The Issue The issues in DOAH Case No. 10-1704 are whether Respondent, Stacked Subs (Respondent), committed the violations alleged in the Administrative Complaint dated November 5, 2008, and, if so, what penalty should be imposed. Similarly, the issues in DOAH Case No. 10-2445 are whether Respondent committed the violations alleged in the Administrative Complaint dated June 24, 2009, and, if so, what penalty should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner is the state agency charged with the responsibility of regulating hotels and restaurants within the State of Florida regarding health and safety codes. See § 509.032, Fla. Stat. (2009). At all times material to the allegations of these cases, Respondent operated as a public food service establishment subject to Petitioner’s jurisdiction. In his capacity as an inspector for Petitioner, Alfonso Rullan visited Respondent’s place of business (2054 State Road 436, Winter Park, Florida) on December 19, 2007. During the inspection, Mr. Rullan noted several food service violations that he memorialized in an inspection report provided to, and signed by, Mr. Nevarez. The violations, more fully described in Petitioner's Exhibit 2, required correction. It was contemplated that Respondent would correct the violations of the Food Code such that on second inspection the violations would no longer be found. Since the inspection revealed “critical” violations, it was incumbent on Respondent to timely correct the violations noted in the inspection report. “Critical” violations are violations that, if left uncorrected, can contribute to food contamination, food-borne illness, or adversely affect public health. Thus, “critical violations” must be timely corrected, as they are a present concern. Violations that could lead to critical violations are denoted as “non-critical.” These “non- critical” violations must also be corrected, but they do not constitute a present threat to the public On March 12, 2008, Inspector Will Goris returned to Respondent’s place of business and completed a second inspection report, denoting critical violations uncorrected from the prior inspection and itemizing the concerns that required correction. Mr. Nevarez signed the report. This report, Petitioner’s Exhibit 3, chronicled ten violations of the Food Code. Subsequently, Petitioner issued an Administrative Complaint (DOAH Case No. 10-1704), outlining the uncorrected and critical violations Respondent had failed to timely address. Respondent timely contested the complaint and sought an administrative hearing in connection with the allegations. Between December 2007 and March 12, 2008, Respondent failed to correct the following violations: Cheese in the reach-in cooler at the front counter was 51 degrees; Employees reported to work and handled food without first washing hands; The prep table was adjacent to the fryers and under the hood was encrusted and greasy; and Single service cups were stored on the floor by the register. Of the foregoing violations, the failure of employees to wash their hands prior to handling food was the most critical violation. This violation was noted by both inspectors. On January 26, 2009, Inspector Goris conducted a routine inspection of Respondent’s premises. On this date, minor violations of the Food Code were again noted, but Mr. Nevarez was given a “met inspection standards” review for this visit. Nevertheless, Petitioner expected Respondent to correct the non-critical violations in a timely manner. On June 17, 2009, when Inspector Goris presented at the restaurant, violations were discovered that led to the second Administrative Complaint, DOAH Case No. 10-2445. Two of the violations were deemed repeat violations, and two were critical violations directly related to public safety; to wit: the soda disperser had slime on it, and proof of employee food- handler training was not available. Respondent timely challenged the Administrative Complaint in DOAH Case No. 10-2445. As to all alleged violations, Respondent was provided adequate notice of the allegations and was provided sufficient time to correct deficiencies. Respondent maintains that inspectors should be trained in abuse of power as their inspections can be discretionary and arbitrary. For example, Respondent claimed that the sleeve of cups on the floor by the cash register had merely fallen there when the inspector cited the violation. Respondent’s claim of abuse of power was unsupported by factual evidence. Moreover, the inspections performed by both inspectors documented objective criteria unrelated to opinion or subjective review. For example, dirty, greasy, or encrusted food surfaces were documented. The failure of employees to wash their hands was documented. The inadequate or incorrect temperature of containers of food was documented. These are not subjective items, but were disclosed to Respondent during and at the time of inspection. It is determined that the inspectors’ testimony was credible and persuasive as to the violations cited. The "Food Code," as it is used in this record, refers to paragraph 1-201.10(B), Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, and Chapter 7 of the Food Code, 2001 Recommendations of the United States Public Health Service/Food and Drug Administration including Annex 3: Public Health Reasons/Administrative Guidelines; Annex 5: HACCP Guidelines of the Food Code; the 2001 Food Code Errata Sheet (August 23, 2002); and Supplement to the 2001 FDA Food Code (August 29, 2003). The Food Code has been adopted by the Department by rule. See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.001. The Food Code is also available through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Internet website.