SONIC DRIVE-IN 6668
US Highway 27 North
Florida, 33870
Highlands County County
Overall Food Safety Rating
★★☆☆☆ (2.1/5)
Based on 9 health inspection reports
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All Inspection Reports
Inspection on 4/4/2025
High Priority
1
Intermediate
4
Basic
6
Total
11
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 14-09-4:Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting boards on the prep tables in the kitchen with grooves and cut marks.
- 10-20-4:Basic - In-use tongs stored on the shelves in the reach in freezer between uses. Observed two tongs stored next to bags of food in the reach in freezer unprotected.
- 08B-12-5:Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed in reach in freezer next to the grill pans of cheddar poppers, popcorn chicken and onion rings with no lids or covering to protect them.
- 33-30-4:Basic - Unnecessary items stored in garbage enclosure. Observed 4 pop up units signs behind the dumpster.
- 36-27-5:Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall in storage area with chemicals soiled with black like substance. Repeat Violation
- 02D-01-5:Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed two bottles of unlabeled sauce, employee stated one bottle was honey chipotle and one bottle of smasher sauce on the prep table, employee labeled. Corrected On-Site
- 08A-05-6:High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed a sheet pan of uncooked hot dogs over ready to eat white queso cheese, operator moved to another shelf. Corrected On-Site
- 11-27-4: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.
- 31A-11-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed in the hand washing sink in the back of the kitchen with green scrub pads in it.
- 41-17-4:Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed a bottle of blue liquid not labeled above the mop sink, operator stated it was window cleaner, operator removed. Corrected On-Site
- 27-16-4:Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed in women's and men's bathroom no hot water at the hand sinks. Operator stated Bullgator plumbing will be out today between 2:00-3:00 to adjust the hot water, operator showed work order. **Corrective Action Taken**
Food safety inspection conducted on 4/4/2025 revealed 11 total violations (1 high priority, 4 intermediate, 6 basic).
Inspection on 1/15/2025
High Priority
1
Intermediate
2
Basic
9
Total
12
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 14-01-5:Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Employee used styrofoam cup to dispense ice at wait station.
- 23-24-4:Basic - Buildup of food debris on top of tater tot hot holder.
- 35A-03-4:Basic - Dead roaches on premises. One on soda shelf in storage. Operator removed, cleaned and sanitized. Corrected On-Site
- 36-01-4:Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed through out kitchen and walk in cooler.
- 14-69-4:Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. Repeat Violation
- 36-34-5:Basic - Light covers soiled in storage, tiles and vents soiled on cook line.
- 14-33-4:Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface on line.
- 35A-06-4:Basic - Two dead flies on top of soft serve machine. Operator removed, cleaned and sanitized. Corrected On-Site
- 36-27-5:Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust at triple sink.
- 12A-13-4:High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee used cell phone and did not wash hands. Operator educated employee. Corrected On-Site
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime: cutting boards on line.
- 31B-02-4:Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at line.l
Food safety inspection conducted on 1/15/2025 revealed 12 total violations (1 high priority, 2 intermediate, 9 basic).
Inspection on 8/16/2024
High Priority
0
Intermediate
1
Basic
2
Total
3
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 36-22-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed puddles of water pooled under shelving. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-16: **Time Extended**
- 14-69-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-16: **Time Extended**
- 53B-01-5:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-16: Admin Complaint
Food safety inspection conducted on 8/16/2024 revealed 3 total violations (0 high priority, 1 intermediate, 2 basic).
Inspection on 6/17/2024
High Priority
0
Intermediate
2
Basic
6
Total
8
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 32-08-4:Basic - Bathroom waste receptacle not emptied as needed. Observed women's restroom small personal item trash can inside handicapped stall overflowing. Warning
- 14-05-4:Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed burgers loose inside cardboard box in reach in freezer. Food contacting cardboard. Operator had items placed in washable container. Corrected On-Site Warning
- 13-07-4:Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee with bracelet dipping ice and preparing drinks. Warning
- 36-22-4:Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed puddles of water pooled under shelving. Warning
- 14-69-4:Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Warning
- 10-20-4:Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs in reach in cooler and reach in freezer hung in wire shelving. Operator replaced with clean tongs and placed on tray inside coolers. Corrected On-Site Warning
- 13-06-4:Intermediate - Employee with artificial nails/nail polish working with exposed food without wearing intact gloves. Observed employee with white polish on nails dipping ice and preparing drinks. Warning
- 53B-01-5:Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Repeat Violation Warning
Food safety inspection conducted on 6/17/2024 revealed 8 total violations (0 high priority, 2 intermediate, 6 basic).
