Dirty dining: Flies, grime and raw fish over food among problems at Bradenton restaurants

During the most recent inspections of Manatee County, local restaurants had issues including grimy surfaces and equipment, flying insects and raw fish stored near other food.

Here is what inspectors found.

Jahmerikan (food truck), 4111 18th St. W. Bradenton

• The business was operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
• A manager lacked proof of food manager certification.
• There was no proof of required training for any employees.
• The floor was soiled under equipment, according to an inspector.
• A follow-up inspection was required.

Gecko’s Grill & Pub, 7228 55th Ave. E., Bradenton

• Raw tuna was stored over ready-to-eat cheese in a reach-in cooler, and raw beef was stored over ready-to-eat tomatoes in a walk-in cooler. Corrective action was taken.
• Mashed potatoes, meatballs and rice were hot held at temperatures less than 135 degrees in a hot box on the cook line. The foods had been place there for less than four hours and were relocated for reheating, according to an inspector.
• A cutting board was stained/soiled.
• A bucket was preventing employee access to a handwash sink on the cook line. It was removed.
• A spray bottle containing a toxic substance was not labeled.
• The interior of a microwave was soiled with food debris. A manager cleaned it.
• In-use tongs were stored on an equipment door handle. Corrective action was taken.
• Reach-in cooler gaskets had a slimy/mold-like buildup. A manager cleaned them.
• Floor drains and/or drain covers under a three-compartment sink were heavily soiled.
• The restaurant met inspection standards.

Buffalo Wild Wings, 4120 14th St. W., Bradenton

• An inspector observed three live, flying insects in a food storage area by a soda machine.
• No soap or paper towels were provided at an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.
• A wet wiping cloth was not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
• Reach-in cooler gaskets had a slimy/mold-like buildup.
• A box of french fries was stored on the floor of a walk-in freezer. Corrective action was taken.
• Floor drains and/or drain covers were heavily soiled.
• An employee with no hair restraint was preparing food, according to an inspector.
• The restaurant met inspection standards.

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.

This story was originally published January 22, 2020 at 12:00 AM.