Health inspectors found roaches at Bradenton buffet. That wasn’t the only problem

During the most recent inspections of Manatee County, a Golden Corral buffet in Bradenton was cited for roach activity and numerous other food and cleanliness issues.

Problems at other area restaurants included moldy produce, unsafe food temperatures and items that were potentially exposed to contamination.

Here is what inspectors found.

Golden Corral, 5525 Cortez Road W., Bradenton

• An inspector observed a live roach under a dish wash table. A restaurant operator discarded it.
• An inspector observed a dead roach in a warewashing area. It was discarded.
• Pasta, rice, prime rib, ribs, sausage, chicken and beef roast were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees in a walk-in cooler. The foods had been held overnight. A stop sale was issued for all of the foods.
• An inspector observed two large cans of green beans that were dented.
• A toxic/substance chemical was stored above a table for clean dishes. Corrective action was taken.
• An apron string was tied to the faucet of an employee handwash sink.
• No hand soap was provided at an employee handwash sink near the salad bar.
• Multiple wiping cloths were not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
• A wall was soiled with accumulated black debris in a dishwashing area.
• Clean utensils had old food stuck to them, according to an inspector. Self-service spoons in the salad area were soiled, and a steak knife had food residue on the blade.
• There was an objectionable odor in a walk-in cooler.
• An ice scream scoop was immersed in water at a dipper well. It was removed.
• There was grease accumulated on the floor of a food prep area.
  
  
• There was standing water on the floor of a walk-in cooler, a dish area and a boiler area.
• A vent above an area where spices were stored was soiled. An inspector found debris on the spice containers.
• A follow-up inspection was required.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, 1795 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton

• Cooked chicken, raw chicken and roast beef were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. The foods were moved to a freezer for temperature recovery.
• The interior of an ice machine was soiled with mold-like substance.
• An inspector observed multiple stained and soiled cutting boards in a food preparation area.
• A slicer blade guard was soiled with old food debris.
• There was a lack of procedure for monitoring non-continuous cooking of chicken wings. An inspector educated restaurant staff and provided information.
• Wiping cloth sanitizing solution was not at the proper minimum strength. Corrective action was taken.
• A wall near a microwave area on the cook line was soiled.
• Walk-in cooler shelves were soiled with debris.
• An employee with no hair restraint was making food. The employee put on a hair net.
• An employee drink was stored on a food preparation table. Corrective action was taken.
• The restaurant met inspection standards.

Duffy’s Sports Grill, 3005 University Parkway, Sarasota

• Dishmachine sanitizer was not at the proper minimum strength.
• Shredded chicken, roast beef, pork ribs and mahi mahi were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. A stop sale was issued for the foods due to temperature abuse.
• Marinara, cheese sauce, gravy and mashed potatoes were hot held at temperatures less than 135 degrees. The foods were reheated to the proper temperature.
• An inspector observed food debris in an employee handwash sink.
• Access to a handwash sink at the end of the cook line was blocked by a heating unit.
• There was no proof of required training for an employee hired more than 60 days prior.
• A wet wiping cloth was not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
  
  
• The floor of a walk-in cooler was soiled.
• An employee on the cook line was not wearing a proper hair restraint, according to an inspector.
• An employee drink was stored on a food preparation table. It was removed.
• Vents in the rear of the kitchen were rusted and soiled.
• The restaurant met inspection standards.

The Preserve Golf Club, 7310 Tara Preserve Lane, Bradenton

• An inspector observed a molded head of lettuce in a walk-in cooler. A stop sale was issued. A restaurant operator discarded it.
• Sanitizing wipes were stored with single-service items in a dry storage area. Corrective action was taken.
• There was an accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in an ice bin.
• An air thermometer in a food holding unit was not accurate.
• Single service items and equipment were stored in an employee restroom. Corrective action was taken.
• Unwashed produce was stored over bottles of water. Corrective action was taken.
• A floor area by an ice machine was covered in standing water.
• An ice ma chine was leaking water in multiple places.
• The restaurant met inspection standards.

Burger King, 8502 S.R. 70 E., Bradenton

• Ice cream cones were stored unprotected near a handwash sink and soda machine in a location exposed to splash and dust. A restaurant operator covered the cones.
• The interior of a convection oven was soiled an accumulation of debris.
• The floor of a walk-in cooler was soiled.
• Employee drink, tobacco product and chewing gum were kept on a storage rack in the rear of the kitchen.
• Ceiling tiles in the dining area were in disrepair.
• Cases of food were stored on the floor of a walk-in freezer.
• There was an accumulation of grease on the ventilation hood above fryers on the cook line.
• 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 February 24, 2020 at 5:00 AM.