A State Inspector with the Florida Department of Business Professional Regulation ordered Ernie's Italian Chophouse in Lighthouse Point closed after a rodent issue was discovered.
The unannounced inspection was prompted by a complaint.
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Chicken Corner and Cafeteria La Progresena were also ordered shut because of a rodent issue.
Below is a list of some of the violations found.
All the restaurants below were allowed to re-open following an ordered clean up and re-inspection.
ERNIE'S ITALIAN CHOPHOUSE
3150 NORTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY
LIGHTHOUSE POINT
17 VIOLATIONS
"Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 10 dry rodent droppings by clean utensil storage rack in dishwashing area. 1 fresh moist rodent dropping by clean utensil storage in dishwashing area. 1 dry rodent dropping on top of dish machine. 3 fresh moist rodent droppings by dish machine. 2 dry rodent droppings by oil bottle storage in rear prep area. 70 dry rodent droppings in lid storage container in rear prep area. 1 fresh rodent dropping by walk-in cooler. 4 dry rodent droppings by walk-in cooler. 3 dry rodent droppings near soda boxes by cook line. Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach by HANDWASH sink in dishwashing area. Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine."
CHICKEN CORNER
3291 WEST SUNRISE BLVD.
FORT LAUDERDALE
16 VIOLATIONS
"Objectionable odors in back storage and food prep area. Live rodent present. Observed one mouse in walk in cooler live. Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 25-28 fresh rodent droppings in walk in cooler along interior wall."
*CAFETERIA LA PROGRESENA
536 WEST SAMPLE ROAD
POMPANO BEACH
19 VIOLATIONS
"Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 6 fresh and 24 dry rodent droppings by food shelving in rear prep area. Observed 2 fresh and 17 dry rodent droppings on top of box with takeout cups above dishwashing area. About 15 dry rodent droppings on top of wall above rear prep area. Observed gnaw marks on banana in reap prep area storage shelving. Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Banana with gnaw marks. Thrown in garbage by operator. Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. No sanitization step provided when ware washing dishes. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized."
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