4 Eateries Temporarily Closed by the State

Four Tampa Bay area restaurants saw their doors closed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation last week after they failed to meet standards for health and safety.

Improper food storage and roach activity were among the biggest reasons behind the temporary closings.

In its Emergency Closures report for the week ending June 26, the state noted these establishments had been ordered shut until they cleaned up their acts:

Bradenton

China Wok, 4945 State Road 64 E.

• Initial Inspection Date: June 23
• High Priority Violations: 8
• Intermediate Violations: 5
• Basic Violations: 16

Inspectors noted “roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found.” They found 10 live roaches in a shelving unit above the three-compartment sink. They also noted a “toxic substance/chemical stored by or with food. Cough syrup stored on dry storage rack with other food items.”

The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on June 24.

Smitty’s Beachin Chicken, 3812 W. Manatee Ave.

• Initial Inspection Date: June 24
• High Priority Violations: 4
• Intermediate Violations: 6
• Basic Violations: 8

Inspectors noted temperature issues with food storage. They also noted “food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed cooked rice, chicken salad dated 6/16/2015, pasta salad dated 6/12/2015, in reach in cooler at cookline.”

The restaurant met inspection standards on a follow-up visit with only two basic violations remaining.

Sarasota

Oriental Buffet, 4458 Bee Ride Road

• Initial Inspection Date: June 22
• High Priority Violations: 6
• Intermediate Violations: 7
• Basic Violations: 2

Inspectors noted temperature violations in regard to food storage. Temperature violations were found on the buffet and the walk-in cooler.

The eatery met inspection standards on a follow-up visit June 23.

Cosimo’s, 5501 E. Palmer Crossings Circle

• Initial Inspection Date: June 26
• High Priority Violations: 9
• Intermediate Violations: 15
• Basic Violations: 4

Inspectors noted a number of temperature issues in regard to food storage and also roach activity. They also noted “employee handled soiled dishes or utensils and then handled clean dishes or utensils without washing hands.”

The restaurant met inspection standards on a follow-up visit on June 27.

Image via Shutterstock