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, enter a final order imposing an administrative fine against Respondent in the amount of $1,750.00 for the violations listed in DOAH Case No. 10-1704 and $1,000.00 for the violations identified in DOAH Case No. 10-2445. The Respondent should also be required to attend training for a better understanding of the requirements of the Food Code to assure that proper guidelines are adopted and implemented at the restaurant. DONE AND ENTERED this 5th day of October, 2010, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S J. D. PARRISH Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 5th day of October, 2010. COPIES FURNISHED: Charles F. Tunnicliff, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42 Tallahassee, Florida Carlos Nevarez Stacked Subs 32399 2054 State Road 436 Winter Park, Florida 32792 Reginald Dixon, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 William L. Veach, Director Division of Hotels and Restaurants Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792
The Issue The issues are whether Respondent offered for sale adulterated or misbranded food in violation of Subsections 500.04(1) and (2) and 500.10(1)(f), Florida Statutes (2007),1 and, if so, what penalty, if any, should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating food establishments in the state. Respondent operates a business that sells mostly pre-packaged food products at retail but also provides ancillary food service. The food service operation is a “deli” that prepares ready-to-eat food products in individual portions for consumption on the premises, including sandwiches, coffee, and ice cream. A sanitation and safety specialist (Specialist) for Petitioner performed a routine inspection of the business on February 28, 2008. Numerous food safety violations existed. Ice held for sale had not been tested for safety. An open mayonnaise container was stored at room temperature. Meat used for the preparation of sandwiches was not documented as to how long it had been open. No test strips were available for the chlorine sanitizer. Ready-to-eat food items in the freezer were not labeled with the preparation date. Fish was not labeled with the product name, ingredients, and distributor. Batteries and soap were stored above food items on retail shelves. The Specialist removed the ice machine until the required test for fecal coliforms was performed; the results of which subsequently proved to be negative. The Specialist required Respondent to label all packaged food items with the product name, ingredients, weight, and distributor. The Specialist informed Respondent that she had assigned a poor rating to the premises and would return for a re-inspection, which the Specialist performed on March 17, 2008. Open meat in the deli area remained unmarked as to how long it had been open. A cooker contained rice at 77 degrees rather than the required 135 degrees. Cooked food items in the refrigerator behind the meat cooler remained undated and unlabeled. Food items in the freezer continued to be unlabeled with the product name, ingredients, weight, and distributor. Eggs, milk, and yogurt were stored in a retail cooler at 50 degrees rather than the required 41 degrees. Insect spray and liquid air fresheners were stored above single service paper towels. The Specialist notified Respondent that she rated the premises as poor and would return for another re-inspection, which the Specialist performed on March 31, 2008. Respondent had corrected the previous violations by March 31, 2008. The Specialist returned on April 1, 2008, with her supervisor. Mustard was stored in the deli at 80 degrees rather than the required 41 degrees. Open foods and meat in the self- service coolers in the deli were not documented as to how long they had been open. Food was being stored in the refrigerator behind the meat cases at 61 degrees rather than the required 41 degrees. Food items stored in the refrigerator in the back of the premises were not documented as to how long they had been open, and meat products stored in the self-service area were not labeled. Frozen food in the top of a refrigerator was thawed. A can of gasoline was stored in the mop sink. Petitioner proposes a fine of $3,100.00. A fine of $3,100.00 is reasonable under the circumstances. Petitioner has not promulgated a rule prescribing aggravating and mitigating circumstances for an administrative fine. However, Petitioner presented relevant expert testimony that was credible and persuasive. Respondent committed numerous and egregious food safety violations. A significant number of the violations were critical violations and presented a significant risk to food safety and public health. Respondent prepared, produced, and packed or held food in a manner that exposed the food to contamination and that presented other unwholesome conditions that are injurious to health. The record includes no evidence of actual harm to the public. Respondent has no prior discipline.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner enter a final order finding Respondent guilty of committing the acts and violations alleged in the Administrative Complaint and imposing a fine of $3,100.00. DONE AND ENTERED this 22nd day of December, 2008, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S DANIEL MANRY Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 22nd day of December, 2008.
