Health inspectors temporarily close Bradenton area sushi restaurant for bug problems

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 recent inspections, a Bradenton area sushi restaurant was temporarily closed after pest problems were found:

Hideko Sushi & Thai, 7646 Lockwood Ridge Rd #4962, Sarasota — Inspected Aug. 15

• High priority: An inspector observed approximately five live roaches on the floor under a preparation table next to the cook line and approximately four live roaches behind a prep table.
• Basic: An inspector observed approximately 15 dead roaches in a glue trap on a preparation table next to the cook line.
• High priority: An employee washed his hands and then dried them on a soiled towel. Corrective action was taken.
• High priority: An employee cracked raw eggs, changed gloves without washing hands and then proceeded to handle clean utensils. Corrective action was taken.
• High priority: Non-food-grade paper towels were used to line containers of spices and food in a prep area and a front counter area. Corrective action was taken.
• High priority: Raw calamari was stored over cooked vegetables and ready-to-eat sauces in a prep make table on the cook line. Corrective action was taken.
• High priority: Raw fish was stored over unwashed produce in a standing reach-in cooler. Corrective action was taken.
• High priority: Oyster sauce, fish sauce and fried rice sauce were date-marked as more than a week old. A stop sale was issued and the items were discarded.
• High priority: Shell eggs were not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees or less. Corrective action was taken.
• High priority: Rice noodles were cold held at a temperature greater than 41 degrees. Corrective action was taken.
• High priority: Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed was stored in a location that could result in the cross-contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service or single-use articles. Corrective action was taken.
• Intermediate: A handwash sink was used for purposes other than handwashing.

• Other basic violations: Six other basic violations, including an employee eating a food prep area and a black mold-like substance on walk-in cooler curtains.

• The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Aug. 16 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.

This story was originally published August 23, 2023 at 10:37 AM.