Dirty dining: Employee handwashing and training issues found at Bradenton area restaurants

Florida’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants routinely inspects restaurants, food trucks and other food service establishments for public health and cleanliness issues.

During the most recent inspections in Manatee County, restaurants were cited for problems that included employee handwashing and training issues and unsafe food temperatures.

Here is what inspectors found.

Louis Pappas Fresh Greek, 8512 Cooper Creek Blvd #100, Bradenton

• Tzatziki was cold held at a temperature greater than 41 degrees in a reach-in cooler. A stop sale was issued to to temperature abuse.

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

• Tools were blocking access to an employee handwash sink, according to an inspector. Corrective action was taken.

• There was no test kit at hand to measure the strength of sanitizer in use for warewashing.

• There was an encrusted material on a can opener blade.

• Proof of required training was not available for some employees.

• Walk-in cooler gaskets were soiled with slime/mold-like buildup.

• Utensils was not stored inverted to prevent contamination. Corrective action was taken.

• Utensil handles were in contact with food at a salad-making station. Corrective action was taken.

• The top of a dishwasher was soiled. Corrective action was taken.

• A follow-up inspection was required.

Dunkin’, 11015 S.R. 64, Bradenton

• During a follow-up inspection, an inspector again found multiple issues on-site.
• There was no proof of required training for one or more employees.
• No currently certified food manager was on duty while four or more employees were preparing/handling food.
• A soap dispenser at an employee handwash sink was unable to dispense soap.
• Floor areas were soiled.
• Another follow-up inspection was required.

Waffle House, 1515 51st Ave. E., Ellenton

• Wiping cloth sanitizing solution exceeded the maximum concentration allowed.
• A spray hose was placed lower than the rim of a dish sink.
• A walk-in cooler gasket was soiled with slime/mold-like buildup.
• There was standing water at the bottom of a reach-in cooler.
• Shelves in multiple reach-in coolers were pitted with rust.
• No handwashing sign was posted at an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.
• The door of a reach-in cooler was cracked.
• Containers of food were stored on the floor. Corrective action was taken.
• The ceiling above the cook line had apparent water damage, according to an inspector.
• Hood filters were soiled.
• The restaurant met inspection standards.

Gulf Breeze Cafe, 6000 Airport Circle, Sarasota

• At least one deli sandwich was cold held at a temperature greater than 41 degrees. A stop sale was issued for the food due to temperature abuse.
• A cup with no handle was used as a scoop for potato chips. Corrective action was taken.
• 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 3, 2021 at 5:00 AM.