Choosing where to eat comes with the expectation that restaurants are following the food safety rules designed to protect the public.
But recent inspections uncovered troubling conditions, including unsafe food temperatures, contaminated surfaces, mold-like buildup, sanitation concerns, and employee hygiene violations at restaurants that racked up 30 or more violations during a single inspection.
Below are the restaurants that landed on this week’s Dirty 30 list.
Inspection reports detailed a wide range of issues, from food stored at unsafe temperatures and cross-contamination risks to dirty equipment and food exposed to contamination. While some problems were corrected during the inspection, large numbers of violations during a single visit can point to broader issues with daily kitchen operations and food safety practices.
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*THE NEWS CAFE AT OH MEXICO TACO SHOP
804 OCEAN DRIVE
MIAMI BEACH
INSPECTION DATE 5/14
35 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Accumulation of debris on exterior of ware washing machine.”
“Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.”
“Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.”
“Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.”
“Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.”
“Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area.”
“Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink.”
“Equipment in poor repair.”
“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.”
“Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust.”
“Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.”
“Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.”
“Insect control device installed over food preparation area.”
“No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.”
“Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover.”
“Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures.”
“Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.”
“Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual ware washing.”
“Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours.”
“Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours.”
“Displayed food not properly protected from contamination.”
“Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use.”
“Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction.”
“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.”
“Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled.”
“Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb.”
“Clam/mussel/oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment.”
“Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.”
“Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening.”
“Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.”
“No soap provided at handwash sink.”
“Raw or undercooked oysters offered and establishment has no consumer advisory sign provided on wall, menu, placard, table tent or by any other written means.”
“Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.”
“Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone.”
**THE GARDEN HOUSE RESTAURANT
710 WASHINGTON AVE.
MIAMI BEACH
INSPECTION DATE 5/11
36 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Accumulation of surface rust substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin that is in the kitchen.”
“Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed for unisex bathroom.”
“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled vents and accumulation of rust around piping above ware-wash and kitchen area.”
“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. Observed 10 packets of white fish completely thawed inside ROPE bag inside prep count cooling unit. A stop sale was issued.”
“Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed broken for handwashing sink in the kitchen.”
“Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed unsealed concrete current license not displayed on site.”
“Dish machine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dish machine is functioning properly. Per operator currently not working.”
“Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting food pans and deli containers on a shelving unit near ice machine.”
“Equipment in poor repair. Observed in poor repair multiple door gaskets for reach in coolers.” Repeat Violation
“Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water around 3 compartment sink area.”
“Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed for both freezer chests.”
“Interior of ice machine/bin with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed for ice machine in kitchen.”
“Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed missing for three dumpsters.”
“No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.”
“No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in RICE near ice machine.”
“No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no copy on site. Confirmed with operator, must be available upon request by a customer.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled multiple door gaskets for reach in coolers.”
“Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled interior and door interiors of reach in coolers in kitchen area.”
“Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed for reach on coolers in the kitchen.”
“Stored food not covered. Observed empanadas not covered inside ice chest in the kitchen.”
“Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, ware washing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete floor at ware washing area.”
“Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed stored on prep counters in the kitchen.” Repeat Violation
“Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed multiple squeeze bottles with no label found in the kitchen.”
“Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed soiled floors around dishwashing area and around where cleaning supplies are stored.”
“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed a carton of raw shelled eggs over cut lettuce inside the reach in cooler across from ice machine in kitchen.”
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 10 packets of white fish completely thawed inside ROP bag inside prep count cooling unit.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked pork (51F - Cold Holding); bacon (57F - Cold Holding); chorizos (58F - Cold Holding).”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked pork (51F - Cold Holding); bacon (57F - Cold Holding); chorizos (58F - Cold Holding). A stop sale was issued.” Repeat Violation
“Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing vacuum breaker for hose bib with a hose connection, located at dumpster area.”
“Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed vacuum breaker in disrepair at mop sink.” Repeat Violation
**HAVANA BEACH
740 OCEAN DRIVE
MIAMI BEACH
INSPECTION DATE 5/12
39 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Accumulation of debris inside ware washing machine. Observed soiled with accumulation black grime along the frame.”
“Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed for customer and employee bathroom in the restaurant.”
“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed soiled door handle of walk in cooler, handle of panini machine.” Repeat Violation
“Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed three unsecured in dry storage area.”
“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed in ware washing, prep, kitchen area.” Repeat Violation
“Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Observed spatulas wedged between 3CS and wall.”
