Rodizio Grill Faces Inspection Violations: What Diners Need to Know
In a recent inspection conducted on November 12, 2024, the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation uncovered nine violations at Rodizio Grill, a popular Brazilian steakhouse located at 605 E Gregory St in Pensacola, Escambia County. Despite these findings, the restaurant continues to operate while addressing the issues identified during the inspection. With a commendable 4.5-star rating based on over 3,000 Google reviews, the establishment is known for its tableside carved meats and extensive salad bar offerings. However, the recent inspection has raised concerns that diners should be aware of.
Inspection Findings: A Closer Look
The inspection revealed a total of nine violations, categorized into five high-priority violations, three intermediate violations, and one basic violation. These findings have led to a warning and a requirement for a follow-up inspection. The most pressing issues identified during the inspection primarily revolved around temperature management, which is critical for food safety.
Temperature Management Issues
One of the most alarming findings was related to the improper holding temperatures of various food items. The inspector noted that chicken hearts were being held at 52°F, significantly above the required 41°F or below, which resulted in a stop-sale order for this item. This temperature abuse raises serious concerns about food safety and the potential for foodborne illnesses.
Additionally, hot holding temperatures at the buffet line were found to be inadequate. Mashed potatoes were recorded at 117°F, and ham was measured at 108°F—both below the required minimum of 135°F. Such deficiencies in temperature management can compromise the safety and quality of the food served to customers.
Handling and Storage Violations
The inspection also highlighted issues with food handling practices. Staff were observed handling cooked steak with bare hands, which is a violation of food safety protocols. Proper procedures dictate that ready-to-eat foods should not come into contact with bare hands unless specific alternative operating procedures are in place, which the establishment did not have.
Furthermore, the inspection revealed that uncooked animal foods were not properly separated in the walk-in cooler. For instance, uncooked lamb was found stored beneath uncooked chicken, which poses a risk of cross-contamination. The operator promptly corrected this issue by moving the lamb to a different rack with meats of the same cooking temperature.
Additional Violations
Other notable violations included the absence of paper towels at handwashing stations, which is essential for maintaining hygiene standards. Packaged foods were also found lacking time stamps, which are crucial for tracking food safety. Concerns were raised regarding employee training documentation, indicating a potential gap in staff knowledge about food safety practices. Lastly, unclean sanitizing solutions were noted, further emphasizing the need for improved sanitation protocols.
Moving Forward: Addressing the Violations
Rodizio Grill is now tasked with addressing these violations before its next inspection. The restaurant’s management has expressed a commitment to rectifying the issues and ensuring that all food safety standards are met. While the establishment continues to serve its loyal customers, it is essential for diners to be informed about the current conditions and the steps being taken to improve them.
Conclusion: A Reminder for Diners
It is important to note that inspections capture a specific moment in time and do not necessarily reflect the daily operations of a restaurant. Rodizio Grill’s 4.5-star rating from thousands of reviews suggests that many customers have had positive experiences at the restaurant. However, the recent inspection findings serve as a reminder for diners to remain vigilant about food safety practices when dining out.
As Rodizio Grill works to address these violations, patrons can continue to enjoy the unique dining experience it offers, while also being mindful of the importance of food safety in the culinary world.