Several South Florida restaurants were ordered shut last week by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and a few have been down this road before.
At Sang’s Chinese Food in North Miami Beach, inspectors uncovered a disturbing scene of live and dead roaches, some crawling beneath the dishwasher, others in the lobby, along with piles of rodent droppings.
It was the fifth time Sang’s has been ordered shut since 2014.
At Pita Pockets in Hollywood, a live roach was discovered on the rice-stuffed grape leaves at the front cook line, triggering a stop sale.
Kalalou Caribbean Bar and Grill in Tamarac, which had also been shut down before, had rodent droppings, flies on clean dishes, and a thawed vacuum-sealed fish in the cooler that should’ve stayed frozen.
And at Iron Sushi in Miami, inspectors returned multiple days in a row, each time finding new live and dead roaches, even inside a rice cooker.
All the placed mentioned have been allowed to re-open following an ordered clean up and then a re-inspection.
**SANG’S CHINESE FOOD
1925 NE 163RD STREET
NORTH MIAMI BEACH
ORDERED SHUT 7/29
17 VIOLATIONS FOUND
ALSO ORDERED SHUT 3/11/2025
ALSO ORDERED SHUT 5/23/2022
ALSO ORDERED SHUT 4/11/2017
ALSO ORDERED SHUT 7/30/2014
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 10+ rodent droppings under dishwasher. Repeat Violation.”
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 2 live roaches under the dishwasher machine. Observed 2 live roaches from the shelves at the front counter where napkins are stored. Repeat Violation.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach on the floor in the back storage room where bottle drinks and single service items are stored. Observed approximately 5+ dead roaches under the dishwasher in the kitchen. Observed 2 dead roaches by the hot water heater. Observed 1 dead roach under prep table. Observed 2 dead roaches in the lobby. Repeat Violation.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed wooden whisk with accumulated grease. Observed dumpling steamer containers with accumulated grease residue.”
“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed kitchen reach in cooler door handle soiled.”
“Hand wash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed kitchen handwashing sink with clean pans and bowls in front of it.”
“Non-service animals in the food establishment or on premises. Observed a dog in the establishment lobby.”
FOLLOW UP INSPECTION 7/30:
“Observed approximately 25+ rodent droppings by the draining pipe behind the dumpling prep station.”
“Observed 3 dead roaches on the floor near floor mixer, 2 dead under the wok area, 10+ dead roaches on the floor behind reach in cooler by the 2 compartment sink, 5 dead roaches behind dumpling prep table and 1 dead roach under the dishwasher.”
“Observed 1 live roach on the floor by the front counter, 1 live roach on the counter near dish machine and 1 live roach on the floor behind dumpling prep table.”
**MAGIC GRILL (MIDWAY CROSSINGS/FORMER MALL OF THE AMERICAS)
7795 WEST FLAGLER ST.
WEST MIAMI-DADE
ORDERED SHUT 7/30
15 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Live rodent present. Observed one live rodent hiding between the wall and the white standing reach-in freezer located in the preparation kitchen.”
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately eight or more rodent droppings in the space between the wall and the white standing reach-in freezer within the preparation kitchen area.”
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed one live roach near the back exit door.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach underneath the preparation table near the ice machine.”
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. Repeat Violation.”
“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed heavy soil accumulation on the floor underneath the kitchen stove, fryers, and the walk-in cooler.”
“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 cooked fried rice (63F - Cold Holding); cooked noodles (50F - Cold Holding); cooked breaded chicken (60F - Cold Holding); raw chicken wings (60F - Cold Holding) stored in walk in cooler. As per operator food was prepared 24 hours before the inspection.”
“Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed one single door reach in cooler with a soiled interior, and two double door reach in coolers with heavily soiled interiors, all located on the cooking line.”
**KALALOU CARIBBEAN BAR and grill
7041 WEST COMMERCIAL BLVD.
TAMARAC
ORDERED SHUT 7/30
21 VIOLATIONS FOUND
ALSO ORDERED SHUT 11/13/2024(ROACH ISSUE)
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 50+ rodent droppings in dry storage, along wall of back kitchen.”
“Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Approximately 100+ dead flies throughout establishment on clean dishes, on shelves, floors.”
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. At walk in cooler, vacuum sealed salmon thawed.”
“Hand wash sink in ware washing or food preparation area had no running water.”
**PITA POCKETS
2727 HOLLYWOOD BLVD.
HOLLYWOOD
ORDERED SHUT 7/30
8 VIOLATIONS FOUND
ALSO ORDERED SHUT 1/22/25(ROACHES)
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach on rice stuffed grape leaves on front cook line.”
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach on rice stuffed grape leaves on front cook line. See Stop Sale Observed 3 live roaches inside of gap under hand wash sink and counter at front cook line. Observed 7 live roaches on ground in front of water heater next to back door in kitchen prep area.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach under tin foil lined bottom shelf in prep area in kitchen. Observed 3 dead roaches on ground under prep tables in prep area in kitchen Observed 1 dead roaches on wall behind prep tables in prep area in kitchen. Observed 1 dead roach on wall at dry storage shelving in prep area in kitchen.”
**1-800-LUCKY
137-143 NW 23RD STREET
MIAMI
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
ORDERED SHUT 8/1
12 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed one live roach located in mini prep area crawling on shelves near front counter. Observed four live roaches in between the wall and food prep table at the Arigato food prep area. Observed two live roaches in back kitchen prep area on the wall. Observed one live roach crawling on floor in main kitchen prep area.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach on floor near dry storage shelves in front of the bbq cook line.”
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black mold like substance inside ice machine at the bar area.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls in back prep area near back exit door soiled.”
“Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw shelled eggs stored above raw beef inside walk in cooler.”
**IRON SUSHI
9030 SW 72ND PLACE
MIAMI
ORDERED SHUT 7/28
28 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach on dry storage rack under toaster. Observed 5 dead roaches under fryer. Observed 1 dead roach on mop sink. Observed 1 dead roach in reach in at front counter. Observed 4 dead roaches where dry storage is kept in cabinets at front counter.”
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach on top of reach in cooler next to stove at cook line. Observed 3 live roaches at front counter in cabinets where single service is stored and beverages and shaved ice is prepared. Observed 1 live roach where single service is stored; top shelf where beverages and shaved ice are prepared.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled shelves where dry dishes are held.”
“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employee.”
“No soap provided at hand wash sink. Observed no soap at hand sink in kitchen.”
“A minimum of one bathroom facility is not available for public use. Observed toilet in restroom clogged; will not flush. Only 1 bathroom in establishment. Operator was able to get toilet to flush.”
FOLLOW UP 7/29:
“Roaches under register area at prep bar where shaved ice and drinks are made. Observed 15 dead roaches under triple sink in kitchen on sticky trap. Observed 3 dead roaches inside reach in cooler with prep top; 1 in gasket and 2 inside container with plantain leaves. Observed 1 dead roach inside bag of to go containers.”
“1 live roach under register at prep bar where drinks and shaved ice are prepared. Observed 11 live roaches on sticky trap; located across cook line under triple sink. Observed 1 live roaches under service window on chopsticks where drinks and shaved ice are made.”
FOLLOW UP INSPECTION 7/30:
“3 dead roaches under triple sink in kitchen across cook line. Observed 1 dead roaches under rice cooker on cook line. Observed 1 dead roach next to front counter where drinks and shaved ice are prepared. Observed 1 dead roach at front counter under margarita slushee machine. Observed 20 dead roaches on sticky trap under reach in cooler next to hand sink at front counter.”
“Observed 2 live roaches under triple sink across cook line in kitchen. Observed 5 live roaches in gaskets of reach in cooler next to cook line in kitchen.”
FOLLOW UP INSPECTION 7/31:
“Observed under triple sink across cook line: 3 dead roaches. Observed in rice cooker with no food stored inside: 2 dead roaches.”
“1 live roach on wall behind triple sink across cook line. Observed 1 live roach inside triple sink across cook line. Observed 4 live roaches inside both rice cookers on cook line; no food stored inside.”
