Restaurant Inspections: Roach Poop On Shake Machine, Rodents, Dirty Floors

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ordered emergency closures at three area eateries last week when conditions inside didn’t meet state guidelines for health and safety.

Roach activity, dirty conditions and improper food storage were among the biggest reasons behind the temporary closings. In its Emergency Closures report for the week ending March 13, the state noted these local restaurants had been ordered shut until they cleaned up their acts:

Tampa

Burger King, 9925 Adamo Drive

• Initial inspection date – March 8
• High priority violations – 5
• Intermediate violations – 0
• Basic violations – 10

The state inspector noted a number of concerns, including a dirty floor, a hole in the wall and a leaky pipe. The biggest concerns, however, centered on improper food temperature control and roaches. About 35 live roaches were found crawling on the floor and wall by the drive through, more near the ice cream machine, prep line and front counter. Roach droppings were also found on the exterior of the shake machine, the state report noted. The fast-food eatery failed a second inspection March 9, but reopened later that same day when it was able to meet state standards.

Bay Gardens Retirement Village, 1415 E. 124th Ave.

• Initial inspection date – March 8
• High priority violations – 6
• Intermediate violations – 4
• Basic violations – 13

The state’s report noted a number of issues found, including dead roaches, improper food temperature control and dirty conditions. Dented cans, a crusty can opener blade and four live roaches found on that can opener also raised red flags. Live roaches, the state said, were found in abundance. Ten were discovered under the prep table, three under the cart carrying clean dishes, a few near the walk-in cooler and a couple strays elsewhere. Roach droppings were also found inside a cabinet and in a utensil box. The retirement village’s kitchen was able to reopen after meeting state standards March 9.

Lakeland

Tulia’s Cosinita, 2829 Swindell Road

• Initial inspection date – March 13
• High priority violations – 2
• Intermediate violations – 1
• Basic violations – 0

The state report noted a failure to provide proof of employee training. It also pointed out the discovery of about 12 to 15 live roaches near the hand wash sink. Rodent activity, the report said, was also evidenced. About 30 “moist rodent droppings” were found under a sink across from the cook line. The establishment was allowed to reopen March 14, but a follow-up inspection was ordered.

See Also:

• Restaurant Inspections: Rodent Poop, Roaches, Ants

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