Inspection on 3/8/2024
High Priority
0
Intermediate
4
Basic
8
Total
12
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 22-20-5:Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice bin with black areas on interior at ice drop chute. Warning
- 32-07-4:Basic - Bathroom facility not clean. Observed strong odor of urine in mens restroom. Warning
- 36-32-5:Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling in mens restroom with swollen dropped area of ceiling and black growth across water damaged area. Warning
- 13-07-4:Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employees scooping ice and working with open food wearing bracelets and multiple rings. Warning
- 36-73-4:Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed black debris on floors in corners of hall at restroom area. Observed old dust and food debris under shelving in walk-in cooler. Observed old food debris under equipment at ice cream station. Observed floors muddy under Matt I front of ice machine. Observed heavy ice and soil on floor at walk-in freezer. Warning
- 36-17-5:Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed missing sections of floor tiles at soft serve ice cream machine. Old food debris and water standing in recessed areas where tile is missing.. Repeat Violation Warning
- 29-19-4:Basic - Standing water in floor drain under ice machine. Water backed up and running from ice machine along wall around edge of walk-in in cooler under dry storage racks across open floor into back room and pooling under garbage can beside back door. This water crosses path ways to walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer. Employees tracking through establishment. GM called for plumber during inspection and had floors mopped to prevent tracking of water.Warning Warning
- 42-01-4:Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed 2 wet mops and 1 wet mop head stored in basin of mop sink. Warning
- 13-05-4:Intermediate - Employee with long fingernails working with exposed food, single-service items or clean equipment and utensils. Observed employee handling single service items food bags and napkins inserting items into food bags with long fingernails Warning
- 31B-02-4:Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink beside desk GM added towels. Corrected On-Site Warning
- 11-26-1:Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 3 employees hired within the last 30 days with no proof of reporting responsibility. GM had all employees on site sign forms during inspection. Warning
- 31B-03-4:Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink beside desk. Operator added soap. Corrected On-Site Warning
Food safety inspection conducted on 3/8/2024 revealed 12 total violations (0 high priority, 4 intermediate, 8 basic).
Inspection on 2/13/2024
High Priority
1
Intermediate
2
Basic
8
Total
11
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 22-20-5:Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed gray slime on interior of ice machine.
- 23-24-4:Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment exterior surfaces of bun warmer, wheelers of cooking equipment, lower shelves at cookline under chili warmer.
- 13-04-4:Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook on line with no beard guard.
- 36-22-4:Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed water on floor along wall beside roof ladder and dry storage. No evident source of water seems to be leaking from around walk-in cooler base.
- 36-73-4:Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed walk-in cooler with old food debris on floor.
- 14-69-4:Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed heavy ice on floor and walls on walk-in cooler and heavy ice buildup in reach in freezer at cookline.
- 22-08-4:Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed old food debris on grill surfaces.
- 21-11-4:Basic - Sanitizing solution for wiping cloths not free of food debris and visible soil. Operator remade bucket. Corrected On-Site
- 12A-12-4:High Priority - Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Observed cook handle raw meat and then touch clean surfaces of cutting board and clean single service items. Areas were sanitized single service discarded and cutting board sanitized. Manager reviewed hand washing procedures with employee. Corrected On-Site
- 14-16-4:Intermediate - Multiuse food-contact surface not smooth, free of breaks/cracks/chips/pits/crevices. Observed ice scoop broken with no handle. Operator discarded. Corrected On-Site
- 11-26-1:Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Employees recently employed as of December and forward have no proof that they were informed of health reporting responsibilities. Employees read ,signed, and dated during inspection.
