Inspectors temporarily close Bradenton Mexican seafood restaurant with pest problems

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 Mexican seafood restaurant in Bradenton was temporarily shut down after inspectors found signs of rodent and insect activity:

Mariscos El Rey, 5108 15th Street E. #108, Bradenton — Inspected and temporarily shut down Nov. 15

• High priority: An inspector observed approximately 35 rodent droppings in a back kitchen area, approximately five droppings on top of floor and rice containers, approximately five droppings on a hot food line and approximately 10 droppings in a front bar area.
• High priority: An inspector observed approximately five live, flying insects in the main kitchen area.
• Intermediate: A manager or person in charge lacked food manager certification.
• Intermediate: No paper towels were provided at an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.
• Intermediate: There was no proof of required food safety training for any employees.
• Intermediate: There was no proof provided that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
• Intermediate: No soap was provided at an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.
• Basic: An inspector noted seven basic violations, including no handwashing signs posted at employee sinks and an employee drink stored on a food prep table.
• During a follow-up inspection on Nov. 16, an inspector found unresolved issues. The restaurant was allowed to reopen, but 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 at www.myfloridalicense.com.