Inspectors were busy in South Florida last week!
These are the places ordered shut by state inspectors with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Sang’s Chinese in North Miami Beach was ordered shut again, for the sixth time, after inspectors found a dead rodent in the kitchen.
Back in March, we asked DBPR why a restaurant with that kind of record is still allowed to operate; the agency pointed to state disciplinary guidelines, saying public safety is their priority and that license revocations require multiple final orders within 24 months.
The restaurant has been ordered shut twice since.
Frankly, it’s unacceptable and we’ll be reaching out again for answers.
Inspectors also found shocking conditions elsewhere: more than 80 roaches at Pink Café in Hallandale Beach and rodent droppings scattered throughout the kitchen and storage areas at Mainland China Bistro in Coral Springs.
Iron Sushi in Miami was shut down for the second time this year for another roach infestation.
At BT’s Oceanfront Café in Deerfield Beach, inspectors discovered roaches inside the oven and live insects crawling through boxes of pasta, food that may have been served to the public had inspectors not shown up.
Other closures included La Mulata in Miami Beach, Habana Vieja Restaurant in Coral Gables, La Fonda in Fort Lauderdale, and Breeze Café on Fort Lauderdale Beach, where small flies were landing directly on buffet food. All the places ordered shut were allowed to reopen following an ordered cleanup and re-inspection.
**SANG’S CHINESE
1925 NE 163RD ST.
NORTH MIAMI BEACH
ORDERED SHUT 10/2
18 VIOLATIONS FOUND
ALSO ORDERED SHUT 7/29/25
ALSO ORDERED SHUT 3/11/25
ALSO ORDERED SHUT MAY 2022
ALSO ORDERED SHUT APRIL 2017
ALSO ORDERED SHUT JULY 2014
“Dead rodent present. Observed a dead rodent on the floor under the sink in food prep preparation area.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach under the fryers. Operator cleaned up. Repeat Violation.
“Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed a box of chicken breast thawing in room temperature. Operator stored in walk in cooler. Observed duck thawing in standing water under the 3 compartment sink. Operator removed water and placed item into walk in cooler. Repeat Violation.”
“Food contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed white cutting board with mold like substance. Operator discarded. Observed storage shelves in front of cook line with surface heavily grease.”
“Food stored on floor. Observed thawing duck on the floor of the 3 compartment sink. Operator stored properly. Observed onion bag and rice bags on the floor by the exit door.” Repeat Violation."
“Frozen time/temperature control for safety food being slacked at room temperature is no longer frozen solid. Observed raw pork and raw beef thawing in room temperature no longer frozen in the 3 compartment sink. Operator stored in walk in cooler.”
**MAINLAND CHINA BISTRO
2445 N. UNIVERSITY DR.
CORAL SPRINGS
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
ORDERED SHUT 9/30
9 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 1. Observed approximately 15 rodent droppings in kitchen underneath right flip top cooler. 2. Observed approximately 20 rodent droppings in kitchen under storage wrack. 3. Observed approximately 15 rodent droppings in storage area underneath ice bin and under storage shelves. 4. Observed 3 rodent droppings under dish rack.”
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Back ice bin contains mold like substance.”
“Food being cooled by non-approved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Flip top cooler 4 at 3:30pm cooked cabbage 54F ambient cooling for 3 hours to 54F at 4:19pm// under unit At 3:40pm cooked chicken 53F heated cooling for 3 hours to 52F at 4:20pm. At this rate proper heated cooling from 135 to 41 in 6 hours will not occur. Observed food covered cooling. Operator removed cover and placed in freezer to quick chill.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait station ice bath; pork won ton (72F - Cold Holding). Per operator Won Tons transferred from other unit less than four hours ago. Observed ice bath melted. Operator placed food in freezer to quick chill. Food not prepared or portioned today.”
**LA MULATA
1443 WASHINGTON AVE.
MIAMI BEACH
ORDERED SHUT 10/2
11 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed approximately 20 live roaches crawling on the floor in the dry storage room where rice and other dry spices are stored located by the walk-in cooler
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Repeat Violation."
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the soda gun nozzles soiled at the bar.”
“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef over cooked chicken. The cook moved the raw beef to another shelf.”
“Hand wash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a strainer in the hand washing sink.”
**PINK CAFE
701 N. FEDERAL HIGHWAY
HALLANDALE BEACH
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
ORDERED SHUT 9/30
6 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach on paper towel taped to beverage cup holder next to espresso machine at front counter Observed 1 live roach on front counter next to espresso machine Observed approximately 3 live roaches on control device located on ground under 2 door stainless reach in cooler holding espresso machine at front counter. Observed 1live roach on of back left wheel of 2 door stainless reach in cooler at front counter. Observed 1 live roach on water filter behind ice machine at front counter. Observed 1 live roach on wall behind ice machine at front counter. Observed 1 live roach on wall behind hand wash sink at front counter. Observed 1 live roach in gasket at 2 door stainless reach in cooler at front counter. Observed 1 live roach on ground under cook line flip top in kitchen Observed 2 live roaches inside of door frame in dry storage room in kitchen. Observed 1 live roach on wall in dry storage room in kitchen. Observed 1 live roach next to back door in kitchen.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed approximately 5 dead roaches under espresso machine at front counter. Observed approximately 30 dead roaches on control device located on ground under 2 door stainless reach in cooler holding espresso machine at front counter Observed approximately 20 dead roaches on control device located on ground behind ice machine next to espresso machine at front counter. Observed 3 dead roaches on ground under cook line equipment in kitchen Observed 1 dead roach on ground under ware washing machine in kitchen. Observed 8 dead roaches on ground in dry storage room in kitchen. Observed 5 dead roaches on ground under cook flip top cooler in 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. Dish machine chlorine sanitizer tested at 0ppm chlorine.”.
