Elawyers Elawyers
Ohio| Change
Find Similar Cases by Filters
You can browse Case Laws by Courts, or by your need.
Find 49 similar cases
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS vs GIGI'S CAFE, 11-002599 (2011)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Miami, Florida May 23, 2011 Number: 11-002599 Latest Update: Nov. 12, 2019

The Issue The issue is whether Respondent, in the operation of a public food establishment, is guilty of various violations of the law governing such establishments and, if so, what penalty should be imposed.

Findings Of Fact Gigi's Restaurant, LLC, holds Permanent Food Service license 2331011, which authorizes the operation of a public food establishment at 3585 Northeast 207th Street in Aventura, Florida, and expires October 1, 2011. Respondent last renewed its license on September 21, 2010. On January 13, 2010, at 11:29 a.m., an inspector of Petitioner visited Respondent's public food establishment to perform a routine inspection. At the time, Respondent's license had expired. The inspector also observed, among other things, the following violations: the lack of proper hand-drying provisions at the hand-wash sink; a soiled-interior microwave; an inadequate-strength dishmachine sanitizer; not-sanitized- properly-after-cleaning food-contact surfaces and utensils; and no chemical test kit provided when using chemical sanitizer at three-compartment sink. The inspector notified Respondent that a reinspection would take place on March 13, 2010, at 11:30 a.m. On April 21, 2010, the inspector performed a reinspection of the public food establishment. At the time, Respondent still had not renewed its license. The inspector observed the recurrence or continuation of the following violations: the lack of proper hand-drying provisions at the hand-wash sink; a soiled-interior microwave; an inadequate- strength dishmachine sanitizer; not-sanitized-properly-after- cleaning food-contact surfaces and utensils; and no chemical test kit provided when using chemical sanitizer at three- compartment sink. The five remaining violations cited in the Administrative Complaint are all critical violations. A critical violation is more likely than a noncritical violation to cause food-borne illness.

Recommendation It is RECOMMENDED that the Division of Hotels and Restaurants enter a final order determining that Respondent is guilty of the five violations identified above and revoking the public food establishment license of Respondent. DONE AND ENTERED this 8th day of July, 2011, 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 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 8th day of July, 2011. COPIES FURNISHED: Charles F. Tunnicliff, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Arner Gigi Gigi’s Cafe 3585 Northeast 207 Street, No.C302 Miami, Florida 33180 Layne Smith, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 William L. Veach, Director Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399

CFR (1) 21 CFR 178.1010 Florida Laws (7) 120.569120.57120.68201.10509.261703.11837.06
# 6
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS vs BENITEL EDDIE JOEL PEREZ, D/B/A LOS GORDITOS NO. 2, 16-001603 (2016)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Taft, Florida Mar. 21, 2016 Number: 16-001603 Latest Update: Jul. 18, 2016

The Issue The issues in this matter are whether Respondent was out of compliance with the food safety requirements of chapter 509, Florida Statutes (2016),1/ and the implementing administrative rules of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants; and, if so, what disciplinary action is appropriate.

