Gainesville, Florida, USA Downtown Cityscape & Restaurants – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Sean Pavone
Recently released inspection records from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation reveal that five restaurants in Central Florida were forced to temporarily close their doors after health inspectors discovered they were not following all state regulations on sanitation and safety.
The following neighborhood eateries received citations for several infractions between January 1 and January 15, 2024, including high-priority infractions that may have directly led to a foodborne illness or injury.
Keep reading below to find out which restaurants made the list.
China Master
After routinely inspecting the Chinese restaurant at 1700 W International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach on January 11, health officials discovered 27 violations, leading to the restaurant’s temporary closure. Among the high-priority infractions were roach activity in the cooking area and an employee who did not wash their hands before preparing food.
After fulfilling inspection requirements, the restaurant reopened later on, however, another inspection is necessary.
Melina’s Café
After routinely inspecting the Peruvian restaurant at 1126 E Donegan Avenue in Kissimmee on January 12, health officials discovered 15 infractions, leading to the establishment’s temporary closure.
Among the high-priority violations were live, tiny flying insects, live roaches, raw pork kept over sliced ham, raw beef kept over cooked chicken, and rat droppings.
Until the infractions are fixed, the establishment will stay closed.
The Bagel Bakery
The bakery at 4113 NW 16th Boulevard in Gainesville had to close for a while after a routine inspection on January 5 revealed 25 infractions.
More than fifty tiny, live-flying insects were found in the kitchen area, making it one of the high-priority violations found by inspectors. Additionally, a bakery manager was observed by inspectors handling sugar without properly washing her hands.
Afterward, on a follow-up visit, the eatery satisfied inspection requirements.
Miguelo’s Cafe & Bar
After finding 16 infractions during a routine inspection on January 9, health inspectors issued citations and ordered the temporary closure of the Osceola County eatery, which is located at 1201–1205 N Main Street in Kissimmee.
The two high-priority infractions were the employee’s failure to wash their hands before handling rice and the establishment’s failure to have potable running water.
Later on, the restaurant reopened, although another inspection was still necessary.
Saborealo y Algo Mas Inc.
A hot dog vendor located at 5586 S Orange Blossom Trail in Intercession City was temporarily shut down after seven infractions were detected during a Jan. 11 routine inspection.
Operating without potable running water resulted in a high-priority violation citation for the business. It was said that the water pump was broken.
Afterward, on a follow-up visit, the eatery satisfied inspection requirements.
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
