How many health inspections has SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS had?

SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS has had 39 inspections according to Florida DBPR records.

Has SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS ever been shut down?

Yes, SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS has been shut down 2 times by state inspectors.

What are the most common violations at SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS?

The most frequently cited violations at SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS are: Food contact surfaces, Clean multi-use utensils, Proper hand/arm washing.

What does Florida violation V08 (Proper hand/arm washing) mean?

TECHNIQUE FAILURE: Improper handwashing technique leaves pathogens on hands even when a handwashing attempt is made. Studies show 95% of people wash hands incorrectly — most don't scrub for 20 seconds or miss fingertips, thumbs, and between fingers. Incomplete washing creates a false sense of security while still transferring E. coli, Norovirus, and Salmonella to food. Correct technique requires: wet hands with clean warm water, apply soap, lather and scrub for 20+ seconds covering all surfaces including fingertips/nails/between fingers/back of hands, rinse thoroughly, dry with single-use towel. Use towel to turn off faucet. Do NOT use hand sanitizer as substitute for handwashing.

What does Florida violation V16 (Proper cooking temps) mean?

PATHOGEN SURVIVAL: Undercooking is a leading cause of foodborne illness. Salmonella in poultry survives below 165°F — causes 1.35 million US infections annually. E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef survives below 155°F — causes bloody diarrhea and kidney failure. Trichinella in pork survives below 145°F. Proper cooking is the critical kill step that destroys these pathogens. Cook to minimum internal temperatures: Poultry/stuffing/reheated foods: 165°F for 15 seconds. Ground meats: 155°F for 15 seconds. Pork/beef/fish/eggs (immediate service): 145°F for 15 seconds. Whole roasts: 145°F for 4 minutes. Verify with calibrated probe thermometer in thickest part. Microwave cooking: 165°F, rotate, stand 2 minutes.

What does Florida violation V22 (Consumer advisory) mean?

INFORMED CHOICE: Without consumer advisory, customers with compromised immune systems, elderly, pregnant women, and young children cannot make informed decisions about consuming raw or undercooked foods. Raw oysters carry Vibrio vulnificus (50% fatality in at-risk groups). Undercooked eggs carry Salmonella Enteritidis. Raw fish may contain Anisakis parasites. Provide written consumer advisory with: disclosure identifying menu items containing raw or undercooked animal foods (eggs, meat, fish, shellfish), and a reminder statement about increased risk of foodborne illness. Must be on menu, placard, or other conspicuous written format. Covers items like rare burgers, sushi, sunny-side-up eggs, raw oysters.

SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS

2922 W TAMPA BAY BLVD, Tampa, FL 33607

Hillsborough County · Permanent Food Service · Owner: SMILES CATERING INC · License: SEA3907250

SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS in Tampa, FL has 39 inspections on record with 231 total violations (5.9 per inspection) and 2 emergency closures.

39Inspections

231Violations

2Closures

Data current as of June 6, 2025

Emergency Closures (2)

Emergency closure history for SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS
Date	Reason	Reopened
Feb 16, 2021	Rodent activity	10:46:00
Aug 17, 2020	Rodent activity	15:25:00

Inspection History (39)

Jun 6, 2025 — Routine - Food· 5 violations (1 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Apr 15, 2025 — Routine - Food· 6 violations (2 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V02 Employee health policy

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V35 Single-use items

V36 Proper ventilation

Basic Violations

V53 Outer openings protected

Sep 24, 2024 — Routine - Food· 0 violations · Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Sep 19, 2024 — Routine - Food· 6 violations (3 high priority)· Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority Violations

V03 Employee health reporting

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V12 Shell stock requirements

V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V35 Single-use items

May 28, 2024 — Routine - Food· 0 violations · Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

May 15, 2024 — Routine - Food· 16 violations (5 high priority)· Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy

V03 Employee health reporting

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V12 Shell stock requirements

V14 Food contact surfaces

V16 Proper cooking temps

V21 Time as control

V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V40 Wiping cloths usage

V41 Toilet facilities

Mar 1, 2024 — Routine - Food· 2 violations · Call Back - Complied

High Priority Violations

V14 Food contact surfaces

Feb 27, 2024 — Routine - Food· 12 violations (4 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V03 Employee health reporting

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V14 Food contact surfaces

V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V36 Proper ventilation

Sep 19, 2023 — Routine - Food· 5 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V14 Food contact surfaces

V21 Time as control

V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V33 Proper cooling equipment

May 1, 2023 — Complaint Full· 6 violations (2 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V14 Food contact surfaces

V21 Time as control

V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V33 Proper cooling equipment

Feb 21, 2023 — Routine - Food· 8 violations (1 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V21 Time as control

V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V33 Proper cooling equipment

V40 Wiping cloths usage

Basic Violations

V53 Outer openings protected

Sep 26, 2022 — Routine - Food· 8 violations (1 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V12 Shell stock requirements

V21 Time as control

V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V33 Proper cooling equipment

V40 Wiping cloths usage

Jun 8, 2022 — Routine - Food· 1 violations · Call Back - Complied

Intermediate Violations

V29 Proper sewage disposal

Jun 7, 2022 — Routine - Food· 7 violations (2 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V02 Employee health policy

V03 Employee health reporting

V12 Shell stock requirements

V21 Time as control

Intermediate Violations

V29 Proper sewage disposal

V40 Wiping cloths usage

Feb 28, 2022 — Routine - Food· 6 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V12 Shell stock requirements

V13 Parasite destruction

V21 Time as control

V23 Chemical properly stored

Intermediate Violations

V40 Wiping cloths usage

V42 Equipment condition

Sep 24, 2021 — Routine - Food· 1 violations · Call Back - Complied

High Priority Violations

V23 Chemical properly stored

Sep 23, 2021 — Routine - Food· 8 violations (1 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V12 Shell stock requirements

