State Inspectors Discover Insects in Macaroni and Swarms of Flies at South Florida Restaurants
Recent state inspections by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation have led to the temporary closure or citation of several South Florida eateries after significant sanitation issues were discovered. According to public records, health inspectors reportedly found live insects inside food products and swarms of flies in kitchen preparation areas at multiple locations across Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
At one location in Deerfield Beach, inspectors cited the establishment after discovering approximately 15 live insects inside a bag of dry macaroni stored in the dry storage area. A “Stop Sale” order was immediately issued for the contaminated pasta to prevent it from being served to customers. Additionally, inspectors noted live bugs crawling on storage shelves, leading to immediate corrective action requirements.
In a separate inspection at Hoagie Bear Subs in South Miami-Dade, officials reported a heavy presence of flying insects. The inspection report detailed over 70 flies throughout the establishment, including 30 flies near a mop sink and others landing on clean containers and food preparation areas. Sticky tapes used for pest control were reportedly observed to be full of insects, and dead flies were found inside a reach-in cooler. The Alchemist Cafe in Wilton Manors also faced scrutiny after inspectors allegedly observed flies at the front-line waffle station and landing on clean kitchen equipment.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducts unannounced routine inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. When “high priority” violations such as rodent activity, sewage issues, or heavy insect infestations are found, the state has the authority to order an emergency closure. These establishments are strictly prohibited from reopening until a follow-up inspection confirms that all violations have been corrected and the facility has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
Restaurant owners and managers frequently contest these findings, arguing that insect issues often stem from suppliers delivering infested dry goods in sealed boxes, which are difficult to detect immediately. Others attribute the presence of flying insects to heavy foot traffic requiring doors to remain open or temporary malfunctions with air curtain systems designed to repel pests. Many operators emphasize that they maintain regular contracts with professional pest control services and that such violations represent isolated incidents rather than systemic negligence.
miamiherald.com
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