State health inspectors temporarily close Bradenton restaurant with 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 recent inspections, a Bradenton area restaurant was temporarily closed after pest problems were found:

Chang Kao Thai Cuisine, 6233 14th St. W., Bradenton — Inspected Sept. 15

• High priority: An inspector observed approximately 15 rodent droppings in a back kitchen area near dry food storage and approximately five rodent droppings in a waitstaff area.
• Basic: There was an accumulation of mold-like substance in an ice machine bin at a fountain beverage station.
  
  
• Basic: Walk-in cooler and reach-in cooler gaskets were soiled with mold-like substance.
• Basic: There was ice buildup in reach-in freezers behind the front bar area.
• The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Sept. 15 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.