Elawyers Elawyers
Washington| Change
Find Similar Cases by Filters
You can browse Case Laws by Courts, or by your need.
Find 49 similar cases
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES vs SUPER STOP SIX AVENUE, INC., D/B/A SUPER STOP, 10-009186 (2010)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Miami, Florida Sep. 17, 2010 Number: 10-009186 Latest Update: Oct. 25, 2019

The Issue Whether Respondent committed the violations alleged in the subject Administrative Complaints, and, if so, the penalties that should be imposed.

Findings Of Fact Chapter 500, Florida Statutes, is the Florida Food Safety Act. Petitioner is the agency of the State of Florida that is responsible for the administration and enforcement of Chapter 500. Section 500.032(1) provides as follows: [Petitioner] is charged with the administration and enforcement of this chapter in order to prevent fraud, harm, adulteration, misbranding, or false advertising in the preparation, manufacture, or sale of articles of food. It is further charged to enforce the provisions of this chapter relating to the production, manufacture, transportation, and sale of food, as well as articles entering into, and intended for use as ingredients in the preparation of food. Section 500.02(1) authorizes Petitioner to establish by rule conditions for the manufacturing, processing, packing, holding, or preparation of food and the selling of food at wholesale or retail. Pursuant to that authority, Petitioner has adopted by Florida Administrative Code Rule 5K-4.002(4), pertinent parts of the "2001 Food Code" and the "Supplement to the 2001 Food Code," published by the U.S. Public Health Service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (the Food Code). The violations alleged by Petitioner in both administrative complaints, if proven, would constitute violations of the Food Code and, consequently, violations of chapter 500. At the times relevant to this proceeding, Respondent operated a convenience store located in Miami, Florida, that sold mostly pre-packaged food products at retail, but also provided ancillary food service (the facility). The facility had a retail sales area, a backroom storage area, a walk-in cooler, and an ice machine. The food service operation included a hot case unit that prepared pre-cooked ready-to-eat food products in individual portions for consumption and drinks such as milk, juice, sodas, and beer. Violations of the Food Code can be categorized as "critical" or "non-critical". As compared to a non-critical violation, a critical violation typically involves unsanitary conditions that are more likely to cause physical harm to a consumer or someone handling a product. June 22, 2010 Inspection Jorge Ojeda, a sanitation and safety specialist employed by Petitioner, performed a routine inspection of the facility on June 22, 2010. Mr. Ojeda's inspection revealed numerous food safety violations, including violations that are deemed critical violations. The following are the critical violations found by Mr. Ojeda on June 22, 2010: Rodent droppings were present in the walk-in cooler and retail area; Ice found in bags in the retail area had not been tested for safety. An ice bag in the retail area was missing a food label. There was evidence of smoking in the retail and backroom areas. There was no established employee health policy; A food employee was observed washing utensils or equipment in a hand-wash sink. Meat patties in the heat case were kept below the minimum approved temperature. Other non-critical violations included general disrepair of the facility, holes in walls, standing water, mold on the ice machine, and failure to maintain equipment. During the June 22, 2010, inspection, Mr. Ojeda issued a Stop Sale Order for the meat patties in the hot case unit until the product was reheated to the minimum temperature. After the temperature was raised to an approved level, Mr. Ojeda lifted the Stop Sale Order for the meat patties. Mr. Ojeda also issued a Stop Sale Order for products in the walk-in cooler and in the ice machine until the walk-in cooler and the ice machine were cleaned and sanitized. As noted above, rodent droppings were found in the walk-in cooler. Mr. Ojeda testified that he found mold inside the ice machine. Mr. Ojeda assigned Respondent a "poor" rating and advised that he would return for a follow-up inspection. August 2, 2010 Inspection Mr. Ojeda conducted a follow-up inspection of the facility on August 2, 2010. The inspection revealed numerous food safety violations, some of which are repeat violations. The following are the critical violations found by Mr. Ojeda on August 2, 2010: There was evidence of rodent droppings and live roaches in the facility; Ice found in bags in the retail area had not been tested for safety. An ice bag in the retail area was missing a food label. There was evidence of smoking in the retail and backroom areas. There was no established employee health policy; A food employee was observed washing utensils in a hand-wash sink. Meat patties in the heat case were kept below the minimum approved temperature. Other violations included general disrepair of the facility, holes in walls, and failure to maintain equipment and fixtures. Administrative Complaint for Case No. 10-9186 Following the August 2, 2010, inspection, Petitioner prepared an administrative complaint