Business & Tech

Restaurant Inspections: Sewage Backup, 80 Live Roaches, Dirty Microwave

State inspectors temporarily shut down several restaurants in the Tampa Bay area last week.

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.

Roach activity, dirty conditions and improper food storage were among the biggest reasons behind the temporary closings. In its Emergency Closures report for the week ending Feb. 27, the state noted these local restaurants had been ordered shut until they cleaned up their acts:

Tampa

CDB’s Pizza, 5104 E. Fowler Ave.

  • Initial inspection date: Feb. 24
  • High priority violations, 3
  • Intermediate violations, 2
  • High priority violations, 18

The inspector noted such minor concerns as an improperly functioning toilet, a hole in the ceiling and a buildup of a “black substance/grease/food debris” on the oven. Major concerns included a sewage backup through the floor drains and the discovery of live roaches. “Approximately 15 live roaches in pizza oven room along wall behind pizza make table,” the report noted. The crawlers were also found under a food service cart and on a metal pipe. As for the sewage backup, the state noted it was originating in a bathroom and coming out of drains in the floor of the sushi bar. The eatery met state standards during a follow-up inspection on Feb. 25.

Danny’s All American Café, 4406 Falkenburg Road

  • Initial inspection date – Feb. 24
  • High priority violations – 5
  • Intermediate violations – 5
  • Basic violations – 21

The inspector noted such concerns as dead roaches, an employee eating while preparing food and a microwave that was “encrusted” with food debris. Major concerns included improper hand washing, potentially hazardous food storage temperatures and the presence of roaches. Live roaches were found in a number of places, including “20 plus live in wood crevices next to prep table,” three on a wall next to the prep table, four on the side of the reach-in cooler and next to the bread rack, among other places. Roach droppings were also found near the cook line. The establishment failed three subsequent inspections, but met state standards on Feb. 25.

Zephyrhills

Rose Café And Catering, 38426 5th Ave.

  • Initial inspection date – Feb. 23
  • High priority violations – 1
  • Intermediate violations – 3
  • Basic violations – 1

The inspector noted such concerns as dead roaches found near the cook line and failure to provide proof of state-approved employee training. The high priority concern centered on the discovery of live roaches, including 80 on a wooden wall on the cook line, the inspection report noted. Live roaches were also found under a counter on the cook line, inside a cabinet, in electrical sockets and on a pipe over the door in the prep area. The eatery failed to meet state standards during a follow-up visit on Feb. 24, but was allowed to reopen later that day. The inspector noted a need for another follow-up visit though.

See Also:

Image via Shutterstock


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Temple Terrace