Roaches Close Restaurant: Inspection Nightmare Uncovered

A Haines City restaurant, Tortilleria La Mexicana #5, faced a temporary closure on November 3rd after an inspector discovered 21 live roaches and other critical violations, including improperly stored chilis and a dirty ice machine. The restaurant quickly rectified these issues, meeting standards with zero violations in a follow-up inspection the next day. This incident highlights the importance of stringent hygiene standards.

During the first two weeks of November, 22 other restaurants also failed to meet inspection standards, with some receiving double-digit violations. While these establishments did not face closure due to pests, their violations ranged from accumulated mold in ice machines to improper food thawing and storage. Many of these infractions were clerical, such as expired licenses or unaddressed employee training, underscoring the multifaceted nature of restaurant compliance.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation emphasizes that inspection reports are snapshots of conditions at a specific moment. Readers are encouraged to review detailed reports to assess potential risks. For those in Polk County, a searchable database is available to check vendor inspection history, empowering consumers to make informed dining decisions.