that underpins DOAH Case No. 10-9186. Petitioner seeks to impose an administrative fine against Respondent in the total amount of $3,700.00 for the violations found during the inspections on June 22 and August 2. August 18, 2010 Inspection Mr. Ojeda conducted an inspection of the facility on August 18, 2010. During that inspection Mr. Ojeda found numerous food safety violations. The following are the critical violations found by Mr. Ojeda on August 18, 2010: There was evidence of the presence of insects and rodents in the store. There was evidence of smoking in the retail and back room areas where food is processed or prepared, where clean equipment or utensils are stored, or were food is uncovered or exposed. There was mold present on the ice machine. Equipment and utensils were not properly sanitized. Items for sale in the retail area were not marked for individual sale. There was no established employee health policy. Food label was missing or incomplete. Juice drinks were not labeled for individual sale. Other violations included general disrepair of the facility, holes in walls, standing water, and failure to maintain equipment and fixtures. Mr. Ojeda issued a Stop Sale Order for all food items in the store due to evidence of rodents and rodent droppings throughout the store. Mr. Ojeda issued a Stop Use Order for the ice machine because he found mold inside the unit. Mr. Ojeda also issued a Stop Sale Order for the hot holding unit because the unit and associated utensils were not properly sanitized. Mr. Ojeda assigned Respondent a "poor" rating and advised that he would return for a follow-up inspection. September 9, 2010 Inspection Mr. Ojeda conducted a follow-up inspection of the facility on September 9, 2010. During that inspection Mr. Ojeda found numerous food safety violations. The following are the critical violations found by Mr. Ojeda on August 18, 2010: There was evidence of the presence of insects and rodents throughout the store. There was evidence of smoking in the retail and back room areas where food is processed or prepared, where clean equipment or utensils are stored, or were food is uncovered or exposed. Grade A milk and milk products were being sold or used beyond the expiration date on the container. Items for sale in the retail area were not marked for individual sale and were missing labels. F. There was no established employee health policy. Other violations included general disrepair of the facility, holes in walls, standing water, and failure to maintain equipment and fixtures. Mr. Ojeda issued a Stop Sale Order for the expired milk offered for sale in the retail area. The product, which expired the day before the inspection, was released to be returned to the distributor. Mr. Ojeda also issued a Stop Sale Order for all food items in the store due to evidence of rodents and rodent droppings throughout the store. Administrative Complaint for Case No. 10-10095 Following the September 9, 2010, inspection, Petitioner prepared an administrative complaint that underpins DOAH Case No. 10-10095. Petitioner seeks to impose an administrative fine against Respondent in the total amount of $1,550.00 for the violations found during the inspections on August 18 and September 9. Petitioner proved by clear and convincing evidence that Respondent committed the violations alleged in Case No. 10-9186. The testimony of Dr. Fruin established that an administrative fine in the amount of $3,700.00 is reasonable for those violations. Petitioner proved by clear and convincing evidence that Respondent committed the violations alleged in Case No. 10-10095. The testimony of Dr. Fruin established that an administrative fine in the amount of $1,500.00 is reasonable for those violations.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services enter a final order that finds Respondent guilty of the violations alleged in Case No 10-9186 and imposes an administrative fine against Respondent in the amount of $3,700.00 for those violations. It is further recommended that the final order find Respondent guilty of the violations alleged in Case No 10-10095 and impose an administrative fine against Respondent in the amount of $1,500.00 for those violations. DONE AND ENTERED this 17th day of February, 2011, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S CLAUDE B. ARRINGTON 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 17th day of February, 2011. COPIES FURNISHED: Lorena Holley, General Counsel Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 407 South Calhoun Street, Suite 520 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800 Honorable Adam Putman Commissioner of Agriculture Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services The Capitol, Plaza Level 10 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0810 Steven Lamar Hall, Esquire Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 407 South Calhoun Street, Suite 520 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Hamid Lakhani Super Stop Six Avenue, Inc., d/b/a Super Stop 15150 Northeast 6th Avenue North Miami Beach, Florida 33162

Florida Laws (5) 120.569120.57500.02500.032500.121
# 3
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS vs PITA'S RESTAURANT, 10-010496 (2010)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tampa, Florida Dec. 07, 2010 Number: 10-010496 Latest Update: Aug. 08, 2011

