Dirty dining: Health inspector temporarily shuts down Bradenton ice cream shop

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 including employee handwashing issues and unsafe food temperatures and storage.

Here is what inspectors found.

Ice Cream La Oaxaqueña, 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton

• An inspector ordered that Ice Cream La Oaxaqueña be temporarily closed on April 27 due to the lack of a proper handwash sink for employees.
• The establishment’s permanent handwash sink and accompanying plumbing had been removed, according to an inspector. A portable handwash sink was in use instead.
• A cutting board was soiled.
• Ice cream utensils were stored in standing water at less than 135 degrees. Corrective action was taken.
• Water bottles were stored on the floor. Corrective action was taken.
• An employee was eating in a food preparation area. Corrective action was taken.
• The business met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on April 28 and was allowed to reopen.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 5464 Lena Road, Lakewood Ranch

• Milk, sausage gravy and cream cheese were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. A stop sale was issued due to temperature abuse.
• Reach-in cooler gaskets were soiled.
• A follow-up inspection was required. The business met inspection standards during a follow-up visit.

Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

• Raw poultry was stored over ready-to-eat soup at a make table. Corrective action was taken.
• Shellfish tags were not marked with the last date that the food was served and not stored in chronological order.
• The restaurant offered raw and/or undercooked animal food without a written consumer health advisory. Corrective action was taken.
• Required training was expired for some employees.
• The interior of an oven was heavily soiled.
• Tongs were stored on an oven door handle. Corrective action was taken.
• The restaurant met inspection standards.

Haydee’s Restaurant, 5803 15th St. E. #3, Bradenton

• An inspector observed a cook wiping hands on an apron. The inspector advised on proper handwashing procedure. Corrective action was taken.
• A non-food-grade bag was in use in a tortilla press. Corrective action was taken.
• Wiping cloth sanitizing solution exceeded the maximum concentration allowed. Corrective action was taken.
• Single-service items were not stored inverted to prevent contamination.
• Cooking oil was stored on the floor. Corrective action was taken.
• Employee cell phones were stored on preparation tables. 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.

The Bradenton Herald’s weekly dirty dining reports list restaurants where inspectors found issues that might concern the average diner — such as unsafe food temperatures, employee handwashing issues or moldy drink machines — regardless of whether or not the businesses passed inspection.

This story was originally published May 3, 2021 at 5:31 AM.