Restaurants dinged for food-holding temperature in latest inspection report

Reports of food being held at temperatures that were too high – some as high as 63 degrees Fahrenheit – were common in Manatee County restaurant inspections last week.

Here’s the recap:

• The McDonald’s at 5315 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, was cited for an issue with its reach-in cooler that had been accidently disabled. It reportedly held folded egg at 55 degrees Fahrenheit and cooked ham at 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The eggs and ham were discarded.
• Hong Kong Restaurant, 5518 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, was cited for its reach-in cooler not properly holding food below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Affected items included chicken (cooked and raw), shrimp, pork (cooked and raw), vegetables and tofu. According to the inspectors, the operator noted that he would get the cooler serviced.
• An inspector visiting Island Gourmet Grill, 5910 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach, cited the restaurant after observing a person handle dirty dishes and then move on to handling clean dishes without washing their hands. The inspector also discovered a bin of pizza sauce that had been prepared Sept. 20. Potentially hazardous food must be discarded within seven days of opening or preparation. Corrective action was taken.
• Kites Corner, 817 14th St. W., Bradenton, was cited for holding food at temperatures higher than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Affected items included chicken wings held at 50 degrees Fahrenheit and chicken Parmesan and sliced tomatoes held at 44 degrees Fahrenheit. The restaurant operator moved the items to a walk-in cooler.

Ryan Callihan: 941-745-7095, @RCCallihan

This story was originally published October 12, 2017 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Restaurants dinged for food-holding temperature in latest inspection report."