An Orlando fast-food restaurant specializing in fried chicken was forced to temporarily shut down last week after dozens of flies were spotted during a health inspection.
Maryland Fried Chicken, which is located at 9710 E Colonial Drive, was closed on Tuesday, April 2, after the fast-food eatery failed a health inspection conducted by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
During that initial visit, the restaurant was cited for 23 health code violations, including five that were considered high priority, according to a report from the department.
In the report, the health inspector noted that a total of 40 live “small flying insects” were found in and around the kitchen. Additionally, more than two dozen dead flies were observed in the restaurant.
Other violations listed in the report include: individually portioned coleslaw, mac salad, and potato salad being kept in a cooler at temperatures greater than 41 degrees; an unlabeled spray bottle containing a toxic substance being stored next to sauces under a register; damage to the ceiling, including a missing ceiling tile; holes observed in the wall next to the fryers and under a compartment sink; dust covering the vents above the prep table in the kitchen; and food debris being observed inside a microwave.
The fast-food eatery remained closed, and a second inspection took place on Wednesday, April 3. During that visit, the health inspector cited the restaurant for a dozen violations, including the presence of 11 live flies and one dead fly.
Time was extended for the fast-food restaurant, and the health inspector returned later that same day. Four live flies and one dead fly were observed, and the business remained closed pending a fourth inspection.
The following day, on April 4, Maryland Fried Chicken was permitted to reopen at around 11:30 a.m. after meeting inspection standards.