The Issue The issues in the case are whether the allegations set forth in an Administrative Complaint filed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants (Petitioner), against Pita's Restaurant (Respondent) 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 (2010).1/ At all times material to this case, the Respondent was a restaurant operating at 8412 West Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33615, and holding food service license number 3912285. On October 28, 2009, Rich Decker (Mr. Decker), employed by the Petitioner as a sanitation & safety specialist, performed a routine inspection of the Respondent and observed conditions that violated certain provisions of the Food Code. Food Code violations are classified as "critical" or "non-critical." A critical violation of the Food Code is one that poses a significant threat to the public health, safety, or welfare and is a risk factor for food-borne illness. A non- critical violation of the Food Code is one that does not meet the definition of a critical violation. At the conclusion of the October 28, 2009, inspection, Mr. Decker noted the observed violations in an inspection report. The owner of the Respondent signed the report and received a copy at the time of the inspection. Mr. Decker advised the owner that a follow-up "callback" inspection was scheduled to occur on December 28, 2009, and that the violations needed to be corrected by that date. The callback inspection did not occur on December 28, 2009. Mr. Decker performed the callback inspection on January 5, 2010, and observed some of the same Food Code violations noted on the October 28, 2009, inspection report. At the conclusion of the January 5, 2010, inspection, Mr. Decker again noted the observed violations in an inspection report. The manager of the Respondent signed the report and received a copy at the time of the inspection. The Petitioner subsequently filed the Administrative Complaint at issue in this proceeding. During the October 28, 2009, inspection and again during the January 5, 2010, callback inspection, Mr. Decker observed raw eggs being stored above prepared, ready-to-eat pita bread. This violation was deemed to be critical because raw food stored above ready-to-eat food can lead to bacterial contamination of the ready-to-eat food. During the October 28, 2009, inspection and again during the January 5, 2010, callback inspection, Mr. Decker observed unidentified medicine being stored in a refrigeration unit along with food supplies. This violation was deemed to be critical, because the medicine could have contaminated the food. During the October 28, 2009, inspection and again during the January 5, 2010, callback inspection, Mr. Decker observed prepared, ready-to-eat, and potentially-hazardous food being stored without having been date-marked to identify the last date upon which the food could be consumed. Prepared food has a limited shelf life during which it may be safely consumed. The failure to date-mark prepared food was a critical violation, because such failure may result in the consumption of unsafe food. During the October 28, 2009, inspection and again during the January 5, 2010, callback inspection, Mr. Decker observed that there was no consumer advisory warning related to consumption of raw or undercooked foods posted on the premises. The Food Code requires the posting of such a notice, and the failure to comply is deemed a critical violation, because consumption of certain raw or undercooked foods poses a health risk to some consumers. During the October 28, 2009, inspection and again during the January 5, 2010, callback inspection, Mr. Decker observed an employee engaged in food preparation without wearing a hair net. Although food can be contaminated by human hair, this violation was deemed to be non-critical, because no immediate threat to human health was presented by the violation.

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 a fine of $1,350 against the Respondent and requiring that the Respondent complete an appropriate educational program related to the violations identified herein. DONE AND ENTERED this 20th day of May, 2011, 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 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 20th day of May, 2011.

Florida Laws (5) 120.569120.57201.10509.261603.11
# 4
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS vs FALCON CATERING SERVICE, NO. 8, 10-010930 (2010)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Orlando, Florida Dec. 29, 2010 Number: 10-010930 Latest Update: Jun. 17, 2011

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

Florida Laws (5) 120.569120.57202.12509.032509.261
# 5
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS vs GRANDPA JOHN'S GEORGIA BBQ AND SOUL FOOD, LLC, 14-004018 (2014)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Tampa, Florida Aug. 25, 2014 Number: 14-004018 Latest Update: Nov. 07, 2014

The Issue The issue is whether Respondent is guilty of the violation described in the Administrative Complaint, and if so, what is the appropriate penalty.