The Issue The issues in these consolidated cases are stated in the counts set forth in the Administrative Complaint for each case: Whether Falcon Catering Service No. 7 (hereinafter "Falcon 7") and Falcon Catering Service No. 8 (hereinafter "Falcon 8") failed to maintain the proper protection and temperature requirements for food sold from their mobile site in violation of the federal Food and Drug Administration Food Code ("Food Code"). In the Prehearing Stipulation filed in this matter, each Respondent generally admitted to the violations in the Administrative Complaints, but suggested that mitigating factors should absolve them of the charges or greatly reduce any administrative fine imposed.
Findings Of Fact The Division is responsible for monitoring all licensed food establishments in the state. It is the Division's duty to ensure that all such establishments comply with the standards set forth in relevant statutes and rules. Respondents Falcon 7 and Falcon 8 are licensed mobile food dispensing vehicles. Falcon 7 has license No. MFD5852560, which was initially issued on April 23, 2005; Falcon 8 has license No. MFD5852642, which was issued on October 19, 2005. Each of the Respondents serves meals and snacks to, inter alia, laborers at construction sites. On or about March 13, 2009, the Division conducted a food service inspection on Falcon 7. At that time, the food truck was located at 4880 Distribution Court, Orlando, Florida. One of the Food Code violations found by the inspector was Item 53b. That citation meant there was no validation of employee training on the truck. A follow-up inspection was deemed to be required. On April 10, 2009, a follow-up inspection was conducted by the Division. At that time, Item 53b was cited as a repeat offense. Also, Item 8a was cited. Item 8a refers to protection of food from contaminants and keeping food at an acceptable temperature. Notes by the inspector indicate that a further violation of Item 8a occurred because customers were allowed to serve themselves directly from food containers, and there was no fan in operation during the serving of food. On May 28, 2009, another inspection of Falcon 7 was conducted. At that time, the food truck was located at 12720 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida. Item 8a was again cited as a deficiency. The inspector's notes indicate that food was not properly protected from contamination and that customers were being served "buffet style" from the back of the truck. The inspector noted that this was a repeat violation. A follow-up or "call-back" inspection was conducted on December 3, 2009, at which time the temperature in Orlando was unusually cold. The food truck was at the same address on Orange Blossom Trail as noted in the prior inspection. Falcon 7 was again found to have been serving food buffet style from the back of the food truck. An Item 8a violation was again noted by the inspector. Another inspection of Falcon 7 was conducted on January 19, 2010, another very cold day in Orlando. At that time, the food truck was located at the same site as the last two inspections. The inspector cited the food truck for an Item 8a violation again, stating that the food was not being protected from contaminants. Dust was flying up on the back of the truck to exposed food items. An inspection of Falcon 8 was conducted on August 25, 2009, while the truck was located at 4880 Distribution Court, Orlando, Florida. An Item 8a violation was noted by the inspector, who found that displayed food was not properly protected from contaminants. The food truck was located under an Interstate 4 overpass and was open to flying debris. The inspector noted that customers were being served buffet style and that there was no protection of food from contamination by the customers. A follow-up inspection for Falcon 8 was conducted on August 27, 2009, at 9:12 a.m., while the food truck was located at the same site. Another Item 8a violation was cited at that time. The violation notes indicate essentially the same situation that had been cited in the initial inspection two days earlier. Less than one hour after the follow-up inspection, another inspection was conducted on Falcon 8 at the same location as the prior two inspections. There were no Item 8a citations issued during this inspection, but the food truck was found to have no water available for hand washing. The food truck employee was using a hand sanitizer to clean her hands. Respondents do not dispute the facts set forth above. However, Respondents provided mitigating facts for consideration in the assessment of any penalty that might be imposed. Those mitigating factors are as follows: The food trucks were serving an inordinately large number of workers during the dates of the inspections. The City of Orlando was constructing its new basketball arena, and there were numerous laborers involved