Inspectors temporarily close Bradenton-area restaurant with rodent and roach 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 Thai restaurant in Bradenton was temporarily shut down after inspectors found signs of rodent and roach activity:

Siam Thai Bistro, 5763 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton — Inspected and temporarily shut down Feb. 4

• High priority: An inspector observed one live roach under a handwashing sink in a waitstaff area.
• High priority: An inspector observed approximately eight rodent droppings underneath a reach-in cooler and approximately 20 droppings behind an ice machine and food prep table in the kitchen.
• High priority: Raw chicken was stored over ground cooked chicken in a reach-in cooler.
• 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: 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: An inspector observed several containers of previously prepared food that were not labeled or date-marked.
• Basic: An inspector observed approximately 15 dead roaches on sticky traps next to a reach-in cooler and reach-in freezer.
• Basic: An inspector noted 10 other basic violations, including mold-like substance in an ice machine, soiled ceiling vents and soiled floors under cooking equipment.
• During a follow-up inspection on Feb. 5, an inspector again observed roach activity. The inspector’s report noted approximately eight live roaches on the gasket of a reach-in cooler and approximately three live roaches on a food prep table. The restaurant remained temporarily shut down.
• During a follow-up inspection on Feb. 6, the restaurant met inspection standards 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.