Restaurant Inspections: Bad Smell, Roaches, Dirty Can Opener

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

Roach activity, dirty conditions and a foul smell were among the reasons behind the temporary closings. In its Emergency Closures report for the week ending Feb. 6, the state noted these local restaurants had been ordered shut until they cleaned up their acts:

St. Petersburg

The Salty Rim, 9524 Blind Pass Road

• Initial inspection date - Feb. 3
• High priority violations – 3
• Intermediate violations – 1
• Basic violations – 10

The inspector noted such concerns as improper dish storage, a build-up of food debris and improper food temperature control. Encrusted “material” was also found on the can opener blade, the state’s report indicated. Live roaches were among the biggest concerns, including six found under a kitchen sink and two under the dish machine. The eatery met state standards during a follow-up visit on Feb. 4.

Spring Hill

Popeye’s Chicken, 4493 Commercial Way

• Initial inspection date – Feb. 2
• High priority violations – 4
• Intermediate violations – 1
• Basic violations – 13

The state inspector noted such concerns as a build-up of food debris on equipment door handles, dead roaches, a hole in the ceiling and an “objectionable odor” in the establishment. High priority concerns included live, flying insects in the kitchen and an expired hotel and restaurant license. Live roaches were also a big concern with approximately 12 found under the steam table, two in the lobby, seven behind the freezer next to the chicken breading table and five on the office floor, among other sightings. The restaurant met state standards during a follow-up visit on Feb. 3.

See Also:

• Restaurant Inspections: Roach On Ceiling, Dirty Dishes, Bad Handwashing

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