**IRON SUSHI
9030 SW 72ND PL.
DADELAND
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
ORDERED SHUT 9/29
26 VIOLATIONS FOUND
ALSO ORDERED SHUT 7/28/25 (ROACH ISSUE)
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach crawling on wall next to triple sink. Observed 1 live roach on floor in front of cook line. Observed 1 live roach on floor near drain under triple sink. Observed 1 live roach in kitchen on wall behind ice machine. Observed 1 live roach in dining area crawling under table. Repeat Violation.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 3 dead roaches under cook line. Observed 2 dead roaches behind chest freezer. Observed 4 dead roaches under ice machine in exposed insulation. Observed 2 dead roaches behind seat in dining room. Observed 3 dead roaches behind stove in kitchen. Observed 1 dead roach on metal table outside of restroom.”
“Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed raid under triple sink.”
“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Repeat Violation.”
“Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of toaster soiled.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed exterior of multiple equipment soiled in kitchen; freezer, ice machine. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in cooler at front counter. Observed soiled hand sink at front counter. Repeat Violation.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed inside kitchen. Repeat Violation.”
“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.”
“No soap provided at hand wash sink.”
**HABANA VIEJA RESTAURANT
2475 SW 37TH AVE
CORAL GABLES AREA
ORDERED SHUT 9/29
18 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 3 dead roaches on the floor between the ice machine and walk in cooler, 2 dead roaches on the floor in the back area nearby the three compartment sink, 1 dead roach underneath the three compartment sink by the dishwasher, 1 dead roach on the floor by the main cook line underneath a table with the slicer, 2 dead roaches on the floor in the dry storage area, and 1 dead roach on the floor near by the standup reach in cooler by the main cook line.”
“Tracking powder pesticide used inside establishment. Observed white powdery substance on the floor in the kitchen, by both cook line, dry storage area, by the walk in cooler, and in the back prep area. Powder is used for roaches.”
“Live, small flying insects found. Observed approximately 10 live flies flying throughout back prep area nearby the three compartment sink and landing on the three compartment, approximately 8 live flies flying in the dry storage area land on shelves, and approximately 6 live flies flying by the ice machine nearby the walk in cooler.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Back prep area, multiple containers soiled with old food.”
“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Throughout the entire kitchen, dry storage area, back prep area, and behind the ice machine. Repeat Violation.”
“Accumulation of debris inside ware washing machine.”
“Accumulation of debris on exterior of ware washing machine.”
“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Throughout the kitchen.”
“Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touching face and touch serving spoon to put lettuce on a plate for the customer. Employee placed the serving spoon inside the three compartment and washed hands properly.”
**LA FONDA
1855 S. STATE ROAD 7
FORT LAUDERDALE
ORDERED SHUT 10/1
16 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. -Observed approximately 20 live roaches in refrigerator drawers at cook line. -Observed 5 live roaches underneath cooking equipment in kitchen.”
“Live, small flying insects found -Observed 6 live flying insects in kitchen landing on clean food preparation table and clean meat slicer. Operator cleaned and sanitized equipment and prep table.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked ground beef (47F - Cold Holding); steak (48F - Cold Holding); chicken (47F-50 Cold Holding); steak Per operator, all items placed in unit 2-3 days ago and did not removed since.”
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. -Observed accumulation of black mold like substance buildup inside ice machine.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -Observed accumulation of grease buildup on walls throughout kitchen.”
“Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw pork in reach in cooler. Operator move chicken to bottom shelf. Repeat Violation.”
“Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees.”
**BREEZE CAFE
801 SEABREEZE BLVD.
FORT LAUDERDALE
ORDERED SHUT 10/1
5 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Live, small flying insects found 1) Observed approximately 3 live, small flying insects landing on deli meat platter at self-service bar. Operator discarded food. See stop sale. 2) Observed approximately 3 live, small flying insects landing on cut pineapple and cut honeydew melon at self-service bar. Operator discarded food. See stop sale. 3) Observed approximately 7 live, small flying insects landing on lights above foods stored at self-service bar. 4) Observed approximately 7 live, small flying insects landing on beer cooler at bar.”
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Live, small flying insects found 1) Observed approximately 3 live, small flying insects landing on deli meat platter at self-service bar. Operator discarded food. See stop sale. 2) Observed approximately 3 live, small flying insects landing on cut pineapple and cut honeydew melon at self-service bar.”
**BT’S OCEANFRONT CAFE
950 OCEAN DR.
DEERFIELD BEACH
ORDERED SHUT 9/30
15 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1. Observed 7 live roaches crawling on floor at cook line in kitchen. 2. Observed 4 live roaches in oven at cook line in kitchen. 3. Observed one live roach crawling on two door reach in cooler at omelet station. Operator killed roaches.”
“Dead roaches on premises. 1. Observed 2 dead roaches on floor next to reach in cooler at cook line in kitchen. Operator started to clean areas at the time of the inspection.”
“Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. 1. Observed approximately 12 live insects crawling on packaged dry pasta on shelf in dry storage area. 2. Observed approximately 20 live insects inside boxes of Barilla pasta.”
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed approximately 20 live insects inside two boxes of Barilla pasta.”
“Live, small flying insects found 1. Observed approximately 10 live, small flying insects resting on wall and on cleaning equipment at mop sink in kitchen. 2. Observed two live, small flying insects resting on shelving opposite cook line in kitchen.”
“Ceiling tiles and vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance throughout kitchen and prep areas.”
“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. 1. Observed heavy and old food debris under cook line at cook line in kitchen.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. 1. Observed on wall at dish machine in kitchen. 2. Observed on wall behind cook line in kitchen.”
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