Restaurant Inspections: Sushi Bar Roaches, Animals On Premises

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ordered emergency closures at three area eateries last week when conditions inside didn’t meet state guidelines for health and safety.

Live roaches, dirty conditions and unsafe food storage were among the biggest reasons behind the temporary closings. In its Emergency Closures report for the week ending May 14, the state noted these local restaurants had been ordered shut until they cleaned up their acts:

Tampa

Top Thai Restaurant, 20685 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

• Initial inspection date – May 12
• High priority violations – 2
• Intermediate violations – 5
• Basic violations – 20

The inspector noted a number of concerns, including dirty conditions, an inaccessible hand washing sink and potentially hazardous food storage conditions. The cook’s failure to wash hands before putting on gloves and the discovery of roaches raised the biggest red flags, the report noted. The inspector reported 25 live roaches in an oven on the cook line and one on top of the dish machine. The eatery was allowed to reopen May 13 after the inspector returned, but the need for another follow-up was noted.

Tace Lounge, 14380 N. Dale Mabry

• Initial inspection date – May 11
• High priority violations – 1
• Intermediate violations – 4
• Basic violations – 19

The inspector noted a variety of concerns, including dead roaches in the kitchen, standing water on the floor and potentially hazardous meat defrosting methods. More pressing issues included the discovery of “nonservice animals” on the premises, an unlabeled spray bottle containing a toxic substance and the presence of live roaches. Three roaches were found under the dish machine, one on the walk-in cooler's wall and two more in a dry storage area, among other places. The establishment failed to meet state standards during a return visit May 11, but the inspector gave the business a green light to reopen on May 12, state records indicate.

Seminole

Osaka Sushi & Thai Restaurant, 13800 Park Blvd. N.

• Initial inspection date – May 11
• High priority violations – 12
• Intermediate violations – 6
• Basic violations – 13

The inspector found a number of high-priority concerns, including an employee washing hands in cold water, the discovery of dented cans and an employee touching a bare body part and then preparing food. The state’s report also noted, “nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction.” Roach droppings and live roaches were also found on the premises. The inspector noted 12 on the cook line, “approximately 4 in sushi bar,” eight near an equipment rack and more inside the reach-in cooler. The eatery failed a return inspection on May 12, but met state standards later that same day.

See Also: 31 Roaches, Rodent Burrow, Bare Hands

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