Flora And Ella's Restaurant - No Food Manager

Eight Food Safety Violations - Six Critical At Flora and Ella's

LABELLE, FL. -- The state of Florida's Division of Hotels and Restaurants is required to do periodic spot inspections of restaurants, hotels and motels each year, and publishes the results of each inspection online. The Sunday Morning News looked at the most recent health inspection of LaBelle's Flora and Ella's Restaurant at 550 W. State Road 80, probably the most well known restaurant in Hendry county.

A state food safety inspector observed the violations May 21, 2009 finding eight violations including six critical, which may be typical of a random spot check at this restaurant. The inspector found among other things, no certified food manager and a dirty microwave.

A summary of the violations found during the inspection are listed below. The department cites violations of Florida's sanitation and safety laws, which are based on the standards of U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Food Code. In general, critical violations are those that, if not corrected, are more likely to contribute directly to food contamination, illness or environmental damage.

Although the report uses the industry-standard term "critical", varying degrees of severity and potential risk to the public require inspectors to assess each situation in determining the appropriate action. In addition, while an establishment may have multiple violations, the inspectors' training and judgment formulate the overall result of the inspection to ensure the public health and safety. While most establishments correct all violations in a timely manner (often during the inspection), the division's procedures are designed to compel compliance with all violations through follow-up visits, administration action or closure when necessary.

Violation    Observation
03B-03-1    Critical. Potentially hazardous food not held at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above. 122 F chili in kettle Corrected On Site. reheated and dial turned up
03B-03-1    Critical. Potentially hazardous food not held at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above. soup in steam table Corrected