Inspections: rodent droppings found at Sarasota area restaurant
Our digital database of restaurant health inspections is updated regularly with the latest information on which Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice area restaurants passed or failed.
You can use the database to search by Sarasota or Manatee County or by restaurant name. You can see which restaurants were fined and which were forced into temporary closure.
Disclaimer: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation describes an inspection report as “a ‘snapshot’ of conditions present at the time of the inspection." On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment.
Please note that some more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.
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Sarasota-Manatee best restaurant inspections
The following restaurants and food trucks, listed in alphabetical order, passed their inspections Dec. 31-Jan. 6 with zero violations:
McDonald’s, 6103 U.S. Highway 301, Ellenton
Mr Frontera 2, 1304 Eighth Ave. W., Palmetto
Panera Bread, 4115 14th St. W., Bradenton
PataKong, 3401 14th St. W., Bradenton
Sarasota County restaurant inspections with high-priority violations:
The following restaurants, listed in alphabetical order, were issued warnings, recommended for administrative complaints or were temporarily closed due to failed inspections Dec. 31-Jan. 6:
Bella Vino & Cucina
3983 Destination Drive, Osprey
Jan. 4
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Sixteen total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed the seating license expired 12/1/2023.
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over salsa in the stand-up cooler in the kitchen. Observed raw shrimp stored over cut onions in the reach-in cooler at the end of the cook line. Observed raw veal stored over sliced mushrooms in the reach-in cooler at the end of the cook line. The operator properly stored the above food items. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Chicanos Mexican Restaurant
1185 U.S. 41 Bypass S., Venice
Jan. 5
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Eleven total violations, with one high-priority violation:
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed four rodent droppings on floor next to chest freezer at cooks line. Observed operator sweep and clean area. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
European Coffee and Bakery
3333 N. Tamiami Trail #100, Sarasota
Jan. 3
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Six total violations, with three high-priority violations:
High Priority - Fish not held frozen before, during and after being packaged onsite using a reduced oxygen packaging method. See stop sale. Observed reduced oxygen packaged salmon held for more than 30 days and not frozen throughout the process. **Warning**
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Warning**
High Priority - Stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed approximately 10 lbs. of frozen reduced oxygen packaged salmon that was held for more than 30 days and not frozen throughout the process. Observed no approved HAACCP plan. Operator voluntarily discarded food. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
Ichiban Restaurant & Sushi Bar
2724 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota
Jan. 3
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Eighteen total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw shell eggs stored over unwashed mushrooms in the stand-up reach-in cooler in the kitchen. The operator properly stored the raw eggs. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed an employee touch their bare arms with gloves then handle ready-to-eat broccoli without changing gloves and washing hands. The employee discarded the broccoli. **Corrected On-Site**
The Italian Grill
8620 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Jan. 4
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Eleven total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Shrimp 48F and Veal 49F in reach-in 3 door lo boy reach-in cooler on end of cook line closest to bathroom. Employee iced product. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Laurel Oak Country Clubhouse
2700 Gary Player Blvd., Sarasota
Jan. 4
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Five total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in the bakery: whipped butter (76F - cold holding.) Operator stated they had been out for over four hours. Operator disposed of food willingly. **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in the bakery: whipped butter (76F - cold holding.) Operator stated they had been out for over four hours. Operator disposed of food willingly. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
Munchies 420 Cafe
6639 Superior Ave., Sarasota
Jan. 3
Follow-up: Administrative complaint recommended.
Nine total violations, with one high-priority violation:
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds seven days after opening/preparation. Observed chili date marked 12/26 in the walk-in cooler. Observed baked beans date marked 12/27 in the walk-in cooler. The operator discarded the above food products. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Neat
8383 S. Tamiami Trail Unit 108, Sarasota
Jan. 3
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Eight total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
High Priority - Operator unable to provide documentation that aquacultured fish has been raised in a controlled environment and fed formulated feed. Please request letter for salmon, otherwise cook to 145F.
Speaks Clam Bar
29 N. Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota
Jan. 3
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Nine total violations, with six high-priority violations:
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. Clam chowder (57F - cooling); seafood bisque (66F - cooling); date marked 1/2 stored in five gallon covered container in the walk-in cooler. Chef stated the items were placed in the walk-in cooler on 1/2 to cool. Chef discarded the items. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Clam chowder (57F - cooling); seafood bisque (66F - cooling); date marked 1/2 stored in a five gallon covered container in the walk-in cooler. Chef stated the items were placed in the walk-in cooler on 1/2 to cool. Chef discarded the items. **Warning**
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Warning**
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw sausage stored over raw shell clams in the drawer reach-in cooler on the cook line. Chef removed the sausage. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee handled raw sausage then clean equipment without changing gloves and washing their hands. Employee washed their hands and changed gloves and sanitized the equipment. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Sweet potatoes (109F - hot holding); mashed potatoes (110F - hot holding); stored in the hot holding unit next to the cook line. Chef stated the items were cooked today and placed in hot holding for approximately one hour. Chef reheated the items to above 165F and placed them in hot holding. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Speaks Clam Bar
29 N. Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota
Jan. 5
Call back — complied. Zero violations.
Twin Peaks
3060 Fruitville Commons Blvd., Sarasota
Jan. 5
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Twelve total violations, with five high-priority violations:
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw fish stored over ready-to-eat cheese in the walk-in cooler. Operator moved the fish. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef in the walk-in cooler. Operator moved the chicken. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed on the cook line: butter (80F - cold holding); shredded mozzarella cheese (70F - cold holding). Operator stated they had been out for more than 4 hours. Operator willingly disposed of food. **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on the cook line: butter (80F - cold holding); shredded mozzarella cheese (70F - cold holding). Operator stated they had been out for more than 4 hours. Operator willingly disposed of food. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed multiple sanitizer buckets stored on the floor of the cook line. Operator placed buckets on shelves. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Manatee County restaurant inspections with high-priority violations:
The following restaurants, listed in alphabetical order, were issued warnings, recommended for administrative complaints or were temporarily closed due to failed inspections Dec. 31-Jan. 6:
Joey D's Chicago Style Eatery
6401 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
Jan. 4
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Eight total violations, with five high-priority violations:
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Chicken wings (59F - cooling); stored in the small reach-in cooler next to the fryers on the cook line. Manager stated the covered container of chicken wings were placed in the reach-in cooler the day before to cool. Manager discarded the chicken wings. **Corrective Action Taken**
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Chicken wings (59F - Cooling); stored in the small reach-in cooler next to the fryers on the cook line. Manager stated the covered container of chicken wings were placed in the reach-in cooler the day before to cool. Manager discarded the chicken wings.
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Three cans of marinara sauce stored in the dry storage area dented at the seams. Manager placed the items aside for a refund. **Repeat Violation**
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer reading 00ppm. Manager called the technician and set up a sanitizer bay in the three compartment sink. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Gallon containers of cleaning fluid stored over single service to-go boxes and plates in the dry storage area. Manager removed the single service items. **Corrected On-Site**
Uncle Nick’s N.Y. Style Bagels, Subs and Deli
5917 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
Jan. 5
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Twelve total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Bottle of Tylenol stored in the bake shop area next to food. Manager removed the bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottles containing cleaning fluid stored stored next to food and single service cups in the front container area. Manager removed the bottles. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint*
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Inspections: rodent droppings found at Sarasota area restaurant
