforcement actions recorded for this inspection.
— Met Inspection Requirements· 15 violations· Met Requirements
Comments: No mop sink available for establishment to dispose of mop water. Entity has 30 days from original inspection date of 1/31/2023 to
install a correct mop sink.
Risk-Based Violations
3-302.11(A)(1)
Raw animal food not separated during storage, preparation, holding or display from
ready-to-eat raw animal food, other raw ready-to-eat food, cooked ready-to-eat food, or fruits and vegetables
before they are washed. 3-302.11(A)(1) PP
Retail: Raw shell eggs and raw chorizo displayed above produce in display cooler. Backroom: Raw
pork and beef stored above ready-to-eat sauces within walk-in cooler. COS: All raw products moved to approved
location during visit.
x
3-302.11(A)(2)
Different types of raw animal foods not separated from each other during storage,
preparation, holding or display by using separate equipment, arranging food in equipment so that cross
contamination is prevented, or preparing each type of food at different times or in separate areas. 3-302.11(A)(2)
PP
Backroom: Raw chicken stored above raw shrimp by walk-in freezer. COS: Raw products moved
to approved location during visit.
x
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 guidelines for cleanup of vomit or diarrhea provided during visit.
o
Print Date: 2/15/2023
Page 1 of 4
6-301.14
Sign or poster notifying food employees to wash their hands not provided at all
handwashing sinks used by food employees, or handwashing signage not clearly visible to food employees.
6-301.14
Outside: No hand wash sign at hand sink in exterior cooking area.
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 PfPf
Backroom: Hand wash sink blocked by ice scoop by bulk ice machines.
o
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)
Backroom: No ambient thermometer within walk-in coolers. Food Service: No ambient
thermometer within reach-in condiment cooler.
o
3-602.11(A)
Food packaged onsite not labeled as specified in law, including 21 CFR 101 and 9 CFR
317. 3-602.11(A)
Retail: In-store packaged peanuts not labeled with required information by restrooms. COS: All
peanutswere removed for employee service during visit.
x
3-305.11
Food not stored at least 6 inches above the floor; in a clean, dry location; or food stored
where it is exposed to splash, dust or other contamination. 3-305.11
Backroom: Cases of food stored directly on floor within walk-in coolers and freezer
o
4-601.11(C)
Nonfood-contact surface of equipment has an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue or
other debris. 4-601.11(C)
Food Service: Buildup of debris within condiment cooler. Backroom: Buildup of debris and spillage
on shelves within both walk-in coolers.
o
5-203.13
Service sink or curbed cleaning facility equipped with a floor drain not provided or not
conveniently located for the cleaning of mops or similar wet floor cleaning tools and for the disposal of mop water
and similar liquid waste. Toilet or urinal is used as a service sink for the disposal of mop water and similar liquid
waste. 5-203.13
No mop sink available for establishment to dispose of mop water. Entity has 30 days from original
inspection date of 1/31/2023 to install a correct mop sink.
o
5-501.11
Drains in receptacles or waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables do
not have drain plugs in place. 5-501.114
Outside: Dumpster missing drain plugs
o
5-501.11
Outdoor storage surface for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not constructed of
nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt or is not smooth, durable, and sloped to drain. 5-501.11
Outside: Dumpster stored on absorbent grass and gravel area.
o
5-501.11
Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not kept
covered with tight-fitting lids or doors when located outdoors; or indoor receptacles that contain food not kept
covered when not in continuous use or after they are filled. 5-501.113
Outside: Dumpster lids left open during visit.
o
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
Backroom: Buildup of dirt and debris on floor within both walk-in coolers. Buildup of dust on fan
guardswithin walk-in cooler by bulk ice machines.
o
6-501.16
After use, mop not placed in a position that allows air-drying without soiling walls,
equipment or supplies. 6-501.16
Backroom: Mops stored on ground by hand sink and not in method to allow air drying.
o
— Re-Inspection Required· 32 violations· Re-Inspection Required
Comments: Full rated visit conducted due to Request #5091588. All concerns were brought up to management.
Hnadwash Sign, Guidance for developing procedures for clean-up of Vomit and Diarrhea document, Employee Health Guidelines
and reporting agreement provided.
Re-inspection visit required issued for food establishment. A re-inspection will be conducted on or about 14 days.
30 day checkback will be required for a mop sink to dispose of mop water within proper drain without it being disposed of within a
hand sink, prep sink, 3 compartment sink or within the ground of outside.
Risk-Based Violations
2-101.11
No designated person in charge present at the establishment during all hours of operation.
