Last week, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation forced the temporary closure of numerous food establishments in that state, due to their failure to comply with various hygiene standards, including the popular Palacio de los Jugos in Miami, a popular place for Cubans residing in that city.
reports Locals indicated that some venues were issued a “required follow-up inspection” and were not ordered to close despite having insect problems. In addition, they warned that all the places that were ordered to close, such as the Palacio de los Jugos, will be allowed to reopen after an orderly cleaning and re-inspection.
The closure of the Palace, located at 5721-5741 Flagler Street in West Miami, was ordered after an inspection on July 17, after 18 violations detected in this establishment. In 2021 something similar happened with this same South Florida franchise.
Cockroaches, insects in Palacio de los Jugos in Miami
The report notes that “small live flying insects were found in the kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area, and/or bar area.” In addition, live cockroaches were found in dissimilar places in the place, such as the kitchen.
“One live roach crawling on the knife holder, 4 live roaches crawling on a meat grinder, 1 live roach crawling on a slicer next to the meat grinder,” the inspection report read.
They also talked about flies in the blender, on hot pizzas, in juices and sandwiches. Also, there were issues with time/temperature control for food safety, as they were staying below what was established, per Florida law.
“Food contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance, or slime. Dirty production kitchen, cutting board, vegetable slicer, and can opener blade. Main kitchen, dirty slicer. Soap is not provided in the sink to wash hands.
This place was created by Apolonia Bermúdez, in 1977 and conceived as a small takeaway place with pork rinds, along with freshly made natural juices and smoothies. Currently, she is run by her son, expanding to several places in South Florida, at least 10, with its emblematic red and yellow awnings.
