Dirty dining: Dozens of rodent droppings shut down Bradenton restaurant

Restaurants in Manatee County have reopened 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.

During the most recent inspections in Manatee County, a Bradenton restaurant was temporarily shut down after rodent droppings were found in the kitchen.

Violations at other area restaurants include employee training issues and foods that were not date-marked with an expiration date.

Here is what inspectors found.

Chopstix, 6045 26th St. W., Bradenton

• Chopstix was temporarily shut down on July 30 after an inspector observed signs of rodent activity on site.
• An inspector observed approximately 50 to 75 rodent droppings on the kitchen floor near a reach-in freezer behind the cook line.
• Cooked rice had not been cooled to a safe temperature within two hours. A stop sale was issued due to temperature abuse and the rice was discarded.
• Raw chicken was stored over ready-to-eat imitation crab in a reach-in freezer.
• Cooked rice and cooked pork dumpling that were being held for future use were not date-marked. Corrective action was taken.
• A wet wiping cloth was not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
• Buckets of sauce and a container of raw chicken wings were stored on the floor of a walk-in cooler.
• Employee personal items including a cellphone and cigarettes were stored above cutting boards.
• An inspector observed openings and holes ceiling tiles.
• Chopstix passed a follow-up inspection on July 31 and was allowed to reopen.

The Spot Tacos and More, 2303 First St., Bradenton

• During a follow-up visit for previous employee training violations, an inspector found that the issues had still not been corrected.
• A restaurant operator still did not have food safety manager certification.
• An employee’s food handler certificate was expired.
• Another follow-up inspection was required.

Chicken Salad Chick, 7350 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton

• The establishment was operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
• Proof of required training was not available for two employees.
• The floor throughout the entire kitchen was soiled, according to an inspector.
• A follow-up inspection was required.

Poppo’s Taqueria, 4220 53rd Ave. E. #108, Bradenton

• Sliced cheddar jack cheese was not properly date-marked. Corrective action was taken.
• A manager or person in charge lacked proof of food manager certification.
• Walk-in cooler shelves were pitted with rust.
• Walk-in cooler gaskets were soiled with slimy/mold-like buildup.
• A follow-up inspection was required.

Mizu Sushi & Hibachi Express, 1859 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton

• Pesticide that was labeled for household use only was present in the establishment.
• A drainage line from a sushi display case was draining into an employee handwash sink.
• Multiple items in a walk-in cooler were not date-marked, according to an inspector.
• Food was stored uncovered in a walk-in freezer.
• The coating was peeling off of saute pans on the cook line.
• There was an accumulation of debris in a small toaster oven.
• Containers of food were stored on the floor throughout the kitchen.
• 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 August 3, 2020 at 1:13 PM.