Restaurant Inspections: Rodent Poop, Flying Bugs, Dirty Conditions

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

Roach activity, evidence of rodents and unsafe food temperatures were among the biggest reasons behind the temporary closings. In its Emergency Closures report for the week ending Oct. 18, the state noted these local restaurants had been ordered shut until they cleaned up their acts:

Tampa

Ice Cream Fantasia, 12327 University Mall Court

• Initial inspection date – Oct. 12
• High priority violations – 2
• Intermediate violations – 3
• Basic violations – 13

The inspector noted such violations as inaccessibility of the handwashing sink and failure to provide hot water at sinks. In addition, the inspector called out the establishment for failing to sanitize food contact surfaces and for the presence of live roaches. Those critters were found in such places as the soda machine cabinet area, near the ice shaver machine and on paper towels in the employee restroom. The eatery underwent two follow-up inspections on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13. On Oct. 19, the inspector noted that state standards had been met.

Salem’s Gyro & Subs, 4004 E. Hillsborough Ave.

• Initial inspection date – Oct. 15
• High priority violations – 4
• Intermediate violations – 3
• Basic violations – 20

The inspector noted such issues as improper food temperatures, inaccessibility of a handwashing sink for employees and live flying insects in the kitchen. The inspector also mentioned that gyro meat did not undergo a secondary cooking step to ensure that it reached a proper temperature for safety. In addition, live roaches were found on the kitchen floor, on the door frame to the kitchen, under the fryers and in the prep room, among other locations. The restaurant failed a second inspection on Oct. 15, but did meet state standards on Oct. 16, state records indicate.

Brandon

Big City Grill, 528 Oakfield Drive

• Initial inspection date – Oct. 15
• High priority violations - 6
• Intermediate violations – 4
• Basic violations – 24

The inspector noted such concerns as unsafe food storage temperatures, medicine stored over to-go containers and meat not cooked to the proper internal temperature. Roaches were also found, including 16 “live on wall and floor behind reach-in cooler and make station not in use.” The restaurant met state standards during an Oct. 16 follow-up inspection.

St. Petersburg

D’s Flavor Station, 2150 25th St. N.

• Initial inspection date – Oct. 12
• High priority violations – 3
• Intermediate violations – 3
• Basic violations – 3

The inspector noted such concerns as improper storage of raw meats and employee failure to wash hands. In addition, live roaches were found on the food truck. Seventeen roaches, the report said, were found under the hand sink while others were noted beside the three-compartment sink. The inspector noted the need for a follow-up during a return visit on Oct. 13.

Zephyrhills

Corner Grille, 5009 Gall Blvd.

• Initial inspection date – Oct. 12
• High priority violations – 4
• Intermediate violations – 1
• Basic violations – 8

The inspector noted such concerns as dead roaches, multiple holes in the wall, a debris-encrusted potato slicer and improper food storage temperatures. Live roaches were found near the cook line and roach droppings were found on a shelf along the cook line. In addition, rodent droppings were found near the drive-through window and in other locations. The eatery remained closed after an Oct. 13 initial follow-up, but met state standards later that same day.

Barb’s Family Dining, 5017 Gall Blvd.

• Initial inspection date – Oct. 14
• High priority violations – 9
• Intermediate violations – 1
• Basic violations – 14

The inspector noted such high priority concerns as employee failure to wash hands, potentially hazardous food storage temperatures and a food-encrusted microwave. In addition, live roaches were found under the dish machine, by the kitchen door and on shelving brackets above the make table. Roach droppings were also found. The restaurant failed two follow-up inspections on Oct. 15, but met state standards on Oct. 16.

Image via Shutterstock