News Summary
In a recent inspection spree, ten restaurants in Orange County were closed due to various health and safety violations. Noteworthy closures included Saffron Indian Cuisine and China Chef Restaurant, among others, highlighting the importance of compliance. These inspections remind diners to remain vigilant about restaurant conditions and food safety.
Orange County Restaurants Shut Down Due to Violations
Recently in lovely Orange County, inspectors were busy ensuring that local eateries adhere to health and safety standards. Between March 13 and March 20, a total of ten restaurants and food establishments were ordered to close their doors due to a variety of violations. Concerned diners should definitely take note!
What Happened?
It’s not uncommon for inspections to occur, but the number of closures is somewhat alarming. According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, eight spots in Central Florida had been closed during the week of March 9-15, with issues ranging from pest problems to improper food handling.
Spotlight on the Closures
One of the most notable closures happened at Saffron Indian Cuisine, located at 7724 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando. This place was shut down on March 11 after a staggering 23 violations came to light, including five high-priority violations such as roach activity and raw food not being separated from ready-to-eat food. A few inspections later, Saffron was allowed to reopen after making necessary adjustments.
China Chef Restaurant in Winter Park faced a similar fate, being closed on March 13 due to 24 violations, with three high-priority violations linked to rodent activity and temperature abuse. However, the restaurant has since reopened but awaits a follow-up inspection.
Hangry Joe’s in Cocoa Beach wasn’t too happy either, as it was shut down on March 11 when inspectors found 22 violations. This closure included serious issues like sewage backup and improperly stored toxic substances. Fortunately, after a couple of subsequent inspections, it has reopened, though a follow-up inspection is still needed.
Meanwhile, Galaxy Bar & Grill in Merritt Island closed over a more singular issue on March 11, which was related to 55 flying insects. After some quick inspections the next day, they managed to get back on track, and that seemed to clear up the flying insects problem.
A Few Others on the List
Other establishments that faced similar challenges included Tropical Rhythm Restaurant & Sport Bar in Leesburg, Sally’s Diner in Casselberry, Tijuana Flats in Oviedo, and Waffle House in Daytona Beach Shores. Each of them had various violations ranging from food handling to pest issues before inspectors waved them back into compliance.
Overall Trends
During this round of inspections, Orange County saw the highest number of complaints with a total of 37, followed by Volusia with 19 and Lake with 11. The inspections highlight the importance of keeping our food environments safe and the vital role that inspectors play.
Looking Ahead
While closures can be stressful for both owners and patrons, they serve a significant purpose in ensuring health and safety compliance. In the end, the goal is to make sure that when you sit down to enjoy a meal, you can do so without having to worry about what might be lurking in the kitchen.
For those who are food lovers in Orange County, it’s essential to always stay alert and informed. Let’s hope these establishments take the necessary steps so all can enjoy a delicious meal at a clean and safe spot.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Orange County Restaurants Shut Down March 13-20
- Wikipedia: Health Inspection
- Orlando Sentinel: Central Florida Restaurant Closures
- Google Search: Restaurant Health Violations
- Patch: Longstanding Chinese Restaurant Closes
- Google Scholar: Food Safety Inspection
- OC Register: Orange County Restaurants Shut Down Feb 20-27
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Safety
- KTLA: Landmark Restaurant Closes in Orange County
- Google News: Health Inspection News
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
