Dirty dining: Rodent droppings, moldy food and other problems at Bradenton-area restaurants

Many restaurants in Manatee County are reopening for dine-in service, and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants has resumed routine inspections for public health and cleanliness issues.

DBPR has also created a complaint form where members of the public can report restaurants that may be violating the current directives for operating during the coronavirus pandemic as issued in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent executive orders.

During the most recent inspections of Manatee County, several restaurants were cited for employee handwashing issues.

Other problems included rodent droppings on site and foods that were expired or moldy.

Here is what inspectors found.

AJ’s Kitchen, 3633 Cortez Road W., Bradenton

• An inspector observed approximately 12 rodent droppings on top of a dishwashing machine and approximately eight droppings below the machine. A restaurant operator discarded the droppings and sanitized the areas.
• Dishmachine sanitizer was not at the proper minimum strength. Corrective action was taken.
• A handwash sink was used to dump ice. An inspector educated a restaurant operator on the proper use of handwash sinks.
• A handwash sink was not accessible for employee use because of items stored inside. Corrective action was taken.

• No currently certified food service manager was on duty while four or more employees were preparing or handling food.

• Raw/undercooked eggs and burgers were offered at the restaurant without a written consumer advisory. Corrective action was taken.

• An employee purse was stored on a preparation table at a bake station.

• Boxes of bacon were stored on the floor of a walk-in freezer.

• A follow-up inspection was required. The restaurant met standards during a follow-up inspection.

3 Keys Brewing and Eatery, 2505 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton

• An employee failed to wash hands before changing gloves and/or putting on gloves to work with food. An inspector discussed proper handwashing with a restaurant operator and the employee. Corrective action was taken.

• A bucket of sanitizer was stored on a preparation table next to utensils. Corrective action was taken.

• A certified food manager or person in charge lacked knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food. An inspector emailed the restaurant operator information about foodborne illnesses.

• There was an encrusted material on a can opener blade. It was removed from service for cleaning.

• A manager lacked proof of food manager certification.

• No handwashing sign was provided at an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.

• A follow-up inspection was required.

Zeko’s Mediterranean Grill, 820 First St. W., Bradenton

• An employee failed to wash hands before changing gloves and/or putting on gloves to work with food. An inspector discussed proper handwashing with a restaurant operator and the employee. Corrective action was taken.

• An inspector observed two red bell peppers with a mold-like growth. A restaurant operator voluntarily discarded the food.

• There was no proof of required training for any employees.

• Hummus was cooling in a quantity greater than four inches deep that did not allow for safe temperature control. The hummus was split into separate containers to allow for proper cooling.

• An inspector observed cooked chicken wings left at room temperature to cool. Corrective action was taken.

• A slicer blade was soiled with old food debris.

• A follow-up inspection was required.

This story was originally published May 15, 2020 at 5:00 AM.