Bradenton taco truck temporarily closed by health inspectors after wastewater issue
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 food truck was temporarily shut down after mismanaged wastewater and employee handwashing issues were observed on site.
Here is what inspectors found:
Chilango’s Tacos, 2230 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton
- An inspector ordered that Chilango’s Tacos be temporarily closed on April 25 after an issue with liquid waste was observed on site.
- An inspector observed wastewater running from the food truck onto a grassy area near the road.
- An inspector observed an employee change gloves without washing hands. The inspector explained proper handwashing procedure. Corrective action was taken.
- Rice being held for future use in a walk-in cooler was not date-marked. Corrective action was taken.
- There was garbage on the ground around tables and in a garbage receptacle area.
- An employee was preparing food without a hair restraint. Corrective action was taken.
- No violations were observed during a follow-up visit the next day. The business met inspection standards 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.