2-101.11 PfPf
No person in charge available at start of inspection. COS: Person in charge arrived during visit.
x
Retail: White mold-like growth on tomatoes within display cooler by restrooms. Backroom: White
mold-like growth on sour cream within walk-in cooler by bulk ice machines. COS: All affected items were voluntarily
discarded during visit.
x
3-302.11(A)(2)
Different types of raw animal foods not separated from each other during storage, preparation,
holding or display by using separate equipment, arranging food in equipment so that cross contamination is
prevented, or preparing each type of food at different times or in separate areas. 3-302.11(A)(2) PP
Backroom: Raw chicken stored directly8 above raw pork bacon in walk-in cooler. COS: All raw
products moved to approved location during visit.
x
3-302.11(A)(1)
Raw animal food not separated during storage, preparation, holding or display from
ready-to-eat raw animal food, other raw ready-to-eat food, cooked ready-to-eat food, or fruits and vegetables before
they are washed. 3-302.11(A)(1) PP
Backroom: Raw chicken, beef, pork bacon stored directly above ready-to-eat cheese and sauces
within walk-in cooler. Raw shell eggs stored directly above ready-to-eat products within walk-in cooler by bulk ice
machines. Retail: Raw shell eggs and chorizo displayed in direct contact with and directly above ready-to-eat produce
within display cooler by restrooms. COS: All raw products moved to approved location during visit.
x
3-501.16(A)(1)
Hot held time/temperature control for safety food not maintained at 135°F or above, or roast
cooked or reheated to a temperature and for a time specified for cooking roast in the Food Code not hot held at
130°F or above. 3-501.16(A)(1) PP
Food Service: Flautas, eggs in sauce, and vegetable mix probed with accurate thermometer with
internal temperature of 92-122 degree F within hot holding unit. COS: All items were reheated to approved
temperature during visit.
x
2-102.11(C)
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 is unable to answer questions on employee health. Employee heath guide and
reporting agreement provided during visit.
o
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
Food Service: Cut lettuce, cut tomatoes, and cheese with internal temperature of 46-65 degree F
within condiment cooler. COS: All items were moved to freezer until approved temperature is verified during visit.
x
3-501.18
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food that requires date marking not
discarded when it exceeds the 7-day limit, except time that the product is frozen, or does not bear a date mark and
the correct date mark cannot be determined. 3-501.18 PP
Backroom: Sour cream not date marked and open date is unknown within walk-in cooler. COS: Sour
cream was voluntarily discarded during visit.
x
3-501.17(B)
Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and packaged by
a food processing plant not clearly marked, when opened onsite and held for more than 24 hours, to indicate the date
or day by which the food shall be consumed, sold, or discarded when held at 41°F or less for a maximum of 7 days;
or the day the original container is opened onsite not counted as day 1. 3-501.17(B) PfPf
Backroom: Sour cream not date marked when open date is unknown within walk-in cooler. COS: Sour
cream was voluntarily discarded during visit.
x
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 guidelines for cleanup of vomit or diarrhea provided during visit. Document to create procedures
provided during visit.
o
7-204.11
Chemical sanitizer or other chemical antimicrobial applied to food-contact surface does not
meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180.940 or 40 CFR 180.2020. 7-204.11 PP
Backroom: Chlorine sanitizer tested above 200ppm in 3 compartment sink. COS: Sanitizer was
drained, filled, and tested at approved limit during visit.
x
Print Date: 1/31/2023
Page 2 of 6
26
P
Citation Description: Poisonous or toxic materials for retail sale not stored or displayed to prevent contamination of
food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles by separating the poisonous or toxic
materials by spacing or partitioning, or locating the poisonous or toxic materials in an area that is not above food,
equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles. 7-301.11 P
Observation: Retail: Peroxide and hand sanitizer for retail sale displayed in contact and directly above ready-to-eat
candies by register. COS: All items were moved to approved location during visit.
x
7-208.11(B)
First aid supplies for employees' use not stored in a kit or container that is located to prevent
the contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service and single-use articles. 7-208.11(B) PP
Retail: Rubbing alcohol stored directly above single-use gloves and ready-to-eat candy at register.
Food Service: Band-aids stored directly above ready-to-eat spices on shelf by reach-in beverage coolers. COS: All
items were moved to approved location during visit.
x
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
Backroom: Bleach and cleaning chemicals stored in direct contact and with equipment on shelf by 3
compartment sink. Food Service: Liquid hand soap stored directly above and with single-use items on shelf by
reach-in beverage coolers. Outside: Grill cleaner stored with equipment under flattop grill. COS: All chemicals moved
to approved location during visit.
x
Print Date: 1/31/2023
Page 3 of 6
2-401.11
Employee eating, drinking or using tobacco where exposed food, clean equipment, utensils,
and linens, unwrapped single service and single use articles or other items could become contaminated. 2-401.11
Food Service: Open bottle of water stored on condiment cooler by hot station. Open bottles of water
stored on top of chicharrones display. COS: All waters moved to approved location during visit.
x
2-301.15
Food employee not cleaning hands in a handwash sink or approved automatic handwashing
facility. Food employee cleaning hands in a sink used for food preparation or warewashing, or in a service sink.