in the project. In order to serve the workers, it was necessary for the food trucks to put their food out on tables, rather than ladle the food directly from the food warmers in the food truck. In fact, the shelves in the food trucks are so narrow that dipping food out of the warmers would be impossible. Due to the cold weather in Orlando during this time, it was impossible to keep the food at acceptable temperature levels for very long. The large number of workers washing their hands at the food trucks caused the trucks to run out of water much more quickly than normal. When the water ran out, the employees took care to sanitize their hands as well as possible. Ms. Falcon testified that the inspector's testimony concerning use of tables to serve food was erroneous. However, Sabrina Falcon was not present during the inspections, and her contradictory testimony is not reliable.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be entered by Petitioner, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, imposing a fine of $500.00 against Falcon Catering Service, No. 7, in DOAH Case No. 10-10925; and a fine of $750.00 against Falcon Catering Service, No. 8, in DOAH Case No. 10-10930. All fines should be paid within 30 days of the entry of the Final Order by the Division. DONE AND ENTERED this 10th day of May, 2011, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S R. BRUCE MCKIBBEN Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 10th day of May, 2011. COPIES FURNISHED: William L. Veach, Director Division of Hotels and Restaurants Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Layne Smith, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Charles F. Tunnicliff, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 Sabrina Falcon Falcon Catering Service 642 Mendoza Drive Orlando, Florida 32825 Megan Demartini, Qualified Representative Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202
The Issue The issues are as follows: (a) whether Respondent violated Chapter 509, Florida Statutes, and specific provisions of the Food Code, 2001, Recommendations of the United States Public Health Service/Food and Drug Administration (Food Code), adopted by reference in Florida Administrative Code Rule 61C-1.001(14); and, if so, (b) what penalty should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner is the state agency charged with regulating the operation of public food service establishments pursuant to Chapter 509, Florida Statutes (2010). Respondent is, and has been at all times material hereto, licensed by or subject to Petitioner's jurisdiction. Respondent has been licensed at least since October 2007. Respondent's business address is 4860 Northwest 38th Avenue, Suite C, Gainesville, Florida. "Critical violations" are violations of the Food Code that pose a significant threat to the public health, safety, or welfare, and which are identified as food-borne illness risk factors that require public health intervention. "Non-critical violations" are any other type of violation prohibited by statute or rule. After inspections on December 19, 2007, August 4, 2008, and August 6, 2008, Petitioner issued an Administrative Complaint dated September 16, 2008, in Petitioner's Case No. 2008051321 against Respondent. The complaint alleged the following violations: (a) 03A-07-1, potentially hazardous food held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit; (b) 30-02-1, mop sink's vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb; (c) 36-13-1, grease accumulated under cooking equipment; (d) 37-05-1, observed walls soiled with accumulated food debris; (e) 52-01-1, misrepresentation of food or food product by advertising crab on sushi menu but using imitation crab; and (e) 53B-08-1, no proof of required employee training. On October 6, 2008, Respondent signed a Stipulation and Consent Order, agreeing to pay a fine in the amount of $1,550. in Petitioner's Case No. 2008051321. Petitioner issued a Final Order in that case on October 22, 2008. The record does not indicate whether Respondent ever paid the administrative fine. Daniel Fulton is Petitioner's Senior Inspector. Mr. Fulton performed inspections of Respondent's business on January 22, 2009, April 3, 2009, August 12, 2009, and August 17, 2009. These inspections resulted in the issuance of the Administrative Complaint at issue in DOAH Case No. 10-2427. Julianne Browning is Petitioner's Senior Sanitation and Safety Specialist. Ms. Browning performed inspections of Respondent's business on February 15, 2010 and April 19, 2010. These inspections resulted in the issuance of the Administrative Complaint at issue in DOAH Case No. 10-3294. On January 22, 2009, Mr. Fulton performed an unscheduled inspection of Respondent's restaurant. During the inspection, Mr. Fulton observed the following critical violations: (a) 03A-07-1, potentially hazardous cold food