Hollywood, Fla. - A recent inspection by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has brought to light some serious sanitation concerns at South Florida Food, situated at 5801 Wiley St. This establishment, commonly referred to as “Empanada Factory & More,” serves as a wholesale and retail food supplier.

Florida Inspection Reveals Rodent Infestation at Food Supplier

Inspection Findings

According to state records, an inspection conducted on Tuesday revealed clear evidence of rodent activity in multiple areas of the facility. Inspectors documented the following: 1: Three rodent droppings were found on a storage shelf that held 50-pound bags of prepackaged Ardent Mills Hotel & Restaurant All-Purpose Flour, United Fine Granulated Sugar, and Torino Long Grain Rice. This indicates that rodents have access to the storage area where these essential food items are kept. 2: Additionally, three rodent droppings were discovered on top of two water fountains near the same storage shelf. The presence of droppings near the water sources suggests that rodents are frequenting this area, posing a potential health risk.

Impact of Sanitation Issues

The department took immediate action by issuing a stop-sale order on shredded low-moisture cheese and prohibiting the use of the storage area near the entrance of the dough production room. This is a crucial step to prevent the spread of potential contaminants and ensure the safety of the food products. 1: The business was clearly warned that failure to comply with sanitation standards or the continued presence of pest infestation would lead to escalated enforcement actions. This serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining proper hygiene in food handling facilities. 2: If rodent activity is observed during follow-up inspections, the facility could face severe consequences. These include stop-use orders on all receiving areas and food-processing equipment, which would disrupt the normal operations of the business. Additionally, stop-sale orders on exposed food items would prevent the sale of potentially contaminated products.

Required Actions for Resumption of Normal Operations

South Florida Food must take immediate steps to rectify these issues and undergo a successful follow-up inspection. This is essential to ensure the safety of the food supply and restore confidence in the establishment. 1: The business needs to implement effective pest control measures to eliminate the rodent infestation. This may include setting up traps, sealing entry points, and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. 2: Regular inspections and monitoring will be necessary to ensure that the sanitation issues are resolved and that no further rodent activity is detected. By taking these proactive measures, South Florida Food can resume normal operations and continue to serve its customers.