Findings Of Fact The Division is the state agency responsible for regulating the operation of public food service establishments in Florida pursuant to chapter 509. Respondent is a licensed public food service establishment in Florida and holds License No. 3915849. Respondent operates a restaurant under the name of Los Gorditos No. 2 located at 6110 Causeway Boulevard, Tampa, Florida. Respondent is a family-owned and operated business. The restaurant opened in November 2014. As a licensed public food service establishment, Respondent is subject to the Division's regulatory jurisdiction. Respondent must comply with the requirements of chapter 509 and its implementing rules. Respondent is subject to inspection by the Division. Ashley Herrmann (“Inspector Herrmann”) is employed by the Division as a Sanitation Safety Specialist. Inspector Herrmann has worked for the Division for approximately two and a half years as an inspector. Upon gaining employment in the Division, Inspector Herrmann was standardized on the federal Food Code and trained on the laws and rules pertaining to public food service establishments and public lodging establishments. She is also a certified food manager and receives continuing education training on a monthly basis. Inspector Herrmann performs approximately 1,000 inspections each year. On November 5, 2015, Inspector Herrmann performed a routine, unannounced food service inspection on Respondent’s restaurant. During the inspection, Inspector Herrmann prepared a Food Service Inspection Report. In her report, Inspector Herrmann recorded her observations of potential violations. Inspector Herrmann noted approximately 39 conditions for which Respondent had failed to comply with applicable rules or statutes. Jaharia Perez signed the Food Service Inspection Report acknowledging receipt on Respondent’s behalf. Inspector Herrmann informed Respondent that it needed to correct the violations by November 12, 2015. On November 13, 2015, Inspector Herrmann performed a callback inspection on Respondent to follow up on her initial inspection. During this inspection, Inspector Herrmann prepared a Callback Report. Inspector Herrmann found that Respondent had corrected 14 of the violations she identified during her November 5, 2015, inspection. However, Respondent had not addressed the 25 other violations. Inspector Herrmann informed Respondent that the remaining violations needed to be fixed by December 5, 2015. Mariella Mendoza signed the Callback Report acknowledging receipt on behalf of Respondent. On December 8, 2015, Inspector Herrmann performed a second callback inspection on Respondent to follow up on the November 13, 2015, inspection. During this inspection, Inspector Herrmann prepared a second Callback Report. She noted that Respondent had corrected five more violations recorded in her November 5, 2015, and November 13, 2015, inspections. However, 20 violations still existed. Inspector Herrmann informed Respondent that the remaining violations needed to be fixed by January 5, 2016. Jaharia Perez signed the Callback Report acknowledging receipt on Respondent’s behalf. On January 5, 2016, Inspector Herrmann performed a third callback inspection on Respondent. During this inspection, Inspector Herrmann prepared a third Callback Report. On this report, Inspector Herrmann noted that Respondent had fixed at least one more violation identified during her November 5, 2015, November 13, 2015, and December 8, 2015, inspections. However, a number of violations remained uncorrected. Based on Inspector Hermann’s January 5, 2016, Callback Report, the Division cited Respondent with thirteen violations. These violations included: First Violation: Inspector Hermann observed a cutting board with cut marks which made the cutting board no longer cleanable in violation of rule 4-501.12, Food Code (2009).3/ Cutting boards that have cut marks collect food debris which enables bacteria to accumulate leading to food borne illness. The Food Code defines the governing requirement for this violation as a “core item.” The Division designated violations of core items as “basic violations.” See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(c). Respondent, at the final hearing, expressed that it has obtained a new cutting board. Second Violation: Inspector Herrmann observed non-food grade containers being used for food storage in violation of rule 4-101.11, Food Code. Non-food grade containers can contain chemicals that can leak into food products. The Food Code defines the governing requirement for this violation as a priority item.4/ The Division has designated violations of priority items as “high priority violations.” See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(a). Respondent claimed that it ordered and now uses approved food grade containers. Third Violation: Inspector Herrmann observed a build-up of dust, food debris, and grease on hood filters in violation of rule 4- 601.11(C), Food Code. Debris can potentially fall from hood filters or shelving into food items