Findings Of Fact Petitioner is the state agency charged with regulation of restaurants pursuant to chapter 509. By rule, it has incorporated by reference the regulations in the federal Food Code. These regulations apply to all public food service establishments. See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.001(14). Respondent operates a public restaurant (using its corporate name) located at 12318 University Mall Court, Tampa, Florida, and is subject to Petitioner's regulatory jurisdiction. It holds license number NOS3917320 (Permanent Food Service). Rule 61C-1.005(5)(a)-(c) classifies violations of the Food Code as either "high priority," "intermediate," or "basic," essentially reflecting the level of threat to public health posed by the deficiency. A high priority violation is one that poses a direct or significant threat to public health. Id. This type of violation is at issue in this case. Around 12:24 p.m. on June 11, 2014, Ashley Herrmann, a trained and experienced sanitation and safety specialist employed by Petitioner, performed a routine inspection of Respondent's restaurant, during which Ms. Herrmann observed various violations of the Food Code, including a "high priority" violation. According to the Food Code, except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, potentially hazardous food must be maintained at a temperature of 41° Fahrenheit or less.2 See rule 3-501.16(A)(2)(a), Food Code. A violation of this regulation is classified a high priority violation because food maintained above that temperature is a major contributor to foodborne illnesses. Ms. Herrmann observed several potentially hazardous food items in the walk-in cooler, including (a) raw meat/ poultry, (b) cooked fruits/vegetables, and (c) cheese/milk/ creamer/other dairy products, that were maintained at a temperature greater than 41° Fahrenheit. See Ex. 2. At the conclusion of her inspection, Ms. Herrmann prepared a written report documenting the Food Code violations observed by her. A copy of the inspection report was given to Javari Moore, an employee who was present at that time, and the violations were explained to him. Also, he was told that the violations must be corrected by 10:30 a.m. the following day, June 12, 2014, and that a call-back inspection would be performed at that time to verify that the violations had been corrected. Around 10:30 a.m. on June 12, 2014, Ms. Herrmann performed a call-back inspection of Respondent's premises. While some violations had been corrected, she observed that the high priority Food Code violations observed during the routine inspection on June 11, 2014, had not been corrected. See Ex. 3. Before leaving, Ms. Herrmann provided a copy of the inspection report to Mr. Moore and discussed the violations with him. The findings contained in the inspection reports were used in the preparation of an Administrative Complaint issued against Respondent. Other than stating that no food had been taken out of the walk-in cooler that morning, Mr. Moore gave no further explanation for the high priority violation.3 There is no evidence that Respondent has been found guilty of a prior offense of this nature.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Division of Hotels and Restaurants enter a final order finding that Respondent is guilty of one high priority violation, and imposing a fine of $250.00. Such fine shall be due and payable to the Division of Hotels and Restaurants, 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1011, within 30 calendar days of the date the final order is filed with the agency clerk. DONE AND ENTERED this 21st day of October, 2014, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S D. R. ALEXANDER 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 21st day of October, 2014.

Florida Laws (2) 201.10509.032
# 7
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS vs EL CEVICHE DEL REY, 12-003870 (2012)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Miami, Florida Nov. 29, 2012 Number: 12-003870 Latest Update: May 01, 2013

The Issue The issues to be resolved in this proceeding are whether Respondent committed the violations alleged in the Administrative Complaint dated August 31, 2012, and, if so, what disciplinary action should be taken against Respondent.

Findings Of Fact Petitioner is the state agency charged with the regulation of hotels and restaurants pursuant to chapter 509, Florida Statutes. At all times material to this case, Respondent was a restaurant, El Ceviche Del Rey, located at 9947 Southwest 142 Avenue, Miami, Florida 33186, holding food service license number 2324027. Critical violations are those violations that are more likely to result in food-borne illness if not corrected. Non- critical violations are those violations that, if not corrected, are less likely to contribute to food-borne illness. Gladys Diaz ("Inspector Diaz") is employed by the Department as a Sanitation Safety Specialist. Inspector Diaz has worked for the Department for approximately one and one-half years. Prior to working for the Department, Inspector Diaz managed a McDonalds franchise for 18 years. Upon gaining employment with the Department, Inspector Diaz received training in laws and rules pertaining to the public food service and public lodging establishments. She is a Certified Food Manager and continues to receive monthly training in the area of food management. On August 29, 2012, Inspector Diaz performed a routine food service inspection at El Ceviche Del Rey. During the inspection, Inspector Diaz observed El Ceviche Del Rey opened for business but operating with no running water. Inspector Diaz prepared and signed an inspection report setting forth the violation she encountered during her inspection. Inspector Diaz prepared the inspection report on- site at El Ceviche Del Rey. The inspection report was signed by Inspector Diaz and a representative of the El Ceviche Del Rey. Inspector Diaz specifically noted the violation as being out of compliance and stated, "At the time of the inspection, there was no water at establishment." The Division determined that operating a food service establishment without water was a critical violation because an establishment cannot clean utensils and employees cannot wash their hands without water. Unclean utensils and dirty hands can lead to contamination of food. The Division closed the restaurant with an Emergency Order of suspension of license for the critical violation. On or about August 31, 2012, the Division issued an Administrative Complaint against El Ceviche Del Rey for operating a food service establishment with no water at the establishment in violation of Food Code Rule 5-103.12. Respondent challenged the Administrative Complaint and requested a hearing. No dispute exists that the request for hearing was timely filed. Additional evidence introduced at hearing showed that El Ceviche Del Rey received previous discipline by Final Order in case 2011-040929, entered on December 7, 2011.

