Health inspectors temporarily close Lakewood Ranch restaurant with a roach problem
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 tavern in Lakewood Ranch was temporarily shut down due to signs of roach activity.
Here is what inspectors found:
Truman’s Tap and Grill, 11161 S.R. 70 E. #100, Lakewood Ranch
- An inspector ordered that Truman’s Tap and Grill be temporarily closed on Feb. 16 after the presence of roaches was observed on site.
- An inspector observed approximately 75 live roaches on the floor in a dry storage area and 10 live roaches under fryers on the cook line.
- An inspector observed approximately 20 dead roaches on the floor in a dry storage area and 10 dead roaches under a reach-in cooler.
- Dishmachine sanitizer was not at the proper minimum strength. An inspector took a sanitizer reading of zero. Corrective action was taken. A manager placed a service call for the machine and set up manual warewashing at a three-compartment sink.
- Raw beef was stored over cooked green beans in a reach-in cooler. Corrective action was taken.
Raw animal foods (chicken and shrimp) were not properly separated from one another in a holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Corrective action was taken.
A server handled soiled dishes and then failed to wash hands before picking up plated food.
Coleslaw was cold held at a temperature greater than 41 degrees. Corrective action was taken.
A slicer blade was soiled.
No proof was provided that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
An exterior door had a gap at the threshold that opened to the outside.
Ceiling tiles above the cook line were soiled.
A follow-up inspection was required before the restaurant could reopen. The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Feb. 17.
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.