Cortez restaurant temporarily closed for rodent problems during state health inspections
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 Cortez restaurant was briefly shut down after signs of rodent activity were observed on site.
Here is what inspectors found:
Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton
- An inspector ordered that Slicker’s Eatery be temporarily closed on Dec. 12 after signs of rodent activity were found on site.
- An inspector observed approximately five rodent droppings between a handwash sink and a a three-compartment sink.
Rodent baits were not contained in a covered, tamper-resistant bait station. An inspector observed two baits in a dry storage area and one underneath a shelf by a dishwasher.
Raw steak was stored over cucumber salad in a reach-in cooler. Corrective action was taken.
Cooked chicken was date-marked as more than a week old. A stop sale was issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. The chicken was discarded.
Previously prepared bread pudding was not date-marked. Corrective action was taken.
The bottom section of walls throughout the kitchen was soiled.
Reach-in cooler sides were soiled. Corrective action was taken.
Floors were soiled underneath a dishwasher and three compartment sink, around the walls and underneath a table in a dry storage area.
The ceiling was soiled above a food prep area.
The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit the next day 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.