or accumulate on non-food contact surfaces and transfer to clean containers placing the public’s health at risk. The Food Code defines the governing requirement for this violation as a “core item.” The Division has designated violations of core items as “basic violations.” See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(c). Respondent explained that in December 2015, it hired a custodial company to clean grease, debris, and soil in its facility every three months. Fourth Violation: Inspector Herrmann observed that Respondent seated more patrons than its septic system permit authorized in violation of rule 5-403.11, Food Code. Respondent’s establishment was approved for 19 seats, but Inspector Herrmann observed the establishment operating with approximately 48 seats on November 5, 2015, November 13, 2015, and December 8, 2015. On January 5, 2016, Respondent operated with approximately 25 seats. Serving more patrons than the septic system can accommodate can result in a failed septic system that can create a sanitary nuisance. The Food Code defines the governing requirement for this violation as a priority item. The Division has designated violations of priority items as “high priority violations. See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(a). Respondent testified that, following the January inspection, it has reduced its seating to approximately 20 seats. Respondent has also initiated a plan to connect to the city water and sewer. This arrangement will allow the restaurant to expand its seating without violating its septic system capacity. Respondent hopes to connect to city water by Christmas 2016. Fifth Violation: a. Inspector Herrmann observed the presence of standing water around the floor drain, which was draining slowly near the cook line and fryers, in violation of rule 5-205.15, Food Code. Standing water in floor drains can potentially back up into the establishment and create a sanitary nuisance or potentially attract vermin. The Food Code defines the governing requirement for this violation as a “core item.” The Division has designated violations of core items as “basic violations.” See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(c). Sixth Violation: Inspector Herrmann observed an outside dumpster sitting directly on the ground without a barrier or non-absorbent surface between the dumpster and the ground in violation of rule 5- 501.11, Food Code. Dumpsters without proper pads allow food waste and chemicals to leak into the ground and attract vermin. The Food Code defines the governing requirement for this violation as a “core item.” The Division has designated violations of core items as “basic violations.” See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(c). Respondent explained that it is working with Hillsborough County to redesign the area where the dumpster is located to include a concrete space for the dumpster that complies with regulations. The permits have not yet been approved, but Respondent is working towards them. Seventh Violation: Inspector Hermann observed several broken wall tiles under the three compartment sink and damaged cove molding on the front cook line in violation of rule 6-501.11, Food Code. Damage to wall or cove molding can lead to the accumulation of food debris and the growth of bacteria, putting the public’s health at risk. The Food Code defines the governing requirement for this violation as a “core item.” The Division has designated violations of core items as “basic violations.” See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(c). Respondent asserted that it repaired all the wall tiles in December 2015. Eighth Violation: Inspector Herrmann observed soil on Respondent’s floor near or along the baseboards in violation of rule 6-501.12(A), Food Code. Bacteria and dirt on the floor can come into contact with food contact surfaces placing the public’s health at risk. The Food Code defines the governing requirement for this violation as a “core item.” The Division has designated violations of core items as “basic violations.” See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(c). Similar to its reaction to the Fourth Violation, Respondent hired a custodial company to clean grease, debris, and soil in its facility every three months. Ninth Violation: a. Inspector Hermann observed that lights above a food preparation table were missing a proper light shield or cover in violation of rule 6-202.11, Food Code. Light covers and shields protect food items and preparation surfaces from shattered glass. The Food Code defines the governing requirement for this violation as a “core item.” The Division designates violations of core items as “basic violations.” See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(c). Tenth Violation: Inspector Herrmann observed carbon dioxide/helium tanks that were not adequately secured in violation of Florida Administrative Code Rule 61C-1.004(7)(a). Unsecured tanks might topple over and, if breached, can become a missile-like object and a danger to the