Pizza Boxes Contaminated with Smelly Water & Rodent Droppings: 2 South Florida Restaurants Shut Down

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) temporarily closed two South Florida restaurants last week due to severe health violations. The Sun Sentinel, in its regular coverage of restaurant inspections, highlights these cases of "high-priority violations," including improper food temperatures, dead cockroaches, and contaminated food and surfaces.

BROWARD COUNTY

Top Notch Deli & Catering, located at 5712 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd. in West Park, was ordered shut on January 9 for eight violations, including three high-priority infractions.

• 16 live roaches were found in various areas of the kitchen, including on the floor, walls, and near sinks.
• Three dead roaches were discovered in standing water under an employee hand-washing sink at the entrance of the kitchen.
• Stop sale orders were issued for cooked beef oxtails, cooked rice, and cooked beans due to temperature abuse.
• Four ceiling tiles with water damage were found in the dining room.

The restaurant reopened on January 13 after a follow-up inspection revealed only one intermediate violation.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Sbarro, located inside The Mall at Wellington Green at 10300 Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington, was ordered shut on January 6 for six violations, including five high-priority infractions.

• Six rodent droppings were found on pizza single-service takeout boxes and napkin dispensers in the back of the kitchen.
• The operator failed to wash their hands after touching their pants and then handling a prep table.
• The operator washed their hands without soap and then put on gloves to handle cooked chicken.
• Pizzas and strombolis at the front counter did not have a time mark.
• Meatballs in sauce at the steam table were not handled properly.
• Single-service takeout boxes for pizzas were contaminated with smelly water, which was stored under a plumbing line.

The restaurant reopened on January 7 after a follow-up inspection found no violations.

What You Can Do

If you spot a possible violation at a restaurant, you can file a complaint with the Florida DBPR. Remember, The Sun Sentinel does not conduct restaurant inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why does The Sun Sentinel cover restaurant inspections?
  The Sun Sentinel regularly reports on restaurant inspections to inform the public about potential health risks and to hold establishments accountable for maintaining cleanliness and safety standards.
• Can I file a complaint about a restaurant?
  Yes, you can file a complaint with the Florida DBPR. Contact them through their official channels.
• Does The Sun Sentinel conduct restaurant inspections?
  No, The Sun Sentinel does not conduct restaurant inspections. Instead, we rely on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s reports to identify high-priority violations and report on the results.