“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. Observe one bag of completely thawed mahi mahi in ROP, inside walk in cooler. A stop sale was issued.”
“Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed missing for prep sink, and 3CS.”
“Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.”
“Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed male employee drinking coffee in the kitchen at prep table.”
“Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed on shelves in ware washing area.”
“Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken door gaskets of reach in coolers in the kitchen area.”
“Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken tiles in food prep, kitchen ware washing area.”
“Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed for ice chest in kitchen.”
“In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensil in standing water 89°F, at the stove.”
“Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled the interior and exterior of the microwave.”
“Missing drain plug at dumpster.”
“No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.” Repeat Violation
“No copy of latest inspection report available. Explained to operator require to be available upon customer request.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled door gaskets of walk in cooler, all reach in coolers in the kitchen, fans and vent in the kitchen area including one above prep table.”
“Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed for reach in coolers in the kitchen.”
“Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observe for all under counter reach in coolers, and upright RIC used for fruit in the kitchen area.”
“Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed straws not individually wrapped at stored on bar counter, which can be easily attainable by a customer.” Repeat Violation
“Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside walk in cooler and freezer.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled walls behind shelves housing clean food equipment in ware washing area and around kitchen area near HWS.” Repeat Violation
“Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed in the kitchen.”
“Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed no labels on containers containing dry items, in the dry storage area. Also observed food pans in the stove with dry items not identified by a label.”
“Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed soiled floors in ware washing and kitchen area.”
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observe one bag of completely thawed mahi mahi in ROP bag, inside walk in cooler.”
“Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone. Observed fire extinguisher located at staircase to kitchen.”
**TRIBUTE TO TOBACCO ROAD BY KUSH
650 S. MIAMI AVE
MIAMI
INSPECTION DATE 5/11
33 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed above the 3 compartment sink.”
“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed AC cover with accumulated dust at the walk in cooler.”
“Covered waste receptacle not provided in women’s bathroom.”
“Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.”
“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. Observed an opened employee drink on top of the dishwasher area.”
“Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed a cell phone stored on preparation table in the kitchen area.”
“Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a watch while engaged in food preparation.”
“Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed utensil not properly air-dried - wet nesting.” Repeat Violation
“Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets torn at the cook line.”
“Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.”
“Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed behind the ice machine.”
“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed at the front counter.”
“Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed floor tile missing grout at the kitchen area.”
“Food stored on floor. Observed several buckets with food stored on the floor of the walk in cooler.” Repeat Violation
“In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on the oven door handle.”
“In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water at 80°F at the cook line.”
“No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed at the reach in cooler in the cook line.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled and also hood filter soiled.” Repeat Violation
“Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed at the front counter.”
“Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed dew clothes stored on preparation tables.”
“Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bins with sugar and flour not identified in the kitchen area.”
“Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands.”
“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored above bucket with mayo inside the walk in cooler.”
“Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed bbq chicken inside the reach in cooler date marked on 5/7. Stop sale was issued.” Repeat Violation
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed bbq chicken inside the reach in cooler date marked on 5/7. Stop sale was issued. Repeat Violation.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed burgers (49 F - Cold Holding) inside the reach in cooler at cook line. As per OIC food was placed less than 2 hours ago. Employee placed food inside the walk in cooler.”
“Certified food manager unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Employee did not know how to check the sanitizer of the dishwasher machine.”
“Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by the inability to answer basic food safety questions. Employee did not know how to check the sanitizer of the dishwasher machine.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled.”
“Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed above trash bin stored in front of the hand wash sink in the cook line.”
“No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at the front counter.”
“No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at the front counter.”
“Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed a metal brush on the cook line.”
**TUTTO PIZZA & PASTA
328 CRANDON BLVD.
KEY BISCAYNE
INSPECTION DATE 5/13
33 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.”
“Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.”
“Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or ware washing areas.”
“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.”
“Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash.”
“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.”
“Covered waste receptacle not provided in women’s bathroom.”
“Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.”
“Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food.”
“Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.”
“Equipment in poor repair.”
“Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken.”
“Food stored on floor.”
“Hole in or other damage to wall.”
“In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.”
“In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.”
“Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink.”
“Stored food not covered.”
“Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, ware washing area or bathroom.”
“Utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.”
“Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.”
“No proof of parasite destruction or aquaculture documentation for cold smoked salmon served raw or undercooked. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded.”
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.”
“Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed.”
“Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by lack of general knowledge in performing their assigned duties.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with old food debris.”
“Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory.”
“No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment ware washing machine or wiping cloths.”
“Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained.”
“Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.”
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