public’s safety. The Division designated this violation as a “basic violation.” See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(c). Respondent explained that the tanks are owned by the owner of the building where the restaurant is located and were present when Respondent opened its business. Further, Respondent understands that the tanks are empty. Therefore, the tanks do not pose a danger if the top valve gets knocked off. Eleventh Violation: Inspector Herrmann observed that Respondent had recently constructed a bar inside the restaurant. Respondent did not submit a plan for the bar to the Division for approval in violation of rule 61C-1.002(5)(c)1. Inspector Herrmann contacted the Division’s Plan Review Office and confirmed that Respondent had not submitted a properly prepared facility plan and specification for review. The Division must approve remodeled or newly constructed public food service establishments to ensure compliance with sanitation and safety requirements. The Division designated this violation as an “intermediate violation.” See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(b). Respondent explained that it requested and received approval from the Hillsborough County Fire Department to construct the bar. However, Respondent was not aware that it also needed to submit a plan review to the Division. Consequently, it did not seek approval from the Division. Twelfth Violation: Inspector Herrmann observed Respondent operating with four or more employees engaging in food preparation and/or handling without a certified food protection manager on duty in violation of Florida Administrative Code Rule 61C-4.023(1). At least one certified food protection manager must be present at all times when four or more employees are engaged in the storage, preparation, or serving of food to ensure the establishment is operating with acceptable sanitary practices. The Division designated this violation an “intermediate violation.” See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(b). Respondent expressed that it always operates under the supervision of certified food protection managers and believes that a food manager was present during the times of the inspections. Respondent offered that the inspections were accomplished in a short timespan (20 minutes). This short time period, combined with the fact that Spanish is the primary language of many of Respondent’s employees, may have led to a misunderstanding over whether a certified food manager was present during the inspections. At the final hearing, Respondent testified and produced evidence that Respondent currently employs approximately nine certified food managers. Respondent further represented that the two individuals who signed the inspection reports on Respondent’s behalf were also certified food protection managers. Thirteenth Violation: a. Respondent failed to provide Inspector Herrmann with proof of its employees' required state-approved employee training upon request in violation of section 509.049(5). Employees of public food service establishments are required to have basic food safety training which imparts knowledge of basic food handling skills. Lack of this knowledge can result in a breakdown of the food handling process, possibly leading to food borne illness or unsanitary conditions. The Division designated this violation as an “intermediate violation.” See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(b). Respondent has one prior disciplinary Final Order filed with the Agency Clerk for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation within the 24 months preceding the administrative complaint in this matter. The Final Order in Case No. 2015-014633 was filed on October 6, 2015. Based on the evidence and testimony presented at the final hearing, the Division demonstrated, by clear and convincing evidence, that Respondent was out of compliance with applicable food safety requirements of the Food Code, Florida Statutes, and the implementing administrative rules of the Division. The Division established that on or about November 5, 2015, November 13, 2015, December 8, 2015, and January 5, 2016, Respondent committed the following violations listed above: the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth violations. The Division did not establish, by clear and convincing evidence, the tenth and twelfth violations.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, enter a final order finding Respondent, Benitel Eddie Joel Perez, d/b/a Los Gorditos No. 2, in violation of chapter 509 and its implementing rules. It is further RECOMMENDED that Respondent should pay an administrative penalty in the amount of $3,500 for the violations identified above, due and payable to the Division within thirty (30) calendar days of the date the final order is filed with the Agency Clerk. DONE AND ENTERED this 29th day of June, 2016, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S J. BRUCE CULPEPPER 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 29th day of June, 2016.

