Five Central Florida Restaurants Shut Down Over Serious Health Violations

Cocoa Beach, Florida - Central Florida’s dining scene faced a significant shake-up recently, with five local restaurants forced to close their doors for health violations. This surprising turn of events came to light through unexpected inspections, highlighting the challenges of maintaining food safety in the bustling restaurant industry.

According to Click Orlando, between June 9 and June 16, violations were recorded across various eateries in Cocoa Beach, Haines City, Lake Mary, and Orlando. Among the culprits were infestations of roaches and rodents, coupled with improper food handling that raised alarm bells for the health department.

Recent Restaurant Closures

First on the list is **Mimmo’s Pizza & Ristorante of Cocoa Beach**. On June 11, inspectors discovered over 200 rodent droppings, rodent „rub marks“ on the walls and ceiling, and pizza slices left out for an undetermined time. Thankfully, by June 12, the restaurant had corrected these violations and was allowed to reopen.

**Taco Loco** in Haines City faced its own issues. During an inspection on June 11, an employee was found washing their hands without soap, and shredded cheese was stored at 46 degrees—exceeding the 41-degree limit. The restaurant met inspection standards the following day.

**La Antioquena Restaurant** in Lake Mary was not immune to these issues. Inspectors found over 10 live roaches and fish that were not in „wholesome, sound condition“ on June 12. Improper storage temperatures for salsa were also noted. Fortunately, the establishment managed to address these violations by June 13.

In Orlando, **El Palacio Buffet** was flagged for raw beef improperly stored over crab cakes, four live roaches under prep tables, and milk left out of refrigeration. They, too, rectified their issues by the next day. Last but not least, **Pang’s BBQ** had hot dog buns and pork buns held at unsafe temperatures and meat without time markings at the front counter. After compliance, they reopened on June 12.

Inspection Overview and Insights

As many locals might wonder, how do these inspections come about? The Florida Department of Health conducts these evaluations through the Environmental Health section at the County Health Department. Routine inspections are a part of a broader food safety system and often occur unannounced. In cases of significant violations, re-inspections are mandated to ensure compliance within a specified timeframe.

Notably, inspections can yield three types of results: satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or incomplete. An unsatisfactory rating signals that immediate corrections are necessary due to significant health threats. Interestingly, handwashing is pinpointed as the leading cause of foodborne outbreaks across the state, highlighting a common area where improvements can be made in the food service industry.

Local residents may view these shutdowns as alarming, yet they serve as a reminder of the vigilance that must be maintained in the restaurant business. Ensuring health safety is not merely a regulatory requirement—it plays a vital role in public health.

As we continue to enjoy the vibrant flavors that Central Florida has to offer, let’s hope that the recent closures prompt restaurateurs to fine-tune their operations. After all, there’s something to be said for putting the health of patrons first.

For more information on health inspections and food safety initiatives in Florida, visit Florida Department of Health.

For the full list of restaurant violations and their resolutions, see what Click Orlando has to say.