Popular sandwich shop in Bradenton cited for roach activity

Florida state inspectors lodged complaints against three Manatee County restaurants last week for pest activity and improper food handling and holding.

▪  Jersey Mike’s, 4020 14th St. W., received two visits from inspectors on Thursday, according to inspection records. During the first visit, the inspectors found 21 violations, including dead roaches on the premises; raw and cooked foods that were not being cooled properly; small, live flying insects in the “kitchen, food preparation area, or food storage area;” and one live roach near the “cabinet for glove storage at front counter.”

Inspectors also cited the restaurant for the poor condition of the walk-in cooler and a lack of foodborne illness employee knowledge. Per the report: “Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items.”

When the inspectors returned later the same day, the restaurant was cited for eight violations. The pest violations weren’t cited a second time. The food temperature and employee food preparation knowledge issues accounted for five of the eight remaining violations. Inspectors gave Jersey Mike’s a time extension for two of the violations and lodged administrative complaints for the other six.

Administrative complaints are used when the “existence of high priority violations found during an inspection require administrative action to ensure compliance,” according to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.

▪  The Wicked Taco Cantina, 101 7th St. N., Bradenton Beach, was cited on May 24 for holding cold food at temperatures above 41 degrees, including pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream. The establishment also was cited for improper hand washing procedures. Per the report: “Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employee handle dirty dishes from customers table, then prepare a personal beverage at soda machine. Observed employee use ice scoop. No hand washing observed. Observed server handle dirty dishes from customers table, sweep floor then make a customer's beverage. No hand washing observed.”

The hand-washing violation was again noted on an inspection two days later. In the May 26 inspection report, the inspector said corrective action was taken.

▪  On Thursday, inspectors visited The Beach House, 200 N. Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, to check on a violation they cited the restaurant for during a May 19 inspection: “Potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit,” per the report. Items in the cooler included dairy mix, raw shrimp and tomato sauce. Similar issues were observed with other coolers in the restaurant. The inspectors noted that corrective action was taken on the same day.

To search for restaurants and inspections, visit dine.bradenton.com.

This story was originally published June 6, 2017 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Popular sandwich shop in Bradenton cited for roach activity."