held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit, including but not limited to, noodles on cook line at 51 degrees Fahrenheit; (b) 31-09-1, hand sink in preparation area not accessible for employee use at all times; (c) 35A-03-1 and 35A-05-1, dead and live roaches on premises in several locations; (d) 06-04-1, thawing potentially hazardous foods improperly because water was not running; (e) 22-20-1, food contact surfaces not sanitized because interior of ice maker not kept clean; and (f) 30-02-1, plumbing not properly installed and/or maintained because vacuum breaker missing on hose bibb at front hand sink. During the January 22, 2009, inspection, Mr. Fulton observed the following non-critical violations: (a) 14-37-1, cutting board grooved/pitted and no longer cleanable; (b) 10-07- 1, in-use utensils, such as a spoon, stored in standing water at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit; and (c) 24-05-1, clean utensils were not properly stored because spoons in the customer area were facing food side up and there were unprotected plates in the sushi area. After the January 22, 2009, inspection, and a callback inspection on April 3, 2009, Petitioner issued an Administrative Complaint dated May 19, 2009, in Petitioner's Case No. 2009026581 against Respondent. The complaint alleged the following critical violations: (a) 03A-07-1, potentially hazardous cold food held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit; (b) 12A-12-1, employee working with raw food then with ready-to- eat food without washing hands or changing both gloves; (c) 12A- 13-1, employee handled soiled equipment or utensils then prepared food, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands or changing gloves; (d) 21-12-1, wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses; and (e) 32-15-1, no hand-washing sign at hand sink used by food employees. On August 1, 2009, Respondent signed a Stipulation and Consent Order, agreeing to pay a fine in the amount of $1,750. in Petitioner's Case No. 2009026581. Petitioner issued a Final Order in that case on July 1, 2009. The record does not indicate whether Respondent ever paid the administrative fine. On August 12, 2009, Petitioner's staff made a routine inspection of Respondent's restaurant. During the inspection, Petitioner's staff observed the following critical violations: (a) 03A-07-1, cold food not at proper temperature during storage, display, or service, including but not limited to tofu on the cook line at 75 degrees Fahrenheit; (b) 31-09-1, hand- washing sink not accessible for employee use at all times; (c) 35A-03-1, dead roaches on premises; (d) 06-04-1, potentially hazardous foods improperly thawed at room temperature, including beef, pork, fish, and hamburger; (e) 22-20-1, food contact surfaces not clean and sanitized due to buildup of slime in the interior of the icemaker; and (f) 30-02-1, vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb. During the August 12, 2009, inspection, Mr. Fulton observed the following non-critical violations: (a) 14-37-1, cutting board grooved/pitted and no longer cleanable; (b) 10-07- 1, in-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit; and (c) 24-05-1, clean glasses, cups, utensils, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. On August 17, 2009, Mr. Fulton performed a callback inspection of Respondent's restaurant. During the inspection, Mr. Fulton observed the following critical violations: (a) 31- 09-1, hand-washing sink not accessible for employee use at all times; (b) 35A-03-1 and 35A-05-1, live and dead roaches on the premises; (c) 06-04-1, potentially hazardous food thawed at room temperature; (d) 22-20-1, food contact surfaces not clean and sanitized due to buildup of slime in the interior of the icemaker; and (e) 30-02-1, vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb. During the August 17, 2009, inspection, Mr. Fulton observed the following non-critical violations: (a) 14-37-1, cutting board grooved/pitted and no longer cleanable; (b) 10-07- 1, in-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit; and (c) 24-05-1, clean glasses, cups, utensils, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. On February 15, 2010, Ms. Browning performed a routine inspection of Respondent's restaurant. During the inspection, Ms. Browning observed the following critical violations: (a) 03A-07-1, cold food held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit during storage, display, or service, including seafood broth, rice, chicken curry in reach-in cooler, chicken in top of reach-in cooler, fish eggs on counter, cream cheese in sushi case, and fish tempura in sushi area; (b) 08A-26-1, food not properly protected during storage based on observation of raw animal food stored over ready-to-eat foods, such as raw eggs over soup and raw beef over cooked shrimp; (c) 12A-13-1, employee handled soiled