A restaurant nightmare unfolded in Key West, forcing a popular eatery to close its doors due to a severe rodent infestation. Imagine the scene: over 80 rodent droppings discovered throughout the kitchen! This wasn't just a few stray crumbs; it was a full-blown crisis. But that's not all; a bar near FIU also faced its own pest problems.
At Grand Café on Duval Street, the situation was dire. Inspectors found droppings everywhere – on the dish machine, behind the beverage cooler, even inside food containers. To make matters worse, there were bite marks on a 10-pound bag of pasta. It's enough to make anyone lose their appetite.
But here's where it gets controversial: What about the health of the customers?
Not too far away, at New Wave Billiards, the problems continued. A live rat was found stuck on a glue trap, and roaches were crawling around. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation documented the violations in detail. Let's break down what they found:
Grand Café:
- 11 Violations: The list is extensive, including numerous rodent droppings, bite marks on pasta, and unsanitary conditions like grease buildup. The inspectors found approximately 8 rodent droppings on top of the dish machine, 2 behind the beverage cooler, 6 under the coffee machine, and 15 under the steam table. Furthermore, they discovered 15 rodent droppings inside a plastic container with uncooked pasta and 20 on a tray under freshly baked bread. They also found the floor soiled with grease, and food was being kept at unsafe temperatures.
- Stop Sale: The inspectors had to issue a stop sale because the pasta bag was damaged by the rodents.
- Lack of Certified Manager: The restaurant didn't have a certified food service manager on duty, which is a critical requirement.
New Wave Billiards:
- 7 Violations: The violations included a live rat on a glue trap, roach activity, and mold in the ice machine.
- Pest Infestation: The inspectors found a live rat on a glue trap and roaches crawling around.
- Improper Food Handling: Food packaged using a reduced oxygen method lacked proper labeling.
The good news? Both establishments were allowed to reopen after cleaning and re-inspection. However, the incidents raise serious questions about food safety and hygiene.
What do you think? Do these incidents make you reconsider where you eat? Share your thoughts in the comments below! What steps should restaurants take to prevent such infestations?
