Inspectors temporarily close Bradenton deli with rodent 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 recent inspections, Uncle Nick’s N.Y. Style Bagels, Subs & Deli in Manatee County was briefly shut down after inspectors found signs of rodent activity on site.

Uncle Nick’s N.Y. Style Bagels, Subs & Deli, 5917 Manatee Ave. W. #301, Bradenton — Inspected and temporarily shut down Oct. 16

• High priority: An inspector observed rodent droppings in several areas: approximately six droppings near a bagel production room and back exit door of a storage room, one dropping on the lid of a container of mayonnaise on a storage rack, two droppings on a sleeve of styrofoam bowls, five droppings on a stand mixer in a bagel production room, eight droppings in a corner behind a mobile rack, 10 droppings on the bottom tray of an unused stand mixer, two droppings on a box containing oats on a food preparation table shelf and three droppings in the back corner of a bakery area. The inspector also observed chew marks on a container of grated Parmesan cheese. A restaurant operator started to clean and sanitize the areas, the report said.
• Intermediate: The bottom shelves of food preparation tables holding dry goods in a bagel production storage area were soiled with excess soil and food debris.
• Intermediate: No soap was provided at an employee handwash sink in the front counter area. Corrective action was taken.
• Basic: An inspector noted seven basic violations, including a wall above a toaster soiled with excessive grease and dust, floors between ovens and fryers soiled with excessive grease, soil and food debris and the ceiling and a vent in a cooking area soiled with excessive grease, soil and dust.
• The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up inspection the same 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 MyFloridaLicense.com.