equipment or utensils then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands or changing gloves; (d) 01B-24-1, ready-to-eat potentially hazardous food, such as eggroll mix with pork, not consumed/sold within seven days after opening/preparation; (e) 12B-03-1, employee drinking from an open beverage container in a food preparation or other restricted area while rolling silverware; (f) 08B-04-1, using paper as a food contact surface by storing bread crumbs on greasy brown paper; (g) 22-20-1, build-up of slime in the interior of the ice machine; (h) 30-02-1, vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb; (i) 05-09-1, no conspicuous thermometer in holding units such as sushi case and two reach-in freezers; (j) 09-05-1, improper use of bowl/plastic container or other container with no handle to dispense food such as rice that is not ready-to-eat; (k) 27-16-1, hot water not provided at mop sink because shut off; and (l) 52-01-1, misrepresentation of identity of food or food product because advertising crab delight in sushi bowl and salad platter but using imitation crab instead. During the February 15, 2010, inspection, Ms. Browning observed the following non-critical violations: (a) 21-11-1, wiping-cloth sanitizing solution not at proper strength and not provided at sushi bar; (b) 14-32-1, using wood that is not hard and close-grained, such as bamboo sushi mats, as a food contact surface; (c) 18-04-1, old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning; (d) 26-02-1, improper re-use of single-service articles such as reusing plastic wrap to cover sushi mats; and (e) 23-05-1, residue build-up on towel dispenser at cook-line hand sink. On April 10, 2010, Ms. Browning performed a callback inspection at Respondent's restaurant. During the inspection, Petitioner's staff observed the following critical violations: (a) 03A-07-1, potentially hazardous food held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit, including seafood broth, rice, chicken curry in reach-in cooler, chicken in top of reach-in cooler, fish eggs on counter, fish tempura in sushi area, and conch, salmon, tuna, and cream cheese all in sushi case; (b) 08A-26-1, raw animal food stored over ready-to-eat food, such as eggs over soup; (c) 12A-13-1, employee handling soiled equipment or utensils then preparing food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items, without washing hands or changing gloves; (d) 01-B-24-1, potentially hazardous food not consumed/sold within seven days after opening/preparation; (e) 12B-03-1, employee drinking from an open beverage container in a food preparation or other restricted area while rolling silverware; (f) 08B-04-1, paper used as a food-contact surface, such as bread crumbs stored on greasy brown paper; (g) 22-20-1, buildup of slime in the interior of the ice machine; (h) 30-02-1 vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb in mop sink; (i) 05-09-1, no conspicuous thermometer in holding units, such as two reach-in freezers; (j) 09-05-1, improper use of bowl/plastic food container or other container with no handle used to dispense food that is not ready-to-eat, such as rice; (k) 27-16-1, no hot water at mop sink because shut off; and (l) 52-01-1, misrepresentation of food identity, such as advertising crab delight in sushi bowl and salad platter but using imitation crab. During the inspection on April 10, 2010, Ms. Browning observed the following non-critical violations: (a) 21-11-1, wiping-cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength and none at the sushi bar; (b) 14-32-1, improperly using wood that is not hard or close-grained as a food-contact surface, such as bamboo sushi mats; (c) 18-04-1, old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning; (d) 26-02-1, re-use of single-service articles, such as using plastic wrap over and over on sushi mats; and (e) 23-05-1, residue build-up on nonfood-contact surfaces, as found on towel dispenser at hand sink on cook line. During the above-referenced inspections, Petitioner's staff repeatedly observed the same critical and non-critical violations of the Food Code at Respondent's restaurant. Even if Respondent was able to correct some of the violations while Petitioner's staff was on the premises, Respondent made no effort to ensure that the violations did not re-occur before the next inspection.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, enter a final order suspending Respondent's license for six consecutive days as a penalty in DOAH Case No. 10-2427 and for ten consecutive days as a penalty in DOAH Case No. 10-3294. DONE AND ENTERED this 14th day of October, 2010, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S SUZANNE F. HOOD Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 14th day of October, 2010. COPIES FURNISHED: Charles F. Tunnicliff, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Hung Nguyen Taste of Saigon II 4860 Northwest 39th Avenue, Suite C Gainesville, Florida 32606 William L. Veach, Director Division of Hotels and Restaurants Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Reginald Dixon, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399