Food safety inspection conducted on 2/13/2024 revealed 11 total violations (1 high priority, 2 intermediate, 8 basic).
Inspection on 11/27/2023
High Priority
1
Intermediate
1
Basic
6
Total
8
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 22-20-5:Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black growth on interior of ice machine.
- 23-24-4:Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed mold like growth on door to walk-in freezer and on wall and light switch at this location.
- 13-07-4:Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Manager had employee remove and wash hands. Corrected On-Site
- 36-73-4:Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed black debris buildup along walls and corners of establishment floor.
- 14-69-4:Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
- 21-11-4:Basic - Sanitizing solution for wiping cloths not free of food debris and visible soil. Manager replaced solution. Corrected On-Site
- 03A-02-5:High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cream topping (60F - Cold Holding) held at room temperature on countertop in open well of preptop cooler. Item is bagged in squeeze bag and unable to benefit from cold hold of cooler see stop sale. Manager unable to verify when product was put on counter. Manager will store product within the cooker below under cabinet to benefit from cold temperatures. **Corrective Action Taken**
- 41-17-4:Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled stored at mopsink. Manager labeled. Corrected On-Site
Food safety inspection conducted on 11/27/2023 revealed 8 total violations (1 high priority, 1 intermediate, 6 basic).
Inspection on 8/17/2023
High Priority
0
Intermediate
0
Basic
0
Total
1
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- N/A:No Violations Were Observed
Food safety inspection conducted on 8/17/2023 revealed 1 total violations (0 high priority, 0 intermediate, 0 basic).
Inspection on 8/14/2023
High Priority
2
Intermediate
1
Basic
8
Total
11
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 14-01-5:Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed single service cup with no handle in condiment container in walk-in cooler. Warning
- 36-34-5:Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed heavy dust accumulation on vents over warewash.
- 13-07-4:Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Waitstaff with bracelets and rings. Manager had employee remove and wash hands. Corrected On-Site Warning
- 14-11-5:Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in prep top across from fry holding is unable to maintain foods at 41F. May not use this unit until able to hold foods at 41F or below. Walk-in cooler unable to maintain foods at 41F or below. May not use this unt to hold time and temperature controlled foods until able to maintain foods at 41F or below. Manager will work from freezer and one cooler unit on line. Until other units are able to maintain foods at 41F or below. Warning
- 36-73-4:Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor soiled with old fermenting water and food debris at cracks and holes in tiles in front of and under shake machine. Observed Floor in walk-in cooler with old food debris. Warning
- 10-20-4:Basic - In-use tongs stored on interior rack slotted through and hanging on reachin cooler rack. Warning
- 23-01-4:Basic - Vending machine exterior soiled. Observed black slime on areas behind ice cream nozzle of soft serve machine. Warning
- 42-01-4:Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Warning
- 01B-02-5:High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. prep top across from fry holding station. (); cheese (59F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (59F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (63F - Cold Holding) Walk-in cooked cut lettuce 25lbs (54F - Cold Holding); sliced cheese 40lbs(53F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese10lbs (59F - Cold Holding); chili 40lbs(54F - Cold Holding); hotdogs 140lbs (53F); raw bacon 30lbs (54F); milk individual size24 (54F - Cold Holding) see stop sale Warning
- 03A-02-5:High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed prep top across from fry holding station. (); cheese (59F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (59F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (63F - Cold Holding) foods held in cooler overnight. Foods visible deteriorating, see stop sale. Observed in walk-in all foods above 41F cooler ambient air at 54F cut lettuce 25lbs (54F - Cold Holding); sliced cheese 40lbs(53F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese10lbs (59F - Cold Holding); chili 40lbs(54F - Cold Holding); hotdogs 140lbs (53F); raw bacon 30lbs (54F); milk individual size24 (54F - Cold Holding) see stop sale. Warning
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed old food debris on te stirring mechanism and above the stirring mechanism on shake machine. Old food debris and black growth on side of shake machine beside candy toppings. In use Cutting board with black debris/stains on surface at candy storage beside shake machine. Warning
Food safety inspection conducted on 8/14/2023 revealed 11 total violations (2 high priority, 1 intermediate, 8 basic).