Central Florida Health Scare: 4 Restaurants Shut Down Last Week
In a shocking turn of events, four Central Florida restaurants were forced to close their doors last week due to health code violations. The closures have left local diners concerned about food safety and hygiene standards in the area.
The Affected Establishments
- Wawa #5270 – 3025 Curry Ford Road, Orlando
- Milu Restaurant – 1200 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
- Taco Bell #37485 – 6990 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando
- Subway #57160 – 2273 Aloma Ave., Winter Park
Wawa's Woes
The popular convenience store chain, Wawa, faced an unexpected setback when its Curry Ford Road location was shuttered on August 21. Health inspectors discovered a troubling infestation of live roaches, with over 20 insects spotted near food preparation areas.
"The presence of pests in any food establishment is a serious concern," said Dr. Emily Rodriguez, a local health expert. "It poses significant risks to public health and indicates potential lapses in sanitation protocols."
Milu's Misfortune
Milu Restaurant, a beloved eatery on Colonial Drive, was hit with a closure order on August 22. The establishment's downfall came from a combination of issues:
- Live roach activity
- Improper food storage temperatures
- Inadequate handwashing facilities
These violations paint a concerning picture of the restaurant's adherence to basic food safety practices.
Taco Bell's Temporary Shutdown
Even major chains aren't immune to health code violations. The Taco Bell on Central Florida Parkway was forced to close its doors on August 23 due to:
- Sewage backup in food preparation areas
- Improper sanitization of food contact surfaces
"It's crucial for all restaurants, regardless of size or reputation, to maintain rigorous cleanliness standards," emphasized local food safety consultant, Mark Thompson.
Subway's Setback
The Subway location on Aloma Avenue in Winter Park rounded out the week's closures on August 24. Inspectors noted:
- Evidence of rodent activity
- Improper food storage
- Unsanitary conditions in food preparation areas
The Road to Reopening
All four establishments have been working diligently to address the identified issues and meet health code requirements. As of now:
- Wawa #5270 reopened on August 22
- Milu Restaurant reopened on August 23
- Taco Bell #37485 reopened on August 24
- Subway #57160 reopened on August 25
Impact on Local Dining Scene
These closures have sent shockwaves through the Central Florida dining community. Local food blogger, Sarah Martinez, commented, "It's disheartening to see beloved establishments facing such issues. However, it serves as a wake-up call for all restaurants to prioritize cleanliness and food safety."
What Diners Can Do
Health officials encourage diners to be vigilant and report any concerns they may have about restaurant cleanliness. Key things to watch for include:
- Visible signs of pests
- Unclean surfaces or utensils
- Staff not following proper hygiene practices
By staying informed and speaking up, customers can play a crucial role in maintaining high standards in the local food service industry.
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