Temporary closure ordered for several restaurants in South Florida: Here is the reason

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ordered the temporary closure of five restaurants in South Florida last week after detecting serious health and hygiene violations during emergency inspections.

The report, cited by Local 10, reveals an alarming picture of poor sanitary practices, ranging from infestations of insects and rodents to food stored at unsafe temperatures and cooking utensils covered in grease or mold.

The affected establishments were Cedeno's Cuban Cafe in Plantation, Taco Shop Mexican Grill 2 in Miami Lakes, China Buffet in Hialeah, Oldays on Las Olas Boulevard (Fort Lauderdale), and Mandeville's Country Style Restaurant & Lounge in Miramar.

The following details the infractions detected in each restaurant, organized from most to least severe based on the number of violations found:

China Buffet

18690 NE 67th Avenue, Hialeah.
Closing order: July 7 | 21 violations found.

The report indicates a severe cockroach infestation, with "approximately 12 live cockroaches inside a broken portable refrigerator, located in front of the cooking line in the kitchen."

Live cockroaches were also seen crawling on the lid of another refrigerator, the kitchen floor, and the wall behind the equipment.

The follow-up inspections on July 8 and 9 confirmed the persistence of the problem: "Two live cockroaches were observed crawling on the wall beneath the sink located in the hibachi station" and "one live cockroach was crawling on the wall of the kitchen, behind the double-door vertical refrigerator."

Among other violations, the malfunctioning of the dishwasher stands out (“the chlorine disinfectant had a concentration of 0 ppm”) and the storage of chicken and fish at dangerous temperatures (“chicken breast at 47 °F and raw fish at 48 °F”).

Oldays

200 Este Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.
Closure order: July 9 | 19 violations found.

This restaurant was closed due to a combination of violations, including the presence of "approximately 85 live flying insects on the wall and ceiling of the display area," dead cockroaches in the kitchen, and issues with food storage.

One of the most concerning findings was the presence of “mold on top of one of the food items,” specifically in a tuna salad prepared on-site. It was observed that food was stored at temperatures exceeding the allowed limits, such as “quinoa at 49 °F, cocoa cream at 49 °F, and cheese between 43 and 47 °F.”

Additionally, the absence of minimum hygiene conditions for the staff was noted: “There are no paper towels at the reception counter in the sink for washing hands” and “there is no soap.”

Taco Shop Mexican Grill 2

16010 NW 57th Avenue, Miami Lakes.
Closure order: July 11 | 15 violations found.

This establishment has not yet been granted permission to reopen due to the severity of the conditions.

A large number of live cockroaches were documented in multiple areas: "more than eight live cockroaches crawling under the steam table," "two live cockroaches along the wall next to the back door," and "one live cockroach crawling on the front counter next to the cash register."

Dead cockroaches were also found in the kitchen, along with accumulations of grease and dirt on handles, surfaces, walls, and ceilings, as well as debris on the floor.

The interior of the microwave and other equipment showed "accumulation of black substance, grease, and food remnants."

Mandeville's Country Style Restaurant & Lounge

3056 S State Road 7, Miramar.
Closure Order: July 8 | 6 violations found.

This establishment was closed after finding multiple live cockroaches in various areas of the kitchen: “three live cockroaches in front of the triple sink,” “four cockroaches under the preparation table,” and “one live cockroach in front of the kitchen exit door.”

In addition, dead cockroaches were found under the shelves, and there were failures in the temperature control of foods such as cooked rice and fish, which were stored at 10 °C throughout the night.

The ceiling, panels, and ventilation were also "dirty with the accumulation of grease, dust, or mold."

Cedeno's Cuban Cafe

Broward Mall, 8000 West Broward Blvd., Plantation.
Closing order: July 8 | 4 violations found.

This location was inspected following a complaint. "Approximately 60 rodent droppings were found in the dry storage area next to the rice container," and another four droppings were discovered under a preparation table.

The report also details: "The wet cleaning cloth was not stored in disinfectant solution between uses," finding it exposed on the cooking line.

According to Local 10, all restaurants have been authorized to reopen after meeting the required cleanings and reinspections, except for Taco Shop Mexican Grill 2, which remains closed at the time of this publication.

Inspections, based on complaints and routine visits, underscore the importance of maintaining strict sanitary practices in food preparation.

The report highlights how failures in cleaning, refrigeration, or pest control can pose a serious risk to public health.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Temporary Closure of Restaurants in South Florida