A Mexican restaurant in Oviedo was forced to temporarily close its doors last week after it was cited for multiple health code violations, including the presence of dozens of live roaches.
Habaneros Mexican Grill #5 temporarily closed its restaurant at 829 Eyrie Drive on Tuesday, October 3, after failing a health inspection conducted by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
According to the report, during the inspection, at least 28 health code violations were cited, including 8 considered high priority.
Among the high-priority violations was the presence of roach activity, as evidenced by at least 36 roaches that were found around the restaurant. The report notes that roaches were found behind a spice rack, on the underside of a cookline, in a storage area with dry foods, and at other places around the kitchen and restaurant.
Additionally, an employee was cited for touching “ready-to-eat” food with their bare hands, including garnishing tacos and plating avocados.
The report further notes the presence of small flying insects, including 10 found in the liquor closet and 8 near canned foods, among others.
The restaurant was reinspected later on the same day and was permitted to reopen, despite nine violations remaining.