Inspectors temporarily close Ellenton mall restaurant with rodent, roach issues

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 restaurant in the food court at Ellenton Premium Outlets was temporarily shut down after inspectors found signs of rodent and roach activity on site.

Oh! Greek, 5475 Factory Shops Blvd., Ellenton — Inspected and temporarily closed Jan. 12

• High priority: An inspector observed one live roach at a mop sink and two live roaches under a prep counter.
• High priority: An inspector observed approximately 60 rodent droppings under an in-use grill.
• High priority: Cut lettuce and shredded cheese were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. A stop sale was issued due to temperature abuse and a restaurant operator discarded the items.
• High priority: A pest trap was not contained in a covered bait station. Corrective action was taken.
• High priority: The business was operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants.
• Intermediate: The business had changed owners, and renovations had been made or were underway without approval from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants.
• Intermediate: The establishment had no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
• Intermediate: A food manager’s certification was expired.
• Intermediate: No paper towels were provided at any of the restaurant’s handwash sinks.
• Intermediate: There was no proof of required food safety training for any employees.
• Intermediate: There was no proof provided that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
• Basic: An inspector observed approximately 10 dead roaches on a sticky trap. Corrective action was taken.
• Basic: An inspector noted seven other basic violations, including soiled walls throughout the kitchen, a soiled reach-in cooler and no handwashing signs posted at employee handwash sinks.
• During a follow-up visit the next day, an inspector did not record any further pest issues. The restaurant was allowed to reopen, but a follow-up inspection was required for other unresolved issues.

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.