Inspectors temporarily shut down Bradenton restaurant 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 in Manatee County, a Haitian restaurant in Bradenton was temporarily shut down after inspectors found signs of rodent activity and other food safety issues on site.

La Belle Fourchette, 5108 15th St. E. #209, Bradenton — Inspected and temporarily shut down Dec. 4

• High priority: An inspector observed rodent droppings in several areas of the restaurant: approximately 25 droppings in a dry food storage area, five droppings under a food warmer and three compartment sink and five droppings behind a reach-in cooler and reach-in freezer in a front kitchen area.
• High priority: Rice and beans and cooked rice that were being held for future use had not been cooled from 135 degrees to 41 degrees within six hours. A stop sale was issued due to temperature abuse, and a restaurant operator discarded the items.
• High priority: Raw shell eggs were stored over bottled beverages. Corrective action was taken.
• High priority: The business was operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
• Basic: An inspector noted three basic violations, including soiled kitchen floors and hood filters soiled with grease.
• During a follow-up visit on Dec. 5, an inspector did not record any further signs of rodent activity. The restaurant met inspection standards 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.