Florida Laws (10) 120.569120.57120.68201.10202.11509.013509.032509.049509.261601.11
# 7
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS vs LATCHMAN'S SEAFOOD MARKET AND GRILL, INC., D/B/A LATCHMAN'S SEAFOOD MARKET AND GRILL, INC., 15-007350 (2015)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Lauderdale Lakes, Florida Dec. 29, 2015 Number: 15-007350 Latest Update: Jun. 08, 2016

The Issue Whether Respondent committed the violations alleged in the administrative complaints dated July 8, 2015, and September 30, 2015; and, if so, what disciplinary action should be taken against Respondent.

Findings Of Fact Based on the evidence presented at the final hearing, the undersigned makes the following findings of relevant and material facts: The Division is the state agency charged with regulating public lodging and public food service establishments pursuant to chapter 509. At all times material hereto, Respondent was licensed as a public food service establishment in the state of Florida by the Division. Pet. Ex. 1. The Division's first witness, Inspector Audain, is employed by the Division as a sanitation and safety specialist at 5080 Coconut Creek Parkway, Suite A, Margate, Florida 33063. Audain has worked for the Division for approximately ten years as an inspector. Prior to working for the Division, Audain worked in the food industry as a managing partner at a restaurant in New York. Upon gaining employment in the Division, Audain was trained on the Food Code and the laws and rules pertaining to public food service establishments and public lodging establishments. Audain is also a certified food manager. Audain receives continuing education and training on a monthly basis. Audain performs more than 700 inspections each year. The Division's second witness, Inspector Howard, is employed by the Division as a sanitation and safety specialist at 5080 Coconut Creek Parkway, Suite A, Margate, Florida 33063. Howard has worked for the Division for approximately one and one- half years. Prior to working for the Division, Howard worked in the food industry as an executive chef at a Hilton Hotel in Tampa, a chef at a W Hotel in South Beach, and a chef at Los Hotel in South Beach. Upon gaining employment in the Division, Howard was trained on the Food Code and on the laws and rules pertaining to public food service establishments and public lodging establishments. Howard is also a certified food manager. Howard receives continuing education and training on a monthly basis. Howard performs approximately 800 inspections each year. "Basic Item" means an item defined in the Food Code as a Core Item. Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.001(5) (January 1, 2013). "Basic violation" means a violation of a basic item, as defined in Florida Administrative Code Rule 61C-1.001 or a violation of chapter 509 or chapter 61C, which relates to general sanitation and does not meet the definition of high priority violation or intermediate violation and is not otherwise identified in subsection (6) of rule 61C-1.005. "Intermediate violation" means a violation of an intermediate item, as defined in rule 61C-1.001 or a violation of chapter 509 or chapter 61C, which relates to specific actions, equipment, or procedures that contribute to the occurrence of a high priority violation, but does not meet the definition of high priority violation or basic violation and is not otherwise identified in subsection (6) of rule 61C-1.005. "High priority violation" means a violation of a high priority item, as defined in rule 61C-1.001 or a violation of chapter 509 or chapter 61C, determined by the Division to pose a direct or significant threat to the public health, safety, or welfare and is not otherwise identified in subsection (6) of rule 61C-1.005. DBPR Case No. 2015-029646 On July 1, 2015, Audain performed an inspection of Latchman's Seafood Market and Grill, Inc. During the inspection, Audain prepared and signed an inspection report setting forth the violation she encountered during the inspection. Pet. Ex. 2. On July 1, 2015, Audain notified Respondent of the cited violation. Ricardo Latchman signed the inspection report on behalf of Respondent. Pet. Ex. 2. During the inspection on July 1, 2015, Audain observed roach activity present as evidenced by eight live roaches found crawling on the floor in the food service area, three live roaches crawling on the fryer in the kitchen, three live roaches found by the water heater in the kitchen, two live roaches found between the hose from the water heater and the wall, two live roaches found underneath the kitchen prep table, at least six live roaches found in the air conditioner closet, one live roach crawling on the wall next to the refrigerator, five live roaches crawling on the reach-in cooler by the door to the front service area, and one live roach crawling on the wall in the front service area of the establishment. This is a violation because roaches can place the health of consumers at risk by transferring and transmitting bacteria and disease to food, food contact surfaces, and food storage areas. Pet. Ex. 2. As a result of these observations, the Division entered an Order of Emergency Suspension of License and Closure against Respondent. The emergency order was issued on the same date as the inspection, July 1, 2015. Pet. Ex. 7. DBPR Case No. 2015-042510 On July 16, 2015, Audain performed an inspection of Latchman's Seafood Market and Grill, Inc. During this inspection, Audain prepared and signed an inspection report setting forth the violations she encountered during the inspection. Pet. Ex. 3. On July 16, 2015, Audain notified Respondent about the violations and informed Respondent that the violations needed to be corrected by July 17, 2015. Mr. Latchman signed the inspection report on behalf of Respondent. Pet. Ex. 3. On July 17, 2015, Howard performed a callback inspection of Latchman's Seafood Market and Grill, Inc. During the inspection, Howard prepared and signed an inspection report indicating that some of the violations noted on the July 16, 2015, inspection report had not been corrected. Pet. Ex. 4. On July 17, 2015, Howard notified Respondent about the violations and informed Respondent that the violations needed to be corrected by September 1, 2015. Mr. Latchman signed the inspection report on behalf of Respondent. Pet. Ex. 4. On September 2, 2015, Audain performed a callback inspection of Latchman's Seafood Market and Grill, Inc. During the inspection, Audain prepared and signed an inspection report indicating that some of the violations noted on the July 16, 2015, and July 17, 2015, inspection reports had not been corrected. Pet. Ex. 5. On September 2, 2015, Audain notified Respondent about the violations and informed Respondent that the violations needed to be corrected by September 3, 2015. Mr. Latchman signed