Introduction to Restaurant Inspections
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducts weekly restaurant inspections in Broward and Palm Beach counties. These inspections are crucial in ensuring that restaurants maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety. The Sun Sentinel highlights restaurant inspections, focusing on establishments ordered shut due to "high-priority violations," such as improper food temperatures or the presence of dead cockroaches.
Broward County Restaurant Closures
Several restaurants in Broward County were temporarily closed due to severe violations. These include:
The Hen and The Hog
- Location: 380 N. Park Road, Hollywood
- Ordered Shut: Oct. 17
- Reasons:
- About 37 live roaches and 27 dead roaches found in various areas.
- Stop sale ordered for cooked potatoes due to temperature abuse.
- Hand wash sink plumbing on cook line in disrepair.
- Status: Closed Oct. 18, reopened Oct. 20 after a third inspection found four violations.
Sal’s Italian Ristorante
- Location: 2908 Oakwood Blvd., Hollywood
- Ordered Shut: Oct. 13
- Reasons:
- More than 18 live roaches and seven dead roaches found in the kitchen.
- Stop sale ordered for raw salmon.
- Container of liquid cement stored on a shelf above the cook line.
- Status: Reopened Oct. 14 after a follow-up inspection found no violations.
Polo Bar & Grill
- Location: 5590 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Pembroke Park
- Ordered Shut: Oct. 14
- Reasons:
- 11 rodent droppings found inside an oven.
- One live roach and improper storage of raw shrimps and fish.
- Stop sale ordered for several items due to temperature abuse.
- Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the ice machine.
- Status: Reopened Oct. 15 after a second visit found one basic violation.
Palm Beach County Restaurant Closures
Several restaurants in Palm Beach County also faced temporary closures due to violations.
Los Catrachos II
- Location: 4663 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres
- Ordered Shut: Oct. 13
- Reasons:
- Live flies around the ice machine and roaches on the floor and behind the reach-in freezer.
- Employee handled food without washing hands after removing a dirty towel from the floor.
- Raw beef and chicken stored over cooked items.
- Status: Closed Oct. 14, reopened later that day after a third visit found no violations.
Bagel Restaurant & More
- Location: 5770 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach
- Ordered Shut: Oct. 13
- Reasons:
- About 27 rodent droppings found in the kitchen and between the dining room and kitchen.
- Two dead roaches and improper storage of raw salmon.
- Employee touched a visibly soiled wiping cloth and then prepared food without washing hands.
- Status: Reopened Oct. 21 after a second inspection found three intermediate violations.
Copacabana Cuban Cuisine
- Location: 1209 Main St., Suite 101, Jupiter
- Ordered Shut: Oct. 16
- Reasons:
- About 22 flies at the bar and 10 live roaches in various areas.
- Glue traps with about 11 dead roaches.
- Time/temperature issues with cooked rice and cheesecake.
- Status: Closed Oct. 17, reopened Oct. 18 after a third inspection found no violations.
Square Peg Pizzeria
- Location: 4957 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach
- Ordered Shut: Oct. 14
- Reasons:
- Approximately 10 small flying insects landing on meatballs and mozzarella cheese.
- Stop sale ordered for marinara sauce and time/temperature issues with several items.
- Cook did not wash hands after using all-purpose cleaner spray.
- Status: Reopened later the same day after a second visit found five violations.
Conclusion
Restaurant inspections are vital for ensuring public health and safety. The temporary closure of these restaurants in South Florida due to high-priority violations, including rodent droppings, live roaches, and improper food storage, highlights the importance of adhering to strict cleanliness and food safety standards. It is crucial for restaurants to maintain a clean environment, store food properly, and ensure that employees follow proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread of diseases.
FAQs
- Q: What happens when a restaurant fails a state inspection?
A: The restaurant must stay closed until it passes a follow-up inspection. - Q: How can I file a complaint about a possible violation?
A: Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). - Q: What are considered high-priority violations?
A: High-priority violations include improper food temperatures, dead cockroaches, and other conditions that could lead to the spread of diseases. - Q: Can a restaurant reopen after being shut down?
A: Yes, after addressing the violations and passing a follow-up inspection. - Q: Where can I find information about restaurant inspections in my area?
A: Check with your local health department or the Florida DBPR for information on restaurant inspections and closures.
