Inspectors temporarily close Bradenton diner after finding bugs and signs of rodents

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 diner was temporarily shut down after roach, fly and rodent activity was observed on site.

Here is what inspectors found:

Lovin’ Oven Diner, 3506 First St., Bradenton

• An inspector ordered that Lovin’ Oven be temporarily closed on Sept. 15 after major pest problems were observed on site.

• An inspector observed 49 rodent droppings throughout the establishment, including in storage and food preparation areas. An inspector also noted a “strong urine odor” where 25 rodent droppings were present in an equipment storage area.
• An inspector observed one live roach in a front kitchen area.
• An inspector observed 16 live flying insects near a dry storage area and mop sink.
• Pork ribs, ham, bean soup and cheese were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees in a reach-in cooler. The items had been held for over four hours. A stop sale was issued due to temperature abuse. A person in charge voluntarily discarded all of the items.
• Floors were soiled under fryers and a grill.
• There was standing water on the floor in a dishwashing area and in a back storage area.
• A follow-up inspection was required before the restaurant could 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.