Dirty Dining | Moldy machines, dirty buns and more 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. The reports are public information.

During the most recent inspections in Manatee County, restaurants were cited for issues including moldy and dusty surfaces and equipment.

Other problems included unsafe food temperatures and potential food contamination.

Here is what inspectors found:

Peach’s Restaurant, 5240 S.R. 64, Bradenton

• Sliced cheese, cut tomatoes, diced ham, diced turkey, diced sausage and chicken salad were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees in a reach-in cooler. Corrective action was taken.
• An item was stored in an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.
• Walk-in cooler fan covers were dusty.
• An inspector observed dust on ceiling tiles and a vent in a food preparation area.
• A follow-up inspection was required. The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit the next day.

KFC, 525 First St. E., Bradenton

• An inspector observed a mold-like buildup on a self-service ice chute.
• There was a mold-like buildup and dust on ceiling vents.
• The restaurant met inspection standards.

Wendy’s, 8220 Tourist Center Dr., University Park

• The Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a customer complaint about burgers that appeared to have mold on them that were served by the restaurant. Inspectors following up on the complaint observed 20 bags of buns (12 buns to a bag) with a gray substance “possibly splashed” on the outside of the bags. “The gray substance appeared to be dirt/debris of some type and it could have been transferred from (an) exterior bag to surface of the bun and looked like mold to a consumer,” an inspector’s report said. A stop sale was issued due to the food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Corrective action was taken. A manager discarded the buns.
• An employee drink was stored on a preparation table. Corrective action was taken.
• The restaurant met inspection standards.

Subway, 8919 U.S. 301, Parrish

• Chemicals were stored next to a soda syrup station. Corrective action was taken.

• There was an accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of an ice machine located in the rear of the kitchen.

• A walk-in cooler fan was dusty.

• A box of peppers was stored on a walk-in cooler floor. Corrective action was taken.

• A rear exit door had a gap at the threshold that opened to the outside.

• The restaurant met inspection standards.

Pomegranate Frozen Yogurt, 9023 US-301, Parrish

• There was no proof of required food safety training for any employees.
• A food manager’s certification was expired.
• A cutting board had cut marks and was no longer cleanable.
• A 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.