V21 Time as control

V23 Chemical properly stored

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V42 Equipment condition

Apr 22, 2021 — Routine - Food· 2 violations · Call Back - Complied

High Priority Violations

V14 Food contact surfaces

Intermediate Violations

V36 Proper ventilation

Apr 21, 2021 — Routine - Food· 13 violations (2 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V09 No contamination

V12 Shell stock requirements

V14 Food contact surfaces

V21 Time as control

V22 Consumer advisory

V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V36 Proper ventilation

V42 Equipment condition

Feb 17, 2021 — Complaint Full· 4 violations · Emergency Order Callback Complied

High Priority Violations

V14 Food contact surfaces

Intermediate Violations

V35 Single-use items

V36 Proper ventilation

Feb 17, 2021 — Complaint Full· 6 violations (1 high priority)· Emergency Order Callback Not Complied

High Priority Violations

V05 Handwashing procedures

V14 Food contact surfaces

Intermediate Violations

V35 Single-use items

V36 Proper ventilation

Feb 16, 2021 — Complaint Full· 10 violations (1 high priority)· Emergency Order Callback Not Complied

High Priority Violations

V05 Handwashing procedures

V14 Food contact surfaces

V22 Consumer advisory

V23 Chemical properly stored

V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V35 Single-use items

V36 Proper ventilation

Feb 16, 2021 — Complaint Full· 23 violations (7 high priority)· Emergency order recommended

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V03 Employee health reporting

V05 Handwashing procedures

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V12 Shell stock requirements

V14 Food contact surfaces

V21 Time as control

V22 Consumer advisory

V23 Chemical properly stored

V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V29 Proper sewage disposal

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V35 Single-use items

V36 Proper ventilation

Aug 17, 2020 — Routine - Food· 1 violations · Emergency Order Callback Complied

Basic Violations

V53 Outer openings protected

Aug 17, 2020 — Routine - Food· 7 violations (1 high priority)· Emergency order recommended

High Priority Violations

V06 Handwashing facilities

V12 Shell stock requirements

V14 Food contact surfaces

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V35 Single-use items

Basic Violations

V53 Outer openings protected

Feb 19, 2020 — Routine - Food· 0 violations · Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Feb 18, 2020 — Routine - Food· 2 violations (1 high priority)· Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended

High Priority Violations

V03 Employee health reporting

V23 Chemical properly stored

Feb 14, 2020 — Routine - Food· 17 violations (5 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V02 Employee health policy

V03 Employee health reporting

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V22 Consumer advisory

V23 Chemical properly stored

V24 Toxic substance control

V25 Allergen awareness

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V35 Single-use items

V41 Toilet facilities

V42 Equipment condition

Oct 29, 2019 — Food-Licensing Inspection· 0 violations · Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Aug 29, 2019 — Food-Licensing Inspection· 6 violations (1 high priority)· Call Back - Extension given, pending

High Priority Violations

V14 Food contact surfaces

Intermediate Violations

V32 Proper sanitizing

V36 Proper ventilation

Basic Violations

V50 Adequate lighting

V51 Premises clean

Aug 28, 2019 — Food-Licensing Inspection· 15 violations (3 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V03 Employee health reporting

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V12 Shell stock requirements

V14 Food contact surfaces

V21 Time as control

V23 Chemical properly stored

V27 Correct procedures

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V32 Proper sanitizing

V36 Proper ventilation

V41 Toilet facilities

Basic Violations

V50 Adequate lighting

V51 Premises clean

Apr 2, 2019 — Routine - Food· 5 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy

V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V36 Proper ventilation

V41 Toilet facilities

Dec 4, 2018 — Routine - Food· 1 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate Violations

V35 Single-use items

Jun 21, 2018 — Routine - Food· 0 violations · Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

May 21, 2018 — Routine - Food· 0 violations · Call Back - Extension given, pending

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Mar 22, 2018 — Routine - Food· 5 violations · Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V14 Food contact surfaces

V22 Consumer advisory

V27 Correct procedures

Intermediate Violations

V32 Proper sanitizing

Basic Violations

V53 Outer openings protected

Aug 22, 2017 — Routine - Food· 6 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy

V14 Food contact surfaces

V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V35 Single-use items

V36 Proper ventilation

Feb 20, 2017 — Routine - Food· 6 violations (1 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V06 Handwashing facilities

V14 Food contact surfaces

Intermediate Violations

V41 Toilet facilities

V42 Equipment condition

Jul 26, 2016 — Routine - Food· 5 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy

V12 Shell stock requirements

V27 Correct procedures

Intermediate Violations

V32 Proper sanitizing

Basic Violations

V45 Floor maintenance

How Does This Facility Compare?

SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS has had 2 emergency closures, compared to the Hillsborough County average of 0.16 closures per facility. It has averaged 5.9 violations per inspection vs. the county average of 3.43.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many health inspections has SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS had?: SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS has had 39 inspections according to Florida DBPR records.
Has SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS ever been shut down?: Yes, SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS has been shut down 2 times by state inspectors.
What are the most common violations at SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS?: The most frequently cited violations at SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS are: Food contact surfaces, Clean multi-use utensils, Proper hand/arm washing.

Nearby Establishments

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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.

Professional Review: All content undergoes standards and compliance oversight by Christopher F. Nesbitt, Sr., Nationally Registered EMT & BU-trained Paralegal, using professional regulatory data auditing protocols.

Last verified: June 6, 2025 | Our methodology | Editorial standards | Report an error

This page is maintained by FloridaFoodSafety.org and is not affiliated with SMILES CATERING/LOS GRINGOS.