Introduction to Restaurant Inspections
Roaches were a high-priority issue at two Broward County eateries shut down by the state last week. Other violations included “temperature abuse” and “accumulation of debris.” No Palm Beach County restaurants faced emergency closure orders.
How Restaurant Inspections Work
The South Florida Sun Sentinel typically highlights restaurant inspections conducted by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation in Broward and Palm Beach counties. We cull through inspections that happen weekly and spotlight places ordered shut for “high-priority violations,” such as improper food temperatures or dead cockroaches.
Filing Complaints
Any restaurant that fails a state inspection must stay closed until it passes a follow-up. If you spot a possible violation and wish to file a complaint, contact Florida DBPR. (But please don’t contact us: The Sun Sentinel doesn’t inspect restaurants.)
Broward County Restaurant Closures
Tehillah Garden
6994 Pembroke Road, Pembroke Pines
Ordered Shut
May 21
Why
Eight violations (five high-priority), including:
- About 42 live roaches in kitchen areas such as “inside of wall-mounted soap dispenser on wall above mop sink next to triple sink,” “in between wood frame and wall holding water heater above mop sink next to triple sink,” “on ground under dry storage shelves,” “in between wall and three-compartment sink” and “on wall behind reach-in cooler.”
- About 69 dead roaches in kitchen areas such as “inside of wall-mounted soap dispenser on wall above mop sink next to triple sink,” “on ground under dry storage shelves,” “on shelves holding dry storage items,” “on ground behind cook line equipment,” “inside of gas system access door of oven on cook line,” “behind fire extinguisher sign on wall,” and “in spider webs in between wall and triple sink,” as well as “on ground under front counter” and “under reach-in cooler at front counter.”
- Stop sale ordered for cooked beef, turkey, goat and griot “due to temperature abuse.”
- Stop sale also ordered for time/temperature issues involving cooked white rice, black rice, and rice and beans.
Status
Closed May 22 after a follow-up inspection found two violations (one high-priority). Reopened later that day after a third visit found no violations.
The Hollywood Donut Factory
102 N. 28th Ave., Hollywood
Ordered Shut
May 20
Why
Seven violations (two high-priority), including:
- About 16 live roaches in kitchen “in gap between bakery table and leg at bakery table in donut prep area” and “on and in gaps of wood shelving along back wall in donut prep area” and in dry storage room “on wood shelving.”
- Six dead roaches “on shelf next to drink station at breakfast bar area.”
- Accumulation of dead insects “at control device under counter below front-counter, hand-wash sink.”
- Floor in donut prep area “soiled/has accumulation of debris.”
- “Raw beef stored above cooked bacon in cook-line flip-top.”
Status
Reopened May 21 after a follow-up visit found no violations.
Conclusion
Restaurant inspections are crucial in ensuring the health and safety of consumers. The presence of live and dead roaches, as well as other high-priority violations, can lead to the closure of restaurants. It is essential for restaurants to maintain a clean and safe environment to prevent the spread of diseases and to ensure the well-being of their customers.
FAQs
- What happens if a restaurant fails a state inspection?
Any restaurant that fails a state inspection must stay closed until it passes a follow-up. - How can I file a complaint about a restaurant?
If you spot a possible violation and wish to file a complaint, contact Florida DBPR. - What are high-priority violations?
High-priority violations include issues such as improper food temperatures, dead cockroaches, and accumulation of debris. - Can a restaurant reopen after being shut down?
Yes, a restaurant can reopen after being shut down if it passes a follow-up inspection.
