Restaurant inspectors temporarily close Bradenton-area taco spot for rodent activity

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 taco restaurant at the Shoppes at University Center in the University Park area was temporarily shut down due to rodent issues.

Here is what inspectors found:

Poppo’s Taqueria, 8471 Cooper Creek Blvd., Bradenton

• An inspector ordered that Poppo’s Taqueria be temporarily closed on April 4 after signs of rodent activity were observed on site.
• An inspector observed approximately 120 rodent droppings throughout the establishment, including under an oven and a food preparation table and in a dry storage area.
• Sour cream and guacamole with tomatoes were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. Corrective action was taken.
• A certified food manager or person in charge lacked knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils and/or single-service items.
  
  
• Walls behind a three-compartment sink were soiled.
• Floors were soiled under all equipment in the kitchen and in the front counter area.
• Floors in front of a dishwasher and three-compartment sink were covered with standing water.
• All ceiling vents in the kitchen were soiled.
• A follow-up inspection was required before the restaurant could reopen. The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on April 5 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.