the inspection report on behalf of Respondent. Pet. Ex. 5. On September 3, 2015, Audain performed a callback inspection of Latchman's Seafood Market and Grill, Inc. During the inspection, Audain prepared and signed an inspection report indicating that some of the violations noted on the July 16, 2015; July 17, 2015; and September 2, 2015, inspection reports had not been corrected. Pet. Ex. 6. The first violation was observed during the July 16, 2015; September 2, 2015; and September 3, 2015, inspections. Audain observed employees engaging in food preparation without proper hair restraints. This is a violation because hair can be both a direct and indirect vehicle for contamination. Food employees may contaminate their hands when they touch their hair. Proper use of a hair restraint keeps dislodged hair from ending up in the food and may also deter employees from touching their hair. The Food Code defines the governing requirement for the first violation as a Core Item. The Division has designated violations of Core Items as basic violations. Pet. Ex. 3, 5-6; Food Code 2009 - Annex 3 Public Health Reasons/Administrative Guidelines, p. 367; Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(c). The second violation was observed during the July 16, 2015; July 17, 2015; September 2, 2015; and September 3, 2015, inspections. The inspectors observed equipment in poor repair as evidenced by a freezer chest door having filament (insulation) exposed. This is a violation because failure to properly maintain equipment could lead to violations of the associated requirements of the Food Code that place the health of the public at risk. Refrigeration units in disrepair may no longer be capable of properly cooling or holding potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) foods at safe temperatures. The Food Code defines the governing requirement for the second violation as a Core Item. The Division has designated Core Items as basic violations. Pet. Ex. 3-6; Food Code 2009 - Annex 3 Public Health Reasons/Administrative Guidelines, p. 460; Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(c). The third violation was observed during the July 16, 2015; September 2, 2015; and September 3, 2015, inspections. During the July 16, 2015, inspection, Audain observed roach activity present as evidenced by four live roaches found nestled in crevices by the air conditioner in the kitchen and one live roach crawling on the floor in front of the reach-in cooler between the kitchen and front service area. During the September 2, 2015, inspection, Audain observed one live roach crawling on the kitchen floor. Audain also observed one dead roach in the dining room freezer and one dead roach near the kitchen door during her inspection on September 3, 2015. This is a violation because roaches can place the health of consumers at risk by transferring and transmitting bacteria and disease to food, food contact surfaces, and food storage areas. The Division properly designated this violation as a high priority violation. Pet. Ex. 3, 5-6; Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(a). The fourth violation was observed during the July 16, 2015; July 17, 2015; September 2, 2015; and September 3, 2015, inspections. The inspectors observed outer openings to the establishment not protected as evidenced by a rear door which was not self-closing. This is a violation because the presence of insects and rodents (which may transmit bacteria and disease to food) is minimized by protecting and securing outer door openings to the food establishment. The Food Code defines the governing requirement for the fourth violation as a Core Item. The Division has designated violations of Core Items as basic violations. Pet. Ex. 3-6; Food Code 2009 - Annex 3 Public Health Reasons/Administrative Guidelines, pp. 485-486; Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-1.005(5)(c). The fifth violation was observed during the July 16, 2015; July 17, 2015; September 2, 2015; and September 3, 2015, inspections. During these inspections, the establishment failed to provide the inspectors with proof of the manager's food manager certification upon request. This is a violation because managers are required to pass an approved food manager certification course and test which ensures managers have a higher level of knowledge regarding sanitation and food handling, preparation, and storage. Lack of the required knowledge can result in breakdowns in these processes. The Division has designated this violation as an intermediate violation. Pet. Ex. 3-6; Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C- 1.005(5)(b). The sixth violation was observed during the July 16, 2015; July 17, 2015; September 2, 2015; and September 3, 2015, inspections. During these inspections, the establishment failed to provide the inspectors with proof of the employees’ required state-approved employee training. This is a violation because employees of restaurants are required to have basic food safety training, which imparts knowledge of basic food handling skills, including proper glove use, procedures for food temperatures and hot/cold holding, cooking temperature requirements, and basic sanitation measures, such as personal hygiene and hand-washing. Lack of this knowledge can result in a breakdown in these processes, possibly leading to food-borne illness or unsanitary conditions. The Division properly designated this violation as an intermediate violation. Pet. Ex. 3-6; Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C- 1.005(5)(b). Respondent had one Emergency Order of Suspension of License and Closure filed with the agency clerk by the Division within the 12 months preceding the date the current administrative complaints were issued. The Emergency Order of Suspension of License and Closure was filed on July 7, 2015. Pet. Ex. 7.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be entered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, ordering Latchman's Seafood Market and Grill, Inc., d/b/a Latchman's Seafood Market and Grill, Inc., to pay an administrative penalty in the amount of $500.00 for the violation listed above in DBPR Case No. 2015-029646 and an administrative penalty in the amount of $1,650.00 in DBPR Case No. 2015-042510, for a total administrative penalty of $2,150.00, plus any applicable and authorized investigative expenses or costs, due and payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1011, within 30 calendar days of the date of the final order. DONE AND ENTERED this 5th day of May, 2016, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S ROBERT L. KILBRIDE 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 May, 2016.

Florida Laws (13) 120.569120.57120.6820.165201.10202.12206.12206.13509.032509.039509.049509.221509.261
# 9

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