Bradenton pizza spot shut down after inspectors find signs of rodents, flies, roaches

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 the most recent inspections in Manatee County, a Bradenton pizza restaurant was temporarily closed after dozens of rodent droppings and other pest problems were observed on site.

The restaurant was previously closed by inspectors in February 2020 after rodent droppings and nesting materials were found there.

Here is what inspectors found:

Giovanni’s Brooklyn Pizzeria, 5203 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton

• On July 14, inspectors ordered that Giovanni’s Brooklyn Pizzeria be temporarily closed after signs of rodent activity and other pest problems were observed on site.
• An inspector observed 35 rodent droppings throughout various areas of the restaurant, including in food storage, preparation and dining areas. A person in charge discarded the droppings.
• An inspector observed six flying insects near a mop sink and dry storage area.
• An inspector observed four dead roaches under a three-compartment sink.
• Raw shell eggs were stored over ready-to-eat cheese and chicken soup. Corrective action was taken.
• A food slicer was soiled with dried food particles.
• An employee was preparing food without a hair restraint. Corrective action was taken.
• No copy of the restaurant’s latest inspection report was available.
• The restaurant’s current license was not displayed.
• The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on July 15 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.

The Bradenton Herald’s weekly dirty dining reports list restaurants where inspectors found issues that might concern the average diner — such as unsafe food temperatures, employee hand-washing issues or moldy drink machines — regardless of whether or not the businesses passed inspection.