The Issue The issues in the case are whether the allegations of the Administrative Complaint are correct, and, if so, what penalty should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact The Petitioner is the state agency charged with regulation of hotels and restaurants pursuant to Chapter 509, Florida Statutes (2006). At all times material to this case, the Respondent was a restaurant located at 7551 West Waters Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33615, holding Food Service license number 3903935. On July 11, 2006, Richard Decker, a senior inspector representing the Petitioner, performed a routine inspection of the Respondent that resulted in emergency closure of the restaurant due to a roach infestation problem. The inspection report stated that the deadline for correcting the roach problem was July 12, 2006, and the matter was apparently resolved in a timely manner. Mr. Decker found additional violations of applicable Food Code regulations on July 11, 2006, which were cited in a written Food Service Inspection Report, a copy of which was provided to restaurant owner Anthony Della Monica on the date of the inspection. Mr. Decker's inspection identified critical and non- critical violations. Critical Food Code violations pose serious public health risk due to potential transmission of food-borne illness. Critical life safety violations such as blocked exits increase the risk of public injury. Violations that do not pose a direct and imminent public health risk are identified as non- critical. Other than as set forth herein, the violations cited during the July inspections were to have been corrected by the time of Mr. Decker's August 15, 2006, re-inspection. Many of the previously cited violations had not been corrected at that time. The August 15, 2006, re-inspection report was received by Mr. Della Monica on the date of the inspection. Mr. Decker again re-inspected the restaurant on October 20, 2006. Several violations previously cited in July remained uncorrected at that time. The October 20, 2006, re- inspection report was received by Head Chef Kurt Clasen on the date of the inspection. During the July inspection, Mr. Decker cited the Respondent for failing to have a certified food manager on the premises and for lacking of proof that employees had received food safety training. Such training was intended to reduce the potential for transmission of food-borne illness. These violations were deemed critical. Although Mr. Decker established an extended deadline of October 11, 2006, to correct the certified food manager and employee training violations, they remained uncorrected by the October 20, 2006, re-inspection. During the July inspection, Mr. Decker cited the Respondent for lacking a hand sink in the dishwashing area and noted that a hand sink at the rear of the kitchen was being used for food preparation. The requirements related to hand sinks were intended to reduce the potential for transmission of food- borne illness. The violations of the requirements were deemed critical. The Respondent still lacked a hand sink in the dishwashing area at the time of both re-inspections. During the July inspection, Mr. Decker cited the Respondent for using extension cords on a non-temporary basis to power equipment in the kitchen. The Respondent's improper electrical cord use was a fire hazard and was deemed a critical violation. By law, extension cords can only be used on a temporary basis. The cited extension cords remained in use by the Respondent at the time of both re-inspections. During the July inspection, Mr. Decker cited the Respondent for removing food products from original packaging and storing them in unlabeled containers, a critical violation that increased the risk of confusing food products with non- edible products such as cleaning chemicals. The violation remained uncorrected at the time of both re-inspections. During the July inspection, Mr. Decker cited the Respondent for lacking a chemical testing kit used to ascertain that the dishwasher sanitization function was operating properly. Lack of proper sanitation increased the potential for transmission of food-borne illness. The violation, deemed critical, was not corrected by the time of either re-inspection. During the July inspection, Mr. Decker cited the Respondent for failing to have a visible thermometer in a pizza- holding unit. The inability to monitor food-holding temperatures increased the potential for transmission of food- borne illness and was a critical violation. The violation was uncorrected at the time of the August re-inspection as it should have been, but it had been remedied by the October re- inspection. During the July inspection, Mr. Decker cited the Respondent for the lack of light bulb shields in a food service area, which increased the risk that food could be contaminated by glass in the event of light bulb breakage. This was deemed a non-critical violation and remained uncorrected at the time of either re-inspection.