Ginny Beagan|Treasure Coast Newspapers
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Since restaurants began reopening in May,inspectors also went back to work.In the past 30 days, 61 Indian River Countyrestaurants passed inspection at the first visit, and 14 did not.
Unlike other states and cities, Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them.So every few weeks, weprovidethatinformation for you.
Here's the breakdown of the most recent restaurant inspections in the county:
Restaurants with the most violations
Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse, 5959 20 St., Vero Beach, had 25 violations at its July 24th inspection. Violations include high priorities such as moldy ice machines and flying insects in the kitchen and several basic violations like storing food on the floor and not storing a mop correctly to let it dry properly.
Asian House Kitchen, 5220 U.S. 1, Vero Beach, had 24 violations. Inspector's notes mention slimy gaskets, greasy oven hoods, dented and rusty cans, menu misrepresentation (crab was not denoted as imitation crab)and improper employee hand-washing.
Riverside Cafe, 1 Beachland Blvd., Vero Beach, was cited for 20 violations on Aug. 10. A dirty microwave oven, expired food management certificate, and not properly separating raw food like chicken and fish.
Ay Jalisco,1902 U.S.1, Vero Beach, also had 20 violations at its July 23inspection, including improper use of single-use gloves, unwashed mushrooms, and potentially hazardoustime-temperature control issues. The establishment reduced the violationsto six at the next day's followup inspection.
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Dunkin Donuts, 9009 20th St., Vero Beach, had 18 violations.No proof of required state-approved employee training, damaged ceiling tiles andtime-temperature control issues regarding food safety.
After being temporarily shut down in early May, Big Apple Pizza, 5970 20 St., Vero Beach, was cited for 17 violations on July 22. A food prepemployeewithout required hair restraints, an "encrusted"microwave oven, soiled cutting boards and an expiredrood manager certificate were among them.
Sandwich Shack, 482 U.S. 1, Sebastian, recorded 17 violations on July 27. Using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the state requirements, not havingsoap and paper towels at a handwash sink, andtime/temperature control concerns for food safety were listed among them. At an emergency follow-up inspection the next day, the restaurant had its violations reduced to four.
Wood n'Spoon, 2015 9th St. SW,Vero Beach, had 15 violations. Dirty fans, improperly stored coffee filters and inadequate sneeze guards at the salad bar/buffet were among them.
Siam Orchid Thai & Sushi, 762 21st St. Vero Beach,recorded 15 violations at its July 20inspection. Notes mention a moldy ice machine, no probe thermometer (to measure temperature of food products) and an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Violations were reduced to eight at the next day's follow-up inspection.
Moe's Southwest Grill, 1601 U.S.1, Vero Beach, was cited for 14 violations, including a crusty can opener, an inadequately trained employee and uncertified food manager.
Beach Bites, 1840 Wabasso Beach Road, Vero Beach, also recorded 14 violations. Theperson in charge was reported to have no managerial control in regards to prescreening employees during COVID 19 pandemic. Dirty fans, damaged walls anda food prep employee without a hair restraint was also noted.
Panera Bread, 5810 20 St., Vero Beach, had 14 violations, includingtime/temperature control concerns regarding food safety, no hot water at an employee handwash sink and a dirty microwave oven,
Johnny D's Food Market & Bistro,1409 South A1A, Vero Beach, recorded 14 violations. They were cited for operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license, plumbing issues and questionablehygienic practices.
Regency Park of Vero Beach(senior living community), 910 Regency Square, Vero Beach, had 13 violations, including a moldy ice machine, a crusty can opener, andtime/temperature control issues regarding foodsafety.
The Pelican Diner,100 Brush Foot Drive, Sebastian, also recorded 13 violations. Notes mention no soap at the kitchen sink, a moldy ice bin and slimy gaskets.
Inti International Restaurant, 2199 7th Ave, Vero Beach, was cited for 13 violations, including soiled slicer blades, an inaccessible employee handwash sink andpotentially hazardous time/temperature control issues regarding food safety.
Restaurant Inspectors: What are they looking for?
Each inspection report is a "snapshot" of conditions present at the restaurant at the time of the inspection. GINNY BEAGAN
Ginny Beagan, TCPALM
Zero violations
The following eateries passed inspection without recording a single violation.
- Holiday Inn Express, 9400 19 Lane, Vero Beach
- Sonic,1780 U.S. 1, Vero Beach
- Phatz, 1555 U.S. 1, Vero Beach
- Checkers,1495 U.S. 1, Vero Beach
- Riverview Coffee, Tea & Books, 482 U.S. 1, Sebastian
- Dignity Foods Food Truck,1015 Commerce Ave, Vero Beach
Inspections may not provide the big picture
TheFlorida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Hotels and Restaurantsconducts more than 48,000 inspections a yearusing a three-tier systemfor food safety and sanitation inspections.
Each inspection isa "snapshot" of conditions present at the time of the inspection andmay not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment.
To read the complete reports, or check on your favoriterestaurant,visit our digital database, which is updated daily and is searchable by county or restaurant name.
Want toreport a food servicecomplaint?
Contact the DBPR Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395 or access the Division of Hotels and Restaurants online complaint form at MyFloridaLicense.com.You can also complete a complaint form and mail it to the division.
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