Restaurant Inspections: Scampering Rodent, Dead Roaches In Noodles

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

Roaches, dirty conditions, and the discovery of a live rodent were among the biggest reasons behind the temporary closings. In its Emergency Closures report for the week ending June 18, the state noted these local restaurants had been ordered shut until they cleaned up their acts:

Tampa

Studio Movie Grill, 12332 University Mall Court

• Initial inspection date – June 23
• High priority violations – 4
• Intermediate violations – 1
• Basic violations – 13

The inspector listed a number of concern inside this full-service dining movie theater. A dirty floor, uncovered food in a storage area and standing water were just a few of them. Potentially dangerous food temperature control issues and the discovery of rodent droppings near the oil storage tanks also raised red flags. A live rodent, however, really raised concerns. The critter was “found behind oil storage tanks next to the dish room,” the state’s report said. Upon being spotted, it seems the creature “ran into the dish area.” The facility was shut down after its June 23 inspection, but did meet state standards during a return visit on June 24.

Wholly Smokes BBQ, 6803 N. Armenia Ave.

• Initial inspection date – June 24
• High priority violations – 5
• Intermediate violations – 3
• Basic violations - 22

This eatery had just reopened June 16 after failing to meet state standards two prior inspections in a row. It seems the state inspector decided to drop by on June 24 for another peek at the facilities. That visit resulted in another temporary shutdown order, followed by a second failure of inspection on June 25. As of Tuesday, state records have not yet indicated a passing grade. During the June 24 inspection, the state noted a number of concerns, including dirty conditions, potentially hazardous food storage practices and objectionable odors in the bathroom. A moldy ice machine was also discovered along with evidence of rodent activity. The inspector found a rodent burrow near a sink and also noted dozens of droppings. Those droppings were found under the ice bin, front counter and prep table. The state’s report also noted about 50 “semi-soft droppings” on cans and shelves in the dry storage under the cook line. The state had not yet given the eatery a green light to reopen by June 28, according to state records.

Lakeland

J. Lee Asia Fusion Cuisine, 6735 U.S. 98

• Initial inspection date – June 21
• High priority violations – 2
• Intermediate violations – 0
• Basic violations – 4

The inspector noted such concerns as dirty nonfood-contact surfaces, uncovered food being stored and dead roaches found in a package of Asian-style noodles. Live roaches were also discovered. The inspector noted finding one on the cook line wall, another near an unused steam table, one on the floor and more near a box of straws at the front counter. Another two were found under a dining room table. The eatery was closed temporarily, but met state standards on June 22.

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