Multiple popular restaurant chain locations in Florida were reportedly plagued with rodents and raw sewage during inspections conducted in late October.
Restaurants including Panera Bread and Chipotle violated several health standards enforced by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, according to Local 10. All establishments that had been ordered to close were allowed to reopen once they complied with cleanup and reinspection orders.
DIRTY DINING: 🍴🐀 Rodent droppings and raw sewage overflowing from the bathrooms to the dining area were just some of the issues found last week at restaurants in South Florida. https://t.co/x9nQw96YEm
— WPLG Local 10 News (@WPLGLocal10) October 23, 2023
Inspectors discovered “rodent activity” at the Panera Bread on Homestead, which was ordered closed Oct. 20 with 20 violations, the outlet reported. Approximately 10 rodent droppings were found on the floor near an electrical panel. Other infractions included mold on the ice machine, improper temperature control per food safety standards and food and grease debris throughout the kitchen, according to Local 10.
Inspectors found “raw sewage” on the ground, in the dining area and throughout both gender bathrooms at the Chipotle on Pembroke Pines, which was ordered closed Oct. 17, according to the outlet. One toilet was overflowing, and at least one bathroom was not available for public use. (RELATED: Restaurant Ordered To Close A Second Time After ‘Accumulation Of Dead Rodents’ Found During Health Inspection)
Live roaches were located under a blender, on top of a preparation table and crawling on the walls of the Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine on North Miami, which officials ordered to close Oct. 20, Local 10 reported. At least 10 live roaches were also found inside the drain board brackets by a triple sink. There were several dead roaches, unsanitary floors and food debris inside the oven and the microwave, according to the outlet.
Other eateries including Diana Food Group, Full Bloom Vegan, Yip, Snow Time, Peyton’s Place Bar and Grill and Steak Shop & Deli were found in violation of standards when inspected, according to the outlet. They reportedly faced similar citations such as the presence of insects, improper sanitation and incorrect temperature storage.