2-301.15 PfPf
Backroom: Employee washed hands at 3 compartment sink. COS: Reviewed hand washing procedure
and employee washed her hands in correct hand sink during visit.
x
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 PfPf
Retail: Hand wash sink blocked by bowls by bulk ice machines.
o
Print Date: 1/31/2023
Page 1 of 6
8
Citation Description: Sign or poster notifying food employees to wash their hands not provided at all handwashing
sinks used by food employees, or handwashing signage not clearly visible to food employees. 6-301.14
Observation: Outside: No hand wash sign at hand sink in exterior cooking area. Hand wash sign provided during
visit.
o
3-201.11(C)
Packaged food not labeled from the source as specified in law, including 21 CFR 101, 9 CFR
317, and 9 CFR 381. 3-201.11(C) PfPf
Retail: Pre-packaged crackers not labeled for individual sale by register. COS: Items were removed
from consumer service during visit.
x
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)
Backroom: No ambient thermometer within walk-in coolers. Food Service: No ambient thermometer
within reach-in condiment cooler.
o
3-602.11(A)
Food packaged onsite not labeled as specified in law, including 21 CFR 101 and 9 CFR 317.
3-602.11(A)
Retail: In-store packaged peanuts not labeled with required information by register. COS: All peanuts
were removed for employee service during visit.
x
3-305.11
Food not stored at least 6 inches above the floor; in a clean, dry location; or food stored where
it is exposed to splash, dust or other contamination. 3-305.11
Backroom: Cases of food stored directly on floor within walk-in coolers and freezer
o
4-903.11(A)
Cleaned equipment or utensils, or laundered linens not stored in a clean, dry location; at least
6 inches above the floor; or where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination. Clean equipment or
utensils not stored in a self-draining position that allows air drying, or not covered or inverted. 4-903.11(A) and (B)
Backroom: Utensils and pots not stored inverted by 3 compartment sink.
o
4-903.11(A)
Single-service or single-use articles not stored in a clean, dry location; at least 6 inches above
the floor; or where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination. 4-903.11(A)
Outside: packages of single-use to-go containers stored on floor behind flattop grill. Food Service:
Cases of single-use items stored on floor under shelf by reach-in coolers.
o
4-302.14
Test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in MG/L of sanitizing
solution not provided. 4-302.14 Pf
Chlorine test strips not available during visit. COS: Test strips provided during visit.
x
4-601.11(C)
Nonfood-contact surface of equipment has an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue or other
debris. 4-601.11(C)
Food Service: Buildup of debris within condiment cooler. Backroom: Buildup of debris and spillage on
shelves within both walk-in coolers.
o
5-203.13
Service sink or curbed cleaning facility equipped with a floor drain not provided or not
conveniently located for the cleaning of mops or similar wet floor cleaning tools and for the disposal of mop water and
similar liquid waste. Toilet or urinal is used as a service sink for the disposal of mop water and similar liquid waste.
5-203.13
No mop sink available for establishment to dispose of mop water. Entity has 30 days to install a
correct mop sink.
o
5-205.15(B)
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair. 5-205.15(B)
Backroom: No effective sink stopper for 3 compartment sink. COS: Sink stopper provided during visit.
x
5-501.11
Drains in receptacles or waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables do not
have drain plugs in place. 5-501.114
Outside: Dumpster missing drain plugs.
o
5-501.11
Storage area or enclosure for refuse, recyclables, or returnables not clean. 5-501.115
Outside: Buildup of refuse and debris around area for storing dumpster.
o
5-501.11
Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not kept
covered with tight-fitting lids or doors when located outdoors; or indoor receptacles that contain food not kept covered
when not in continuous use or after they are filled. 5-501.113
Outside: Dumpster lids left open during visit.
o
5-501.11
Outdoor storage surface for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not constructed of
nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt or is not smooth, durable, and sloped to drain. 5-501.11
Outside: Dumpster stored on absorbent grass and gravel area.
o
Print Date: 1/31/2023
Page 4 of 6
53
Citation Description: After use, mop not placed in a position that allows air-drying without soiling walls, equipment
or supplies. 6-501.16
Observation: Retail: Mop stored in mop bucket and not in method to air dry by restrooms.
o
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
Backroom: Buildup of dirt and debris on floor within both walk-in coolers. Buildup of dust on fan guards
within walk-in cooler by bulk ice machines.
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
Coffee Station: Personal jacket stored on bags of flour.
o
El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee: Frequently Asked Questions
- When was El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee last inspected?
- El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee was last inspected by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) on January 8, 2024. Inspection type: Focused Inspection.
- How many inspections has El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee had?
- El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee has 5 FDACS food safety inspection(s) on record from January 2022 to present.
- What did the most recent FDACS inspection of El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee find?
- El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee was most recently inspected by FDACS on January 8, 2024 (Focused Inspection).
- Has El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee had any stop-sale or stop-use orders?
- No, El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee has no stop-sale or stop-use orders on record with Florida FDACS.
- What are the most common violations at El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee?
- The most frequently cited FDACS violations at El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee are: 5-501.11: Outdoor storage surface for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not constructed of nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt or is not smooth, durable, and sloped to drain. 5-501.11; 2-101.11: No designated person in charge present at the establishment during all hours of operation. 2-101.11 Pf; 2-102.11(C): 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.
- Does El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee have any repeat violations?
- Yes, El Primo Supermarket in Okeechobee has had the following violations cited on multiple FDACS inspections: 5-501.11: Outdoor storage surface for refuse, recyclables, and returnables not constructed of nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt or is not smooth, durable, and sloped to drain. 5-501.11.
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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 El Primo Supermarket. How we collect and verify this data.