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: Finding El Ceviche Del Rey violated section 509, Florida Statutes, through a violation of Food Code Rule 5- 103.12; and Imposing an administrative fine in the amount of $1000.00 against El Ceviche Del Rey, due and payable to the Division of Hotels and Restaurants, 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1011, within thirty (30) calendar days of the date this Order is filed with the agency clerk. DONE AND ENTERED this 11th day of April 2013, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S JUNE C. McKINNEY 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 11th day of April, 2013. COPIES FURNISHED: Charles F. Tunnicliff, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation Suite 42 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 Alberto Villalobos El Ceviche Del Rey 9947 Southwest 142nd Avenue Miami, Florida 33186 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 J. Layne Smith, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792

Florida Laws (6) 120.569120.5720.165201.10509.032509.261
# 8
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS vs FALCON CATERING SERVICE, NO. 7, 10-010925 (2010)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Orlando, Florida Dec. 28, 2010 Number: 10-010925 Latest Update: Jun. 17, 2011

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

Florida Laws (5) 120.569120.57202.12509.032509.261
# 9
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS vs NEW ROSEAU RESTAURANT, 13-004979 (2013)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Micco, Florida Dec. 27, 2013 Number: 13-004979 Latest Update: May 16, 2014

The Issue Whether New Roseau Restaurant (New Roseau), a licensed restaurant, committed the violations alleged in the Administrative Complaint, and, if so, what disciplinary action should be taken against New Roseau.

Findings Of Fact The Division is the State agency charged with regulation of hotels and restaurants pursuant to chapter 509, Florida Statutes. At all times material to this case, New Roseau was licensed as a public food service establishment, with the following business address: 1180 Northwest 119th Street, Miami, Florida 33168. On April 10, 2013, and August 21, 2013, New Roseau was inspected by Dominique Adam, a sanitation and safety specialist with the Division. During both visits, Mr. Adam noticed items that were not in compliance with the laws which govern the facilities and operations of licensed restaurants. Through the testimony of Mr. Adam and the exhibits introduced into evidence during the final hearing, the Division presented clear and convincing evidence that, as of August 21, 2013, the following deficiencies subsisted at New Roseau: (1) no proof of at least one certified food manager, in violation of section 509.039, Florida Statutes; (2) no proof of required state-approved employee training for its employees, in violation of section 509.049(5), Florida Statutes. Both of these deficiencies, pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 61C-1.005, are characterized as intermediate violations. New Roseau is a third or subsequent offender due to the filing of two disciplinary Final Orders within twenty-four months preceding the Administrative Complaint in the present case.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Division of Hotels and Restaurants enter a final order finding New Roseau guilty of both counts in the Administrative Complaint, and ordering New Roseau to pay an administrative penalty in the amount of $1,600.00, to be paid within 30 days after the filing of the final order with the agency clerk. DONE AND ENTERED this 28th day of April, 2014, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S JESSICA E. VARN 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 28th day of April, 2014. COPIES FURNISHED: Charles F. Tunnicliff, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation Suite 42 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 Jean-Claude Duval New Roseau Restaurant 1313 North Federal Highway Hollywood, Florida 33020-7864 Diann S. Worzalla, Director Division of Hotels and Restaurants Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 J. Layne Smith, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202

Florida Laws (4) 120.569120.57509.039509.049
# 10

Can't find what you're looking for?

Post a free question on our public forum.
Ask a Question
Search for lawyers by practice areas.
Find a Lawyer