Restaurant Inspections: Rodent Poop, Roaches, Ants

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ordered emergency closures at six 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 5, the state noted these local restaurants had been ordered shut until they cleaned up their acts:

Sarasota

Good Doggies, 5750 Fruitville Road

• Initial inspection date – March 4
• High priority violations – 2
• Intermediate violations – 3
• Basic violations – 1

The inspector noted such concerns as a lack of potable, running water, no paper towels and potentially hazardous food storage temperatures. During a return visit on March 5, the inspector noted another follow-up was required.

Bradenton

Bangkok Tokyo, 7337 52nd Place E.

• Initial inspection date – March 3
• High priority violations – 7
• Intermediate violations – 2
• Basic violations – 7

The inspector noted such concerns as “black/green mold-like” substance found inside the ice machine, a lack of paper towels and potentially hazardous food temperature control. High priority concerns included the discovery of roach droppings under the microwave, a roach egg casing in a cabinet at the sushi bar and the presence of live roaches. About 20 live roaches were found near the dish machine, two on shelves near the steam table and a few more in other locations. The eatery met state standards during a repeat inspection on March 4.

Geckos Grill & Pub, 7228 E. 55th Ave.

• Initial inspection date – Feb. 29
• High priority violations – 3
• Intermediate violations – 0
• Basic violations – 5

The inspector noted such concerns as lime scale inside the dish machine, raw animal foods stored above ready-to-eat food and dead roaches. The high priority concern centered on the discovery of live roaches, including 15 near the hand wash sink and spice containers. Roach droppings were also found near the prep table. The eatery met state standards during follow-up inspection March 1.

Tampa

Ice Sport Forum, 10222 Elizabeth Place

• Initial inspection date – March 2
• High priority violations – 4
• Intermediate violations – 2
• Basic violations – 8

The inspector noted such issues as dead roaches, a dirty reach-in cooler and dented and rusted cans. Ants were also found on the front counter and live roaches were spotted on a wall, near the reach-in cooler and on a drain on the cook line. Live, flying insects were also found near a sink. The inspector returned for a repeat visit later that same day and allowed the establishment to reopen with a note that another follow-up was required.

Green Gator, 9202 Anderson Road

• Initial inspection date – March 4
• High priority violations – 1
• Intermediate violations – 4
• Basic violations – 14

The inspector noted a number of concerns related to soil and food debris on the floor, hand wash sink and other surfaces, along with concerns about a lack of soap and paper towels. Rodents were the biggest concern though. The inspector pointed out about 100 rodent droppings in one storage area and another 200 in a back storage room. Another 20 rodent droppings were found on a prep table shelf, 50 by the back door and more near the sink and servers area. Twenty rodent droppings were also found under the dining room’s Coke machine. The eatery met state standards during a return visit on March 5.

Temple Terrace

Tequila Mexican Restaurant & Grill, 7827 Temple Terrace Highway

• Initial inspection date – Feb. 29
• High priority violations – 5
• Intermediate violations – 4
• Basic violations - 19

A hole in the wall, a plumbing system in disrepair and uncovered onions exposed to splashing from a sink all raised concerns with the inspector. The major issues, the state reported noted, involved employee failure to wash hands, the use of non-food-grade containers and mold inside the ice machine. Live roaches were also found inside the establishment. The inspector noted 20 in a bin in the dry storage area, 10 on a shelf with food and single service items and 10 under a prep table. The establishment was allowed to reopen after a March 1 return visit, but the need for a follow-up inspection was noted.

Image via Shutterstock