They weren’t ordered shut, but that doesn’t mean everything was OK.
If a restaurant racks up 30 or more violations in a single inspection, we think that deserves a closer look.
State records show inspectors found food-contact surfaces with mold-like growth, mold growing on food, live flies landing on food, roaches, raw meat stored above cooked food, and potentially dangerous foods sitting at temperatures where bacteria can multiply. At one restaurant, inspectors found cooked food being held as low as 87 degrees, while another had meat, cheese and salsa sitting above the safe cold-holding temperature for more than four hours.
These restaurants may have remained open, but 30-plus violations is a lot of problems in a place where people are trusting the kitchen to keep their food safe.
**TROPICAL RESTAURANT
652 EAST 9TH ST.
HIALEAH
INSPECTION DATE 8/7
40 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Observed establishment operating and serving customer without a license.”
“Observed approximately 1 flying insect landing on sliced ham and slice pork inside reach in cooler next to ice machine at front counter. Also observed approximately 6 flying insects flying in back kitchen above preparation tables and clean equipment’s. Also observed 1 flying insect landing on clean metal container on shelf in front of big oven at kitchen area.”
“Observed raw pork and raw beef stored over cooked pork on shelf inside walk in cooler in front of three compartment sink at kitchen area. Also observed raw shell eggs stored over cooked beef on shelf inside walk in cooler in front of three compartment sink at kitchen area.”
“Observed raw beef stored over raw pork on shelf inside walk in cooler in front of three compartment sink at kitchen area.”
“Observed no date marked on milk inside reach in cooler next to ice machine at front counter.”
“Observed roach crawling on the floor under hand wash sink next to three compartment sink at kitchen area.”
“Observed approximately 1 flying insect landing on sliced ham and slice pork inside reach in cooler next to ice machine at front counter.”
“Sliced ham (52F - Cold Holding); Sliced pork (52F - Cold Holding) inside cold holding unit at front counter next to sandwich station. As per operator for less than 1 hour.”
“Pork chops (125F - Hot Holding) inside steam table at front counter. As per operator for less than 2 hours. Also observed Rice (122F - Hot Holding); Chicken stew (114F - Hot Holding) inside hold holding equipment next to oven at back kitchen area. As per operator for less than 2 hours. Also observed Cooked onions (103F - Hot Holding) in shelf over stove in front of dishwasher machine at kitchen area. As per employee for less than 1 hour. Also observed Black beans (87F - Hot Holding); Chicken Soup (91F - Hot Holding) over preparation table in front of big oven at back kitchen area. As per operator for less than 2 hours.”
“Observed at kitchen area.”
“Observed soiled can opener on preparation tables next to seafood chest freezer at kitchen area.”
“Observed food debris inside hand wash sink at kitchen area.”
“Observed no chlorine test kit available at the time of inspection.”
“Observed in front of pork belly hot holding unit at front counter.”
“Observed large shipping container stored behind property filled with restaurant equipment.”
“Observed ice machine interior soiled at front counter.”
“Observed in the floor next to fryer at kitchen area.”
“Observed ceiling and vents soiled with accumulation of dust and grease all around kitchen area and back storage area. Also observed ceiling soiled with accumulation of grease over grill press at front counter.”
“Observed clean spatulas between wall and three compartment sink in front of walk in cooler at kitchen area.”
“Observed several grooved cutting boards on top of preparation tables all around kitchen area.”
“Observed 1 dead roach under three compartment sink at kitchen area. Also observed approximately 3 dead roaches on trap under reach in freezer located in front of ice unit at kitchen area. Also observed approximately 1 dead roach under shelf located outside of office at break room area.”
“Observed several employees engaged in food preparation with no hair restraint all around kitchen area.”
“Observed several food container stored on the floor inside walk in cooler in front of three compartment sink at kitchen area.”
“Observed accumulation of grease when the walls all around kitchen area.”
“Observed inside reach in cooler at break room.”
“Observed ice scoop stored over dirty container next to ice machine located next to break room at kitchen area.”
“Observed sugar scoop handle touching sugar inside container at back storage shelf in front of walk in cooler at kitchen area.”
“Observed microwave interior soiled over preparation grill at kitchen area. Also observed oven interior soiled next to dishwasher machine at kitchen area.”
“Observed no ambient thermometer inside walk in coolers at kitchen area.”
“Observed no drip tray on hood systems all around kitchen area.”
“Observed gasket soiled with mold like substance under toaster machines at front counter. Also observed three compartment sink nuzzle hole with accumulation of mold like substance at kitchen area.”
“Observed not screen on fan over the back door next to fryer at back kitchen area.”
“Observed several reuse single service under preparation table next to three compartment sink at kitchen area.”
“Observed clean utensils stored upright inside container next to grill in front of dishwasher machine at kitchen area.”
“Observed all around kitchen area.”
“Observed walk in coolers shelves with accumulation of rust at kitchen area.”
“Observed grease accumulation on the walls all around kitchen area.”
“Observed wet wiping cloth on top of preparation tables all around kitchen area not stored in sanitizing solution.”
“Observed sugar container not identified under counter next to ice cream unit at front counter.”
**MANHATTAN CHICAGO REAL PIZZA
12715 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY
PINECREST
INSPECTION DATE 8/4
31 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed rolls stored in black garbage bag.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed reach in across office with ambient temp of 50F; the following TCS foods stored inside for more than 4 hours: mozzarella cheese (56F - Cold Holding); roasted peppers (57F - Cold Holding); salsa (55F - Cold Holding); giardiniera (55F - Cold Holding).”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed reach in across office with ambient temp of 50F; the following TCS foods stored inside for more than 4 hours: mozzarella cheese (56F - Cold Holding); roasted peppers (57F - Cold Holding); salsa (55F - Cold Holding); giardiniera (55F - Cold Holding).”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled dry food and dish racks.”
“Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry food and dish racks.”
“Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed in ware wash area.”
“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed microwave and cooler door handles soiled.”
“Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed throughout establishment.”
“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout establishment.”
“Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Observed under garlic oil and seasonings.”
“Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed reach in across office with ambient temp of 50F; the following TCS foods stored inside for more than 4 hours: mozzarella cheese (56F - Cold Holding); roasted peppers (57F - Cold Holding); salsa (55F - Cold Holding); giardineira (55F - Cold Holding).”
“Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed in restroom.”
“Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed employee food in cooler above mozzarella cheese.”
“Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at back door.”
“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout entire establishment.”
“Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor in disrepair.”
“Food stored on floor. Observed cases of flour, sugar soda and water on floor.”
“Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed under front counter top.”
“Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in multiple freezers.”
“Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior soiled.”
“Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed outside of restroom and in ware wash.”
“No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed no choking poster.”
“No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no copy.”
“No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at hand sink.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled in multiple coolers. Observed exterior of most equipment in kitchen soiled.”
“Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in multiple coolers.”
“Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in reach in cooler.”
“Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed pizza boxes on floor of lobby area.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed chicken in standing water at triple sink.”
“Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in walk in.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout establishment.”
**SABOR PERU
2927 BISCAYNE BLVD.
MIAMI
INSPECTION DATE 8/12
31 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. By front counter.”
“Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl no handle stored inside rice container. Employee removed.”
“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed vents soiled above three compartment sink and kitchen and prep area.”
“Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Observed double sink at prep area by coffee station no splash protected.”
“Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean plates by storage not inverted. Employee inverted.”
“Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed blue cutting board no longer cleanable at ceviche prep area.”
“Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on clean plates bowls at storage across three compartment sink.”
“Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn across cook line. Observed dishwasher in disrepair by prep area.”
“Establishment charging automatic gratuity without properly disclosing the information on the menu and the bill. Observed charge fee for credits card not in the menu.”
“Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.”
“Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed floor standing water by kitchen. Repeat Violation.”
“Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil stored on floor by hand sink at three compartment sink.”
“Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed wall above white chest freezer damaged.”
“Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed insect control device stored above utensils by prep area.”
“No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed reach in cooler by cook line.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hoods soiled at cook line. Observed fryer heavily soiled by cook line. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled at prep area and kitchen. Repeat Violation.”
“Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler interior bottom soiled across cook line.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled by cook line.”
“Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee put new gloves without wash hands. Coached employee to wash hands properly.”
“Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw chicken and frozen vegetables stored inside Nonfood-grade bags at white chest freezer. Repeat Violation.”
“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored above cooked shrimp at reach in cooler by cook line. Employee stored properly. Repeat Violation.”
“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 red beans (55F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler by white freezer. As per employee prepared a day prior.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked red beans (55F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler by white freezer. As per employee prepared a day prior. Employee discarded. Repeat Violation.”
“Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed hose connected at mop sink.”
“Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by the inability to answer basic food safety questions. Observed cook unable to answered the minimum cooking temperature of chicken.”
“Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards at ceviche prep area.”
“Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee washing a cloth inside hand sink by three compartment sink.”
“No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. Observed more than 4 employees manipulating food no manager on site. Repeat Violation.”
“No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Observed outside container used as a dry storage with shelves. Observed flour bags, Single services boxes, dry beans and cooking oil containers stored inside outside container. As per plan reviewer Robert “Duke” Ivers, operator needs to submit plans.”
“Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked red beans and cooked vegetables stored inside reach in cooler by white freezer not dated. As per cooked a day prior. Employee labeled cooked vegetables soup.”
HONORABLE MENTION
**FRITANGA COQUITO
1255 WEST 46TH ST
HIALEAH
INSPECTION DATE 8/13
29 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed on rice container at kitchen area.”
“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed soiled walk in cooler door handle.”
“Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed on hallway by walk in cooler.”
“Ceiling tile missing. Observed missing ceiling tiles at kitchen area.”
“Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed throughout kitchen.”
“Food stored on floor. Observed a bag of rice stored on floor at front counter, operator stored properly.”
“In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. “Observed on sugar container next to 3 compartment sink.”
“Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed stored above microwave at kitchen area.”
“Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.”
“No copy of latest inspection report available.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled white bins containers at kitchen area.”
“Open dumpster lid.”
“Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler.”
“Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, ware washing area or bathroom. Observed at walk in freezer.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled wall on preparation area.”
“Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine +100ppm) next to 3 components sink.”
“Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar and salt containers not identified with common name at kitchen area.”
“Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Coached employee on proper procedures.”
“Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Coached employee on proper procedures.”
“Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed mold like growth on two bag of shredded mozzarella inside reach in cooler at front counter, operator discarded during inspection.”
“Live, small flying insects found. Observed approximately 8 live flies at kitchen area, some landing on cabbages on preparation table at kitchen area. Also observed 3 dead flies inside reach in cooler next to coffee machine.”
“Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed cooked pork stored on nonfood grade bags.”
“Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed next to steam table, as per operator less than 3 hours. Operator moved to walk in cooler.”
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed approximately 8 live flies at kitchen area, some landing on cabbages on preparation table at kitchen area.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed milk (56F - Cold Holding) on reach in cooler next to coffee machine, operator moved to walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
“Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.”
“Observed pork (126F - Hot Holding); white rice (99F - Hot Holding) operator proceeded to reheated.”
“Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening.”
“Observed commercially processed tomato sauce not date marked, as per operator was opened more than 24 hours.”
“No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment ware washing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips available.”
“No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at kitchen area, operator provided during inspection.”
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