Roaches, Standing Water, and Food Debris: A Recipe for Disaster in South Florida Restaurants
Broward County
- BBQ Toni8ht
- Ordered shut: January 24
- Why: Nine violations (two high-priority), including:
- About 25 live roaches on wall and ceiling in kitchen "by handwashing sink" and "on cook line and flip-top cooler," and "on floor and walls" in dining room.
- "In kitchen by flip-top cooler, evidence of roach excrement found by outlet on wall."
- "Reach-in cooler in kitchen soiled with food debris."
- "Raw chicken stored on floor by three-compartment sink" in kitchen.
- Status: A follow-up inspection was still pending at press time.
- Pita Pockets
- Ordered shut: January 22
- Why: Seven violations (one high-priority), including:
- Six live roaches "inside of gaps in wood door frame at kitchen entrance," "on ground under front-line, flip-top cooler" and "under handwash sink at front line."
- About 11 dead roaches "inside of not-in-use, three-door, reach-in cooler in prep area in kitchen" and "on ground under front-line, flip-top cooler."
- No soap provided at front counter and prep-area handwash sinks.
- Status: Reopened January 23 after a follow-up inspection found two intermediate and basic violations.
- That’s A Wrap Sandwich Co.
- Ordered shut: January 22
- Why: Five violations (two high-priority), including:
- About nine rodent droppings "on floor in lobby behind drink station counter."
- About two live roaches "on floor under hot holding unit in kitchen."
- About eight dead roaches in kitchen — on floor "under hot holding unit" and "under two-door, reach-in cooler."
- About two dead roaches "in sticky trap under front counter."
- Status: Reopened January 23 after a second visit found three violations (one high-priority).
Palm Beach County
- Carmine’s La Trattoria
- Ordered shut: January 22
- Why: 15 violations (eight high-priority), including:
- About 11 rodent droppings on floor under shelf "at kitchen-area dry storage near bread station" and "at kitchen prep area … on floor under prep table."
- "At walk-in freezer, raw veal not commercially packaged over cooked chicken wings."
- "At reach-in cooler at cook line, raw ground beef stored over raw fish."
- Stop sale ordered for cooked mushrooms "due to temperature abuse."
- Time/temperature issues involved cooked potatoes, milk, goat cheese, mozzarella, and butter.
- "Clam tags not marked with last date served."
- Status: Reopened January 23 after a second visit found four violations (two high-priority), with a follow-up inspection required.
- Rhum Shak
- Ordered shut: January 21
- Why: Four violations (three high-priority), including:
- "Five rodent droppings in reach-in cooler used for storage" of tortillas, chips, and uncooked pasta in kitchen.
- "Chef did not wash hands prior to handling food items from flip-top cooler."
- About five live flies "on beer cases outside kitchen near bar entryway."
- Status: Reopened January 22 after a follow-up inspection found no violations.
Conclusion
The presence of roaches, standing water, and food debris in South Florida restaurants is a clear indication of poor maintenance and a lack of attention to food safety. These conditions can lead to the spread of diseases and create an unpleasant dining experience for customers. It is crucial for restaurants to prioritize cleanliness and maintenance to ensure the well-being of their customers and maintain a good reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of restaurant inspections?
Restaurant inspections are conducted by the state to ensure that restaurants are following proper food safety guidelines and maintaining a clean and safe environment for customers. - What are the most common violations found in restaurant inspections?
The most common violations found in restaurant inspections include poor maintenance, lack of soap and paper towels, and poor storage of food. - How can I report a restaurant violation?
If you spot a possible violation, you can contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to report the issue.