**PUBBELLY SUSHI
8970 SW 72ND PLACE
MIAMI
ORDERED SHUT 7/28
15 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach on bug trap in ware wash area.”
“Live, small flying insects found observed 7 live flies in ware wash area; touching dry dishes and on walls. Operator moved dishes to dish machine to be cleaned and sanitized.”
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed at sushi counter 4 tuna filets completely thawed in ROP.”
“Accumulation of debris on exterior of ware washing machine. Observed exterior soiled.”
“Hand wash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed seafood thawing in hand sink at kitchen.”
**ASB PIMAN RESTAURANT
6025 KIMBERLY BLVD.
NORTH LAUDERDALE
ORDERED SHUT 7/30
11 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Approximately 20 plus live roaches 5 crawling underneath refrigerator, 5 underneath tables , 5 on prep table, 5 underneath microwave, 1 on wall, 5 in cases of unopened soda bottles and 1 reach in cooler with plantains in kitchen area.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Approximately 20 plus dead roaches in dry food storage area, on floor underneath storage rack, approximately 5 underneath prep table in kitchen area. Repeat Violation.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Throughout kitchen all food contact surfaces-Shelves, counters, soiled with food debris.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. 1. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. In reach in cooler- Cooked salt fish (67F - Cooling ); Cooked turkey (70F -(Cooling) ; Cooked Collard greens (63F-Cooling ).; Cooked pork (50F -Cooling ); Cooked Chicken (47F -Cooling). Per operator items were placed in unit this morning at approximately 8:45am. Item did not reach 41F within 6 hours. See stop Sale. 2.Time/temperature control for safety food reheated for hot holding not reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds within 2 hours. At cook line counter top -Cooked plantains (81F - Hot Holding). Per operator item was prepared this morning at approximately 8:45am. Item was left outside for over 6 hours.”
“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.”
“FOLLOW UP INSPECTION 7/31:
“Approximately 3 dead roaches at dry storage on floor.”
“At kitchen, 6 live roaches-1 crawling on prep table, 1 lower shelf, 1 on wall at rear of kitchen behind storage rack, 4 crawling on floor underneath refrigerators at rear of kitchen.”
**CULINARY AFFAIRS(CATERER)
2400 GRIFFIN ROAD
DANIA BEACH
ORDERED SHUT 7/29
11 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Live, small flying insects found. 40+ live small flying insects landing on boxes of Beef Ravioli, diced chicken breast, beef taco filling, diced carrots and mixed vegetables. Boxes are stored on the floor in front of walk in freezer. Operator stated food was delivered this morning. 1 live small flying insect on prep table. 1 live small flying insect on open box of green beans.”
“Raw sewage on ground outside in front of the back door of establishment, observed employees using the back door stepping on sewage.”
“Sewage on ground from failed septic system in the back of establishment, sewage running in front of the back door, down into a storm drain.”
“Objectionable odors in the back door area behind establishment.”
**LA TORRETTA 2 RISTORANTE & PIZ
308 INDIAN TRACE
WESTON
ORDERED SHUT 7/30
19 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at ice machine in kitchen next to triple sink.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed at cook line.”
“Live, small flying insects found Observed approximately 10 small flying insects landing on flour bags and dirty wiping cloths at dishwasher area.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at expo counter - garlic oil (62F - Hot Holding); as per operator item not portioned or prepared today. Item held out of temperature for approximately 2 hours. operator stored item in cooler. Operator placed item under time control. Observed on top of oven - grilled chicken (94F - Hot Holding) as per employee item held for approximately 30 minutes, employee placed item in steam table. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** *
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed at soda dispenser in expo area."
**MIDNIGHT COOKIES
3341 SHERIDAN STREET
HOLLYWOOD
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
ORDERED SHUT 7/28
8 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach on ground coming from under water heater pan next to back door in kitchen. Observed 1 live roach inside of wheel of storage rack located in front of water heater in kitchen.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach in water heater pan next to back door in kitchen area. Observed 5 dead roaches on control device located in corner under 3 compartment sink in kitchen.”
“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.”
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