Last week, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation mandated the temporary closure of five restaurants in South Florida following emergency inspections that uncovered serious health and hygiene violations. According to a report from Local 10, these violations included severe pest infestations, improper food storage temperatures, and kitchen utensils covered in grime or mold.
The restaurants affected include Cedeno's Cuban Cafe in Plantation, Taco Shop Mexican Grill 2 in Miami Lakes, China Buffet in Hialeah, Oldays on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, and Mandeville's Country Style Restaurant & Lounge in Miramar.
China Buffet's Troubling Discoveries
Located at 18690 NE 67th Avenue in Hialeah, China Buffet was ordered to close on July 7 after inspectors found 21 violations. The report highlighted a serious cockroach infestation, noting “approximately 12 live cockroaches inside a broken portable cooler in front of the kitchen’s cooking line.” Further inspections on July 8 and 9 confirmed ongoing issues: “Two live cockroaches were seen crawling under the sink at the hibachi station” and “one live cockroach was crawling on the kitchen wall behind the double-door upright cooler.” Additional concerns included a malfunctioning dishwasher (“chlorine sanitizer at 0 ppm”) and unsafe storage temperatures for chicken and fish (“chicken breast at 47 °F and raw fish at 48 °F”).
Oldays Faces a Variety of Issues
On July 9, inspectors closed Oldays at 200 East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, after identifying 19 violations. Among these were “approximately 85 live flying insects on the wall and ceiling of the display area,” dead cockroaches in the kitchen, and food storage problems. Particularly alarming was the discovery of “mold on top of one of the food items,” specifically a tuna salad prepared on-site. Food temperatures also exceeded safe limits, with “quinoa at 49 °F, cocoa cream at 49 °F, and cheese between 43 and 47 °F.” Furthermore, the establishment lacked basic hygiene provisions for staff: “No paper towels at the handwashing sink in the reception area” and “no soap available.”
Taco Shop Mexican Grill 2 Yet to Reopen
Taco Shop Mexican Grill 2, located at 16010 NW 57th Avenue in Miami Lakes, remains closed due to the severity of its conditions, with 15 violations noted. Inspectors found numerous live cockroaches in various areas: “over eight live cockroaches crawling under the steam table,” “two live cockroaches on the wall near the back door,” and “one live cockroach crawling on the front counter by the register.” Dead cockroaches, grease, and grime were also found on handles, surfaces, walls, and ceilings, with residues on the floor. The interior of the microwave and other equipment showed “accumulations of black substance, grease, and food debris.”
Mandeville's Country Style Restaurant & Lounge Violations
Located at 3056 S State Road 7 in Miramar, this restaurant was closed on July 8 after inspectors found six violations, including multiple live cockroaches in the kitchen: “three live cockroaches in front of the triple sink,” “four cockroaches under the prep table,” and “one live cockroach in front of the kitchen exit door.” Inspectors also noted dead cockroaches under shelves and failures in controlling food temperatures, with cooked rice and fish stored at 50°F overnight. Additionally, the ceiling, panels, and ventilation were “dirty with grease, dust, or mold accumulation.”
Cedeno's Cuban Cafe and Its Infractions
Following a complaint, Cedeno's Cuban Cafe at Broward Mall, 8000 West Broward Blvd., Plantation, was inspected and found to have four violations. Inspectors discovered “approximately 60 rodent droppings in the dry storage area next to the rice container” and four more droppings under a prep table. The report also noted: “A wet wiping cloth was not stored in a sanitizing solution between uses,” instead found exposed on the cooking line.
According to Local 10, all restaurants, except Taco Shop Mexican Grill 2, have been permitted to reopen after meeting cleaning and re-inspection requirements. These inspections, prompted by complaints and routine visits, underscore the critical need for strict sanitary practices in food preparation. The report highlights how failures in cleaning, refrigeration, or pest control can pose a significant public health risk.
Understanding Restaurant Closures in South Florida
What were the main reasons for the restaurant closures in South Florida?
The main causes included severe pest infestations, improper food storage temperatures, and unsanitary conditions such as grime-covered kitchen utensils.
Which restaurant had the most violations during the inspections?
China Buffet in Hialeah had the most violations, with 21 infractions noted during the inspection.
Has Taco Shop Mexican Grill 2 reopened after the inspection?
No, Taco Shop Mexican Grill 2 has not yet been authorized to reopen due to the severity of the conditions found.