Inspectors temporarily close Manatee County restaurant with live rodent issues
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 recent inspections, a dining establishment at Heritage Harbour Golf Club in Bradenton was temporarily shut down after inspectors found signs of rodent activity, including a live rodent on-site:
Heritage Harbour Golf Club, 8000 Stone Harbour Loop, Bradenton — Inspected and temporarily shut down Nov. 13
- High priority: An inspector observed approximately 72 rodent droppings in various areas of the kitchen and cook line.
- High priority: Raw animal foods (ground beef and bacon) were not properly separated in a walk-in cooler based on minimum required cooking temperature.
- High priority: Packaged salmon that was supposed to remain frozen until time of use was no longer frozen. A stop sale was issued and the salmon was discarded.
Intermediate: A certified food manager or person in charge lacked knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils and/or single-service items.
Intermediate: The establishment had no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
Intermediate: A can opener blade and a slicer blade were soiled.
Intermediate: There was no proof of required food safety training for any employees.
Basic: An inspector observed a live rodent stuck in a glue trap in a dishwashing area.
Basic: An inspector noted seven additional basic violations, including soiled floors under equipment throughout the kitchen and cutting boards that were no longer cleanable.
The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Nov. 14 and was allowed to reopen.
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 at www.myfloridalicense.com.