It was a busy week for state inspectors with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, as a wave of emergency restaurant closures stretched across South Florida.
Rodent issues dominated the list, with multiple establishments ordered shut after evidence of infestations was found in kitchens, dry storage areas, and near food prep stations. In some cases, inspectors also reported finding dead rodents and chewed-through food packaging.
Other violations that led to shutdowns included live and dead roaches, sewage backups, lack of running water, contaminated food, and temperature abuse.
From Miramar and Hialeah to Miami, Pompano Beach, and even Key West, inspectors found a range of unsanitary conditions that posed serious risks to public health.
Scroll down for the full list of locations and the detailed inspection reports.
All the places mentioned were allowed to re-open following ordered cleanups and then re-inspections.
**LA TIA RESTAURANT
7100 PEMBROKE ROAD
MIRAMAR
ORDERED SHUT 7/25
9 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Dead rodent present. 1 dead rodent under Double Doors freezer in kitchen.”
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 1) 8 rodent dropping inside drawer next to malanga in kitchen. 2) 2 rodent dropping next to stove in kitchen. 3) 2 rodent droppings under rack with clean dishes and containers in kitchen. 4) 3 rodent droppings next to true double doors reach in cooler at entrance of kitchen. 5) 3 rodent droppings next to water heater in dry storage area in a separate room away from the kitchen.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall between triple sink and stove soiled in kitchen.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked Oxtails (50F - Cold Holding); Cooked Rice (49F - Cold Holding); Cooked Chicken (51F); Cheese (49F). Per Manager food items in unit overnight.”
“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.”
**FOUNEY CARIBBEAN BAR AND GRILL
6252 PEMBROKE ROAD
MIRAMAR
ORDERED SHUT 7/23
12 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 1) 30 Rodent droppings under Steam Table in kitchen. 2) 3 Rodent droppings in front of triple sink in kitchen 3) 4 Rodent droppings in dry storage area in kitchen.”
“Ceiling vents soiled with accumulated grease, dust, or mold-like substance.”
“Employee after sweeping washed hands with no soap and proceeded to handle clean containers to store cooked food.”
“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.”
**BANDEJA PAISA RESTAURANT
9511 FLAGLER ST.
MIAMI
ORDERED SHUT 7/22
10 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 50 rodent droppings on floor under shelves with dry goods and beverages at dry storage.”
“Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee washed hands with gloves on. Discussed with operator. Operator took off gloves, wash hands and put on new gloves.”
“Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 10ppm).”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken soup (50F - Cold Holding); beans (59F - Cold Holding); root veggies (49F - Cold Holding); raw beef (47F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (45F - Cold Holding) inside walk in cooler.”
A representative from the restaurant emailed Local 10 News Monday, saying in part, “We would like to highlight that our restaurant has been in business for over 20 years, with a strong track record in health inspections and excellent ratings on Google, thanks to the quality of our food, service, and cleanliness. This is the first time we’ve faced a situation like this, which coincides with major renovations in the shopping center: the complete replacement of the roof, the demolition of the Denny’s restaurant that had been there for over 25 years, and the construction of a new establishment. These projects have contributed to a rise in pest activity throughout the area.
“It’s also important to mention that another restaurant, Cerro Negro, which was referenced in your report, is located in the same shopping center and was closed for the same reason.”
**MANGOES
700 DUVAL ST.
KEY WEST
ORDERED SHUT 7/22
17 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. At the time of the inspection observed about 9 rodent droppings on top of the dishwasher machine located near the walk in cooler. Observed about 4 rodent droppings at dry storage under shelves where caned products, dry goods, are stored.”
“Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed pork not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor at walk in freezer. Observed oil containers not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor at dry storage area. Repeat Violation.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cut lettuce (55F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding); shrimp (57F - Cold Holding) shrimp (55F - Cold Holding)macaroni (58F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler across cook line.”
“Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee placed gloves on without washing hands, instructed employee on proper procedure.”
“Required employee training expired for some employees.”
**CERRO NEGRO RESTAURANT
9613 WEST FLAGLER ST.
MIAMI
ORDERED SHUT 7/21
13 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 15+ rodent droppings on wooden shelves next to walk in cooler. Observed 30+ rodent droppings on floor around water heater. Observed approximately 8 rodent droppings over water heater. Observed 25+ rodent droppings on dry storage shelves. Observed 15+ rodent droppings under shelves at dry storage area. Observed 20+ rodent droppings inside metal drawers at dry storage.”
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed rodent bite marks on AP flour bag of 25 lbs on shelves next to walk in cooler. Observed rodent bite marks on AP flour bag of 12 lbs. on shelves next to walking cooler.”
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 3 live roaches crawling on shelves at dry storage.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 10+ dead roaches under shelves at dry storage.”
“Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole on wall behind shelves next to walk in cooler. Observed hall on wall behind lower shelves at dry storage.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Sour cream; (58F - Cold Holding); shredded cabbage (60F - Cold Holding) on prep table across cook line. Operator added ice for rapid cooling. Observed leche agria (47F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler next to washing area. As per operator for less than 4 hrs.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.”
**5th ELEMENT INDIAN GRILL
1325 SOUTH POWERLINE ROAD
POMPANO BEACH
ORDERED SHUT 7/24
21 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 5 rodent dropping on top of dishwasher. Employee cleaned and sanitized area.”
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed approximately 2 live roaches on floor crawling on floor.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed approximately 20 dead roaches on floor stuck in sticky trap in kitchen area. Additionally observed approximately 5 dead roaches on floor in kitchen area.”
“Roach excrement and/or droppings present. Observed approximately 25 roach excrement on wall in kitchen by clean storage rack.”
“Live, small flying insects found Observed approximately 40 small flying insects in kitchen area, landing on unwashed onions, cutting boards, clean utensils, flip top coolers. Additionally, observed approximately 10 small flying insects in dishwashing room, landing on clean dishes. Additionally, observed approximately 5 small flying insects in bar area.”
“Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Observed in kitchen area fly sticky tape over flip top coolers and table used for prepping food. Approximately 20 dead small flying insects in sticky tape. Operator removed.”
“Fly sticky tape hanging over food/food preparation area/food-contact equipment. Observed in kitchen area fly sticky tape over flip top coolers and table used for prepping food. Approximately 20 dead small flying insects in sticky tape.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Flip top cooler near back entrance: vegetable samosa (45-60F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (53-58F - Cold Holding); lamb samosas (52-55F - Cold Holding); second cooler by back entrance: cooked chicken (44-46F - Cold Holding); cooked goat (45-47F - Cold Holding); cooked rice with vegetables (44-47F - Cold Holding). As per operator held in cooler for more than 24 hours.”
“Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.”
“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.”
**MIAMI LAKES CHINESE
16780 NE 67TH AVE.
HIALEAH
ORDERED SHUT 7/25
24 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 5 live roaches inside carton box located underneath of preparation table. Also observed 2 live roaches crawling on kitchen floor.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 5 dead roaches on kitchen floor.”
“Live, small flying insects found. Observed 4 live flies flying above preparation area.”
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.”
“Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. Observed wastewater backing up from the drain floor located by the dishwasher machine.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed fried rice (58/59F - Cooling) in walk in cooler from the day before as per operator.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed preparation table, cutting board, grilled soiled.”
“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. All thought-out the kitchen.”
“Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher machine with chlorine sanitation solution of 0 ppm. Operator set up the three compartment sink with chlorine sanitation solution of 100 ppm.”
**AMAZON PARK 1(MOBILE)
18375 SW 157TH AVE.
MIAMI
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
ORDERED SHUT 7/24
5 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Live, small flying insects found. Observed 20 flying insects flying near the ware washing area. Observed 5 flying insects near front service window.”
“Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle.”
**FL CAFE
1360 COLLINS AVENUE
MIAMI BEACH
ORDERED SHUT 7/23
11 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach crawling on the wall above a hand sink located at kitchen entrance. Observed 2 live roaches crawling on the wall behind reach in cooler located by the cook line. Observed 1 live roach crawling on the wall behind the dishwasher machine.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 3 dead roaches inside mop sink. Observed approximately 10 dead roaches throughout cook line floor and behind reach in coolers.”
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.”
“No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling.”
“Required employee training expired for some employees.”
**MADAME ERICK KITCHEN
6047 MIRAMAR PKWY.
MIRAMAR
ORDERED SHUT 7/21
9 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. Water from employees toilet backing up through floor causing standing water in front of exit door next to water heater in kitchen. Area cannot be isolated from kitchen. Employees dragging waste water through kitchen. There are no other restrooms available for employees use.”
“Toilet not functioning properly. When flushed water came out from under the toilet.”
**PINOLANDIA2GO
273 N. UNIVERSITY DR.
PEMBROKE PINES
ORDERED SHUT 7/23
16 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee failed to wash hands after handled dirty pots and pans and washing and rinsing to put up away. Reviewed with manager proper handwashing procedures to explain to employer.”
“Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Employee open top beverage by meat slicer in back kitchen.”
“Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. In back storage area glass front cooler, container of raw marinated chicken above bus pans of chayote squash and case of tomatoes. Employee rearranged cooler to place chicken at bottom for proper separation.” Repeat Violation."
“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In back storage area Dukers reach in cooler, flats of raw shell eggs on top shelf above containers of cooked beef and pork. Employee rearranged eggs to bottom of cooler for proper separation.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. At front steam table, fried chicken (104F - Hot Holding); fried plantains (122F - Hot Holding); rice (122F - Hot Holding); grilled pork (132F - Hot Holding); fried cheese (117F - Hot Holding); stewed beef (122F - Hot Holding); beans (122F - Hot Holding); cooked yuca (121F - Hot Holding). Per manager all items in unit between 1 and 2 hours. Employees began removing to grill and oven to reheat. Repeat Violation.”
“Food being cooled by non-approved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. In storage area glass front reach in cooler, raw marinated beef 57F at 2:25pm (ambient cooling since 11:30am) to 52F at 3:25pm. Based on times and temperatures taken beef will not reach 40F in 4 hours. Employee moved beef to freezer to rapid chill.”
“Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Employee washing and rinsing pans at new double sink without conducting any sanitizing step. Triple sink removed, advised manager to clean sink and set up sanitizer.”
“Hand wash sink does not have enough water pressure to properly wash hands. Pressure of hot water at hot line hand sink quickly drops to almost zero after turning on water.”
“No dishwashing facilities of any kind provided. Triple sink removed and replaced with double sink and ice machine. No dish machine available.”
**KONOS
1672 WEST 49TH ST.
HIALEAH
ORDERED SHUT 7/22
6 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Establishment operating with no potable running water. Observed holding tanks empty. Operator stated that the pump and water heater are not working.”
“Hand wash sink does not have enough water pressure to properly wash hands. Observed no water on holding tank, pump broken, no water at hand sink.”
“Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. No water available for hand washing.”
“Hand wash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container on top of hand wash sink. Operator removed plastic container. Repeat Violation.”
**TROPICAL VIBES
6033 MIRAMAR PKWY.
MIRAMAR
ORDERED SHUT 7/21
15 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Black Refrigerator- ; Cooked White Rice (56F); Cooked Rice and Beans (54F - Cold Holding); Cooked Spinach and Meat (54F). Pikliz 52F-Cold Holding ).”
“Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on wall.”
“No hot running water at three-compartment sink.”
“No running water at mop sink.”
“No running water at three-compartment sink.”
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