Recent Restaurant Inspections in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties: A Week in Review
As diners in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties prepare to enjoy their meals, it’s essential to stay informed about the conditions of the restaurants they frequent. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducts regular inspections to ensure food safety and hygiene standards are upheld. For the week of December 23-29, a recent report highlighted critical findings from these inspections, including one temporary closure, a high-priority violation, and several establishments achieving perfect scores.
Temporary Closure: Chipotle Mexican Grill
Location: 5100 N. Ninth Ave.
Inspection Date: December 27
During a complaint inspection on December 27, Chipotle Mexican Grill was found to have serious violations that led to its temporary closure. The follow-up inspection on December 28 revealed that operations were ordered to stop until the identified issues were rectified. Although a time extension was granted, a follow-up inspection remains necessary.
Total Violations: Six, including five high-priority violations.
Key Violations:
- Rodent Activity: Evidence of rodent droppings was found, with 18 droppings located near rice bags and under shelves in dry storage.
- Food Safety Concerns: A Stop Sale was issued due to food being in an unwholesome condition, including a bag of rice that had been gnawed open.
- Dishmachine Issues: The dishmachine’s chlorine sanitizer was not at the proper minimum strength, reading 0 parts per million, necessitating manual sanitization until repairs are made.
- Temperature Control Violations: Items in the walk-in cooler, including cut lettuce and pico, were found to be above safe temperature thresholds, leading to another Stop Sale.
The restaurant must address these violations by January 4 to resume operations.
High-Priority Violation: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Location: 6401 N. Ninth Ave.
Inspection Date: December 27
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen received a complaint inspection that revealed three total violations, including one high-priority violation. While the violations do not pose an immediate threat to public health, they require further review.
Key Violation:
- Missing Vacuum Breaker: The mop sink faucet lacked an automatic vacuum breaker, which is essential for preventing backflow and ensuring safe water supply.
Perfect Scores: Five Restaurants Shine
Amidst the concerns raised by the inspections, five restaurants stood out by passing their inspections with zero violations. These establishments exemplify the standards expected in the food service industry:
- Tacos La Mixteca (Mobile food dispensing vehicle)
- Waffle House #2368 (50 Bauer Road)
- Subway (3075 Gulf Breeze Parkway)
- Not Just A Slice (Mobile food dispensing vehicle)
- The East Hill Wine Bar (2702 N. 12 Ave.)
These restaurants demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high hygiene and safety standards, providing peace of mind to their patrons.
Understanding Florida Restaurant Inspections
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is responsible for the routine regulation and inspection of restaurants. The Department of Health investigates food-borne illness outbreaks associated with food establishments.
Reporting Violations:
If you encounter a restaurant that appears to violate health standards, you can report it to the Florida DBPR at 850-487-1395 or submit a report online.
Inspection Terminology:
- Basic Violations: These are against best practices but may not pose an immediate risk.
- Warnings: Issued for violations that must be corrected by a specific date.
- Administrative Complaints: Legal actions taken for insufficient compliance or serious conditions.
- Emergency Orders: Issued when a restaurant poses an immediate threat to public health, resulting in closure.
Stay Informed
For those who wish to keep abreast of the latest restaurant inspection results, a comprehensive database is available, providing detailed insights into the conditions of local eateries.
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In conclusion, while the recent inspections in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have highlighted some concerning issues, they also showcase the commitment of many restaurants to uphold safety and hygiene standards. As consumers, being informed empowers us to make better dining choices and advocate for food safety in our communities.