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The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation temporarily closed several restaurants in the southern part of the state last week due to serious health violations, including significant infestations of cockroaches.
Among the closed establishments is Tehillah Garden Restaurant, located in Pembroke Pines, where inspectors found over 90 live and dead cockroaches in various areas of the kitchen, reported Local 10.
The authorities found more than 10 live cockroaches inside a wall-mounted soap dispenser, another 15 between the wall and a three-compartment sink, and 20 dead cockroaches inside the same dispenser.
Dead cockroaches were also found in cobwebs, beneath dry storage shelves, and in the gas system of the oven.
In addition to the presence of pests, a “Stop Sale” order was issued due to food stored at improper temperatures, including cooked beef, goat, turkey, and griot that were kept outside the safe range for more than 24 hours.
The inspectors also found cooked rice and beans that were not cooled properly overnight.
The restaurant was closed on May 21 and authorized to reopen on May 22, after a new inspection that still found cockroach activity.
Tu Cocinita Catering, in Hialeah, was also closed on May 16 after live cockroaches were found in a cabinet under a sink in the preparation area.
The place was in the midst of preparing food for health programs, which raised concerns among the authorities. Additionally, milk was found stored directly on the floor, a recurring violation.
In Hollywood, The Hollywood Donut Factory was closed on May 20 after at least 22 cockroaches, both alive and dead, were found in preparation and storage areas, as well as near beverage stations.
There was also observed an accumulation of fat, food residues, and dirt on equipment and surfaces not intended for contact with food.
On its part, Sunshine Bistros in Lauderhill was closed on May 14. Around eight live and dead cockroaches were reported in the kitchen, along with cleanliness issues in the microwaves and deficiencies in food cooling methods, which jeopardized food safety.
Although it was not closed, the café Un Attimo Specialty Coffee in Fort Lauderdale received a follow-up inspection order after live flying insects were detected. One of them was observed landing on baked goods in the display case, which prompted a "Stop Sale" order on the contaminated food items.
All establishments that were closed received authorization to reopen after conducting intensive cleaning and meeting the requirements during follow-up inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sanitary Violations in Florida Restaurants
How many cockroaches were found in the Tehillah Garden Restaurant in Pembroke Pines?
In the Tehillah Garden Restaurant in Pembroke Pines, inspectors found more than 90 live and dead cockroaches in various areas of the kitchen. This discovery led to the temporary closure of the establishment.
What other health violations were found in the closed restaurants in Florida?
In addition to the cockroach infestations, inspectors found food stored at inappropriate temperatures and cleaning issues on equipment and surfaces. These conditions pose a significant risk to food safety.
Why was a "Stop Sale" order issued at some of these establishments?
A "Stop Sale" order was issued because the food was stored at improper temperatures for more than 24 hours, which may encourage the proliferation of harmful bacteria for health.
What actions were taken to allow the reopening of the affected restaurants?
The closed restaurants have been authorized to reopen after conducting intensive cleanings and meeting the requirements during follow-up inspections. However, some still showed cockroach activity in subsequent inspections.
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