Two Bradenton Publix stores fail food safety inspections
Through an ABC Action News “Dirty Dining” investigation, two Bradenton Publix Super Markets were found to have failed food safety inspections.
The Lakewood Ranch and Cortez Road stores didn’t make the mark. Three other Publix stores in Tampa and two in Lutz also didn’t pass their inspections.
“Like our customers, we were disappointed to see the failed inspection reports and have worked to correct all issues,” Brian West, media and community relations manager for Publix’s central and southwest region, wrote in an email to the Herald. “Each of the seven stores received a passing rating several weeks after the initial inspection.”
At the Lakewood Ranch store, located at 8550 Market St., inspections done by the Florida Department of Agriculture found raw chicken juice cross contaminated with bread; baked goods were in contact with the trash; and sandwiches at the deli were warmer than what is deemed safe, as initially reported by ABC Action News.
The Cortez Road store, located at 4561 Cortez Rd. W., had non-functioning refrigerators with the food at unsafe temperatures. ABC Action News also reported that the temperatures of rotisserie chickens taken with unsanitized thermometers.
View Where Food Safety Inspections Didn't Pass in a full screen map
“In addition, our support teams provided re-training in food safety areas, including temperature control, cleaning and sanitation, and handwashing, as well as pest prevention in the one store where it was identified as an issue of concern,” West continued, referencing the South Tampa Publix that had rodents in its store.
“We apologize for our shortcomings, and we look forward to an opportunity to regain your trust and confidence. Food safety is and will remain a top priority for us at Publix,” West wrote.
Hannah Morse: 941-745-7055, @mannahhorse
Full statement from Publix on the failed food safety inspections:
“Like our customers, we were disappointed to see the failed inspection reports and have worked to correct all issues. Each of the seven stores received a passing rating several weeks after the initial inspection. In addition, our support teams provided re-training in food safety areas, including temperature control, cleaning and sanitation, and handwashing, as well as pest prevention in the one store where it was identified as an issue of concern.
During food safety inspections, our teams work diligently to correct noted violations immediately while the inspector is onsite. When these priority violations arise, we conduct our own verifications, in addition to any regulatory inspector’s re-inspections to ensure corrective actions are effective. As part of our commitment to food safety, we also conduct our own third-party food safety audits, provide monthly training from sanitation specialists and maintain a robust pest prevention system.
Again, we regret that we have not lived up to your expectations. We have and will continue to invest in continuous improvement activities that strengthen our food safety programs to protect you, our valued customers. We apologize for our shortcomings, and we look forward to an opportunity to regain your trust and confidence. Food safety is and will remain a top priority for us at Publix.”
This story was originally published November 17, 2016 at 12:34 PM with the headline "Two Bradenton Publix stores fail food safety inspections."