Dirty dining: Inspectors find flies and roaches 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 recent inspections in Manatee County, restaurants were cited for live and dead pests on site.

Other problems included unsafe food temperatures and equipment that had not been properly cleaned.

Here is what inspectors found.

Legacy Golf Club, 8255 Legacy Blvd., Bradenton

• Tuna salad, coleslaw, cut melon, cut tomatoes, hard-cooked eggs and deli meat were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees in a reach-in cooler. A stop sale was issued for the items due to temperature abuse.
• Cutting boards at a bar area were soiled, according to inspector.
• A can opener was soiled with an accumulation of debris.
• An inspector observed approximately 22 dead roaches in bug traps located under a mop sink.

• There was an accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of an ice machine and/or bin.

• A reach-in cooler was pitted with rust.
• Food items were stored on the floor of a walk-in cooler. Corrective action was taken.
• An employee was preparing food without a hair restraint. Corrective action was taken.
• A follow-up inspection was required. The establishment met inspection standards during a follow-up visit the next day.

Anna Maria Oyster Bar, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach

• An inspector observed approximately 20 flying insects in the kitchen area.
• Chowder, cream dressing and creamers were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. Corrective action was taken.
• Hoods located over the cook line were soiled.
• Reach-in cooler gaskets were soiled.
• Multiple cases of food were stored on the floor of a walk-in cooler. Corrective action was taken.
• An employee was preparing food without a hair restraint. Corrective action was taken.
• Employee drinks were stored on a food preparation table. Corrective action was taken.
• There was an accumulation of debris inside of a warewashing machine.
• A follow-up inspection was required. The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit the next day.

Mr. Fajitas Mexican Grill, 316 Old Main St., Bradenton

• During a follow-up inspection, an inspector noted several issues that were still present.
• Dishmachine sanitizer was again not at the proper minimum strength. An inspector took a sanitizer reading of zero.
• There was still no proof of required food safety training for employees.
• Another follow-up inspection was required.

The Club at River Wilderness, 2250 Wilderness Blvd. W., Parrish

• During a follow-up inspection, an inspector noted several issues that were still present.

• The establishment was still operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.

• There was an accumulation of encrusted food debris on/around a mixer head.

• There was still no proof of required food safety training for employees.

• The interiors of rear stack ovens were heavily soiled.

• Hood filters were soiled.

• There was a buildup of dust on a walk-in cooler and/or freezer fan cover.

• Another follow-up inspection was required.

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.