These are the “Dirty 30”!!!
They are restaurants with 30 or more violations during recent state inspections.
While none were ordered to shut down, inspectors did document serious and repeated problems involving food temperature abuse, cross-contamination, sanitation failures, and employee hygiene.
We spend our hard-earned money in these places.
Do better!
**UPTOWN BUFFET
8275 WEST FLAGLER ST.
MIAMI
INSPECTION DATE 12/17
31 VIOLATIONS FOUND
FOLLOW UP INSPECTION REQUIRED
ORDERED SHUT 2/18/25(ROACH ISSUE)
“Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl inside rice container.”
“Ceiling or ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed damage to multiple ceiling tiles.”
“Ceiling, ceiling tiles, or vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed in kitchen.”
“Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Observed cooler with ambient temperature of 52°F storing raw fish and cheese pizza.”
“Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment, utensils, or single-service items. Observed bag stored on top of chest freezer.”
“Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at screen door next to cook line.”
“Floor areas covered with standing water. Observed in kitchen area due to disrepair tiles.”
“Floor soiled with accumulation of debris.”
“Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed throughout kitchen.”
“Food stored on floor. Observed cases of soy sauce stored under cook line.”
“Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in multiple freezers throughout establishment.”
“In-use ice scoop stored on a soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored on top of dusty ice bin.”
“Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair with exposed insulation. Observed at multiple coolers across cook line.”
“No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at sink next to ice machine.”
“Opened employee beverage container stored in a cold holding unit with food intended for customer service.”
“Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in multiple freezers.”
“Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Observed cans reused to store sugar.”
“Walk-in cooler or freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.”
“Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet. Observed at hand sink near kitchen entrance on buffet side.”
“Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed burn cream and pill bottle stored above food items.”
“Employee washed hands without soap. Observed employee washing hands with water only.”
“Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed takeout bags used for food storage in chest freezer.”
“Raw animal food not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over tomatoes and cooked shrimp in reach-in cooler.”
“Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed eggs stored under prep table across cook line.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw fish and cheese pizza held at 54°F in malfunctioning cooler.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food held using time as a public health control without required time marking. Observed sushi bar items without time marks.”
“Toxic substances or chemicals improperly stored. Observed chemical spray bottles stored above clean dishes.”
“Food-contact surfaces soiled with food debris, mold-like substance, or slime. Observed soiled knife magnets and shelves used for clean dishes.”
“Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed sponge stored inside hand sink near buffet.”
“Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry dish racks.”
“Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled spray bottle on dry dish rack.”
**CRAFTY CRAB
8705 SW 136TH ST.
MIAMI
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
INSPECTION DATE 12/22
30 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine soiled with mold-like substance.”
“Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic cups with no handles stored inside containers of rice, salt, and tempura flour in dry storage.”
“Ceiling or ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tile in disrepair in dry storage room where soda boxes are stored.”
“Ceiling, ceiling tiles, or vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled ceiling vents and tiles throughout kitchen.”
“Clams, mussels, or oysters removed from original container for long-term storage. Observed raw oysters removed from original container inside reach-in cooler on cook line.”
“Clean equipment or utensils not stored at least six inches above the floor. Observed clean pot stored on floor inside dry storage room.”
“Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots, and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed ice buckets stored not inverted in dry storage room.”
“Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken gaskets on white chest freezer.”
“Floor soiled with accumulation of debris. Observed soiled floor in dry storage area.”
“Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed cracked floor tiles outside walk-in freezer door.”
“Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in dessert chest freezer and walk-in freezer.”
“Nonfood-contact surfaces soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime, or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on freezers and reach-in coolers.”
“Opened employee beverage container stored in a cold holding unit with food intended for customer service.”
“Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed box of single-service bowls stored on floor inside kitchen.”
“Stored food not covered. Observed brownies and ice cream stored uncovered inside chest freezer.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed crab legs thawing at room temperature on cook line.”
“Walk-in or reach-in cooler interior or shelves with accumulation of soil residue. Observed heavily soiled walk-in cooler shelves with old food debris.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed wall soiled behind ice machine.”
“Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed bottle of medication stored on top of paper towel dispenser at kitchen entrance.”
“Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands.”
“Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands.”
“Raw animal food not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shrimp stored over precooked sausage in reach-in cooler.”
“Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other based on minimum required cooking temperatures. Observed raw shell eggs stored over raw calamari.”
“Rodent bait not contained in a covered, tamper-resistant bait station. Observed rodent bait stored inside an open bag under prep table.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sour cream and garlic butter held above safe temperature.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food hot held below 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked potatoes, corn, garlic butter, and marinara sauce held below required temperature.”
“Clam, mussel, or oyster tags not maintained in chronological order based on last date served.”
“Clam, mussel, or oyster tags not marked with the last date served.”
“Clam, mussel, or oyster tags removed from original container before the container was emptied.”
“No paper towels or mechanical hand-drying device provided at handwash sinks. Observed at kitchen entrance and near fryer.”
**RIO GRANDE CHURRASCARIA
1255 W. 46TH ST.
HIALEAH
INSPECTION DATE 12/15
34 VIOLATIONS FOUND
FOLLOW UP INSPECTION REQUIRED
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold-like substance inside ice machine at coffee station.”
“Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed bulging ceiling tile above roasted oven in kitchen area.”
“Employee beverage container stored on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment or utensils. Observed personal drink containers on prep table in dessert area.”
“Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment, utensils, or single-service items. Observed personal bag stored on prep table in dessert prep area.”
“Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee without hair restraint in dessert prep area.”
“Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried due to wet nesting. Observed wet nesting of clean equipment at dishwasher area.”
“Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets at all reach-in coolers in kitchen.”
“Floor areas covered with standing water. Observed standing water in kitchen prep area.”
“Floor soiled with accumulation of debris. Observed soiled floor inside kitchen area.”
“Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken floor tiles inside kitchen.”
“Food stored on the floor. Observed two five-gallon containers of mayonnaise stored on walk-in cooler floor.”
“In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored in oven door handle.”
“In-use wet wiping cloth used under cutting board. Observed wet wiping cloth under green cutting board.”
“Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed bug zapper above preparation area.”
“Interior of oven or microwave has accumulation of black substance, grease, or food debris. Observed soiled interior of microwave used for dessert preparation.”
“Nonfood-contact surfaces soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime, or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in reach-in coolers.”
“Bathroom door does not have a tight-fitting, self-closing door and is located within kitchen area.”
“Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent, and easily cleanable in food preparation area.”
“Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed white cutting board next to fryer station.”
“Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Observed dry soiled wiping cloth on top of roasted meat oven.”
“Stored food not covered. Observed uncovered seasoning container on prep table and uncovered rice bin under prep table near back exit door.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and dust. Observed soiled oven wall next to walk-in cooler.”
“Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.”
“Wet wiping cloths used for spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces were not clean. Observed wet and soiled towel on prep table.”
“Working containers of food removed from original packaging not identified by common name. Observed unlabeled food containers in reach-in and walk-in coolers, including salt and pepper.”
“Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate food preparation tasks.”
“Employee touched soiled apron or clothing and then handled food, clean equipment, utensils, or single-service items without washing hands.”
“Live, small flying insects observed in kitchen area.”
“Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked without documentation of proper parasite destruction. Observed no parasite destruction letter for fish used in ceviche.”
“Toxic substances or chemicals improperly stored. Observed two gallons of bleach stored next to food items on dessert prep table.”
“Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed knife stored inside handwash sink.”
“Menu does not identify items containing raw or undercooked animal foods subject to consumer advisory. Observed ceviche offered without raw item disclosure.”
“No proof of required state-approved employee training provided for employees.”
“Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rusted shelving inside walk-in cooler.”
**TORILLERIA FRITANGA GONZALEZ
153 W. 21ST ST.
HIALEAH
INSPECTION DATE 12/15
35 VIOLATIONS FOUND
ORDERED SHUT 10/10/25(RODENT ISSUES)
“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed soiled reach-in freezer handle at kitchen area.”
“Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent, and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or ware washing areas. Observed all around kitchen and preparation areas.”
“Ceiling tile missing. Observed above reach-in cooler at front counter.”
“Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage on ceiling tile at front counter.”
“Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots, and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean utensils not inverted next to triple sink at kitchen area.”
“Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed cloth used to store tortillas at kitchen area.”
“Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Reach-in cooler at front counter and walk-in cooler not cooling properly.”
“Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed on preparation table at kitchen area.”
“Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment, utensils, or single-service items. Observed cellphone and open water bottles on preparation tables and inside reach-in cooler.”
“Employee with soiled clothing. Observed food employee wearing a dirty apron while engaged in food preparation.”
“Equipment in poor repair. Observed walk-in cooler and reach-in cooler in disrepair.”
“Floor soiled with accumulation of debris. Observed walk-in cooler floor soiled.”
“Food not stored at least six inches off the floor. Observed vegetables stored on the floor inside walk-in cooler.”
“In-use wet wiping cloth used under cutting board. Observed on preparation table.”
“Lights in food preparation, food storage, or ware washing areas missing proper shield, sleeve, or cover.”
“No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed in walk-in cooler.”
“No copy of latest inspection report available.”
“No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at front counter handwash sink.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime, or dust. Observed soiled reach-in freezer gaskets.”
“Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Observed milk containers reused to store juices.”
“Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Observed stored on clean utensils.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw beef thawing at ambient temperature in triple sink.”
“Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.”
“Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet. Observed at front counter handwash sink.”
“Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow it to dry.”
“Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.”
“Raw animal foods not properly separated based on required cooking temperatures. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef.”
“Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Multiple cooked and dairy items observed above required cold-holding temperatures.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Multiple items observed above safe temperature for more than four hours.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food hot held below 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Multiple hot foods observed below required temperature.”
“No proof of required state-approved employee training provided for employees hired more than 60 days ago.”
“No soap provided at handwash sink.”
“Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rusted shelving used to store clean utensils.”
“Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.”
“Water at employee handwash sink not provided at a minimum temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit.”
HONORABLE MENTION
**EL PLATONEEKA
18304 SW 147TH AVE.
MIAMI
INSPECTION DATE 12/17
28 VIOLATIONS FOUND
FOLLOW UP INSPECTION REQUIRED
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed ice chute of soda dispenser soiled.”
“Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed cup stored in rice container across from triple sink.”
“Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed cardboard under food racks and under hand sink.”
“Current hotel and restaurant license not displayed. Observed outdated license on display.”
“Employee beverage container stored on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment or utensils. Observed employee bottle on prep table.”
“Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment, utensils, or single-service items. Observed phone stored on microwave in kitchen.”
“Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken container on dry dish rack.”
“Floor areas covered with standing water. Observed standing water inside walk-in cooler.”
“In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven door.”
“No Heimlich maneuver or choking sign posted.”
“No copy of the latest inspection report available on site.”
“No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at kitchen hand sink.”
“Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed on dry dishes stored on rack.”
“Reach-in cooler interior or shelves with accumulation of soil residue. Observed inside walk-in cooler.”
“Uncleanable knife block in use to store knives. Observed knife block on prep table.”
“Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, ware washing area, or bathroom.”
“Walk-in cooler or freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.”
“Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet. Observed leak inside walk-in cooler.”
“Working containers of food removed from original packaging not identified by common name. Observed unlabeled flour and sugar under prep table and unlabeled sugar near coffee machine.”
“Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage in direct contact with food. Observed food stored in plastic takeout bags inside chest freezer.”
“Spray hose at dish sink positioned lower than the flood rim of the sink. Observed hanging in prep sink.”
“No written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event occurring in the establishment.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance, or slime.”
“Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.”
“No paper towels or mechanical hand-drying device provided at handwash sink.”
“No soap provided at handwash sink.”
“Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry food and dish racks.”
“Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed multiple foods in walk-in cooler without date marks.”
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