5 Bradenton, Sarasota restaurants had food safety hazards, FL health dept. says

Florida’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants routinely inspects restaurants, food trucks and other food service establishments for public health and cleanliness issues. The reports are public information.

During the most recent inspections in Manatee County, several restaurants were cited for lack of food safety training for employees.

Other issues at restaurants around Bradenton and Sarasota included live flies on site and employee handwashing errors.

Here is what inspectors found:

Culver’s, 2605 University Parkway, Sarasota

• An employee on the cook line touched a soiled apron and then touched bread for a sandwich without first changing gloves/washing hands. An inspector educated a restaurant operator on proper handwashing procedure.

• Coleslaw, blue cheese crumbles, shredded cheese and cut leafy greens were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees in a reach-in cooler. Corrective action was taken.

• Ice cream scoops were stored in standing water at less than 135 degrees. Corrective action was taken.

• A reach-in cooler was not maintaining cold enough temperatures to store potentially hazardous food items.

• A follow-up inspection was required. The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit the next day.

Boston Market, 5002 Cortez Road W., Bradenton

• An inspector observed approximately seven flying insects in a mop sink area with slow-draining/standing water.
• A mop sink had standing water approximately 2 inches deep.
• Walk-in cooler shelving was rusted.
• Scoops used for handling food were stored in standing water at less than 135 degrees. Corrective action was taken.
• A cutting board was grooved and no longer cleanable.
• A follow-up inspection was required. During a follow-up visit three days later, an inspector observed approximately 10 flying insects in a mop sink area. Another follow-up inspection was required.

Pei Wei Asian Kitchen, 8511 Cooper Creek Blvd., Bradenton

• Dishmachine sanitizer was not at the proper minimum strength. An inspector took a sanitizer reading of zero. Corrective action was taken.
• There was no proof of required food safety training for any employees.
• A follow-up inspection was required.
  
  

Five Guys, 8435 Cooper Creek Blvd., Bradenton

• There was no proof of required food safety training for any employees.
• A follow-up inspection was required.

Antojitos De Tu Pais La Tia, 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton (inside Oneco Farmers Market)

• The business was operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants.

• No restaurant plan review had been submitted to and approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants.

• An employee drink was stored on a food prep table. Corrective action was taken.

• A follow-up inspection was required.

Editor’s Note: According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, these reports are a “snapshot” of the conditions present at the time of the inspection and are public record. The agency is required to inspect every licensed restaurant at least once per year, but new and “high-risk” establishments tend to be inspected more frequently.

When an emergency shutdown order is given by an inspector, it must first be reviewed and approved by agency supervisors. In order for a business to reopen, an inspector will continue visiting the establishment daily until compliance is met. Some citations may include a financial penalty. Inspectors may also respond to complaints, which can be filed here.

The Bradenton Herald’s weekly dirty dining reports list restaurants where inspectors found issues that might concern the average diner — such as unsafe food temperatures, employee hand-washing issues or moldy drink machines — regardless of whether or not the businesses passed inspection.