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation enter a final order imposing a fine of $3,800 against the Respondent and requiring the Respondent to complete an appropriate educational program related to the violations identified herein. DONE AND ENTERED this 11th day of May, 2007, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S WILLIAM F. QUATTLEBAUM Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 11th day of May, 2007. COPIES FURNISHED: Anthony Della Monica Mama D's Pasta & Grille 1819 Audubon Street Clearwater, Florida 33764 Jessica Leigh, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 William Veach, Director Division of Hotels and Restaurants Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Ned Luczynski, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792
The Issue The issues are whether Respondent's dishmachine chlorine sanitizer was not at proper minimum strength, in violation of Food Code Rule 4-501.114(A); whether vacuum breakers were missing from hose bibs at the mop sink, in violation of Food Code Rule 5-203.14; and whether kitchen ceiling light fixtures hosted an accumulation of dead insects, in violation of Food Code Rule 6-501.112. If any of these violations are proved, an additional issue is the penalty that should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact At all material times, Respondent operated a restaurant located at 1261 South Powerline Road in Pompano Beach, Florida, as a public food service establishment under Permanent Food Service license SEA1620854, profession 2010. On March 17, 2015, Petitioner's inspector conducted an inspection of Respondent's restaurant. The inspection uncovered several violations. The violations included a dishmachine chlorine sanitizer that tested at zero parts per million, which is below proper minimum strength; a missing vacuum breaker at the hose bibb at the mop sink in the rear; and an accumulation of dead insects in the kitchen ceiling light fixtures. The first two violations are "high priority," and the third violation is "basic." The inspector gave Respondent until May 20, 2015, to correct these violations. On May 20, 2015, Petitioner's inspector conducted a followup inspection of Respondent's restaurant. The inspection uncovered several violations, including the three violations cited in the preceding paragraph. The inspector issued warnings for these three uncorrected violations, but gave Respondent an extension of time until July 21, 2015, to correct these violations. On July 21, 2015, Petitioner's inspector conducted a second followup inspection of Respondent's restaurant. The inspection uncovered three violations, which were the three violations cited in the preceding paragraphs. There were now two hose bibbs lacking vacuum breakers. The failure to maintain the proper strength of chlorine in the dishmachine sanitizer jeopardizes the process by which used items are cleaned and sanitized, so as to be free of pathogens, germs, and viruses. The failure to maintain a vacuum breaker, which creates an air gap in a water line, raises the possibility that dirty water will backflow into, and thus contaminate, a potable water line. The failure to remove the dead insects from the kitchen ceiling fixture poses a risk of attracting additional insects. In the 24 months preceding the issuance of the Administrative Complaint, Respondent had been the subject of one disciplinary order. By Stipulation and Consent Order filed October 21, 2014, Respondent agreed to pay an administrative fine of $840 to settle allegations of several Food Code violations, which Respondent neither admitted nor denied.
Recommendation It is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, enter a final order finding Respondent guilty of the three violations set forth above and imposing a fine of $1875. DONE AND ENTERED this 8th day of February, 2016, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S ROBERT E. MEALE Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 8th day of February, 2016. COPIES FURNISHED: Blanca Balcazar Latin Bohemia Grill 1261 South Powerline Road Pompano Beach, Florida 33069 Charles F. Tunnicliff, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 (eServed) Marc A. Drexler, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 (eServed) Diann S. Worzalla, Director Division of Hotels and Restaurants Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (eServed) William N. Spicola, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (eServed)
