Health inspectors temporarily close Chinese restaurant in Bradenton after roaches found

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, a Bradenton Chinese restaurant was temporarily shut down when roach activity and use of improper pesticides were observed on site.

Here is what inspectors found:

Rainbow Island Chinese Restaurant, 5209 33rd St. E., Bradenton

• An inspector ordered that Rainbow Island Chinese Restaurant be temporarily shut down on April 18 after roach activity was observed on site.
• An inspector observed four live roaches in a main kitchen and dining area and approximately 35 dead roaches throughout the kitchen and front dining area.

• Tracking powder pesticides, which are not allowed in food establishments, were present on walls and floors in the kitchen area.

• No paper towels were provided at employee handwash sinks. Corrective action was taken.

• Chicken, beef and noodles that were being held for future use were not date-marked. Corrective action was taken.

• Food was stored on the floor in the main kitchen area. Corrective action was taken.

• An employee was preparing food without a hair restraint. Corrective action was taken.

• The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on April 19 and was allowed to reopen.

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.

This story was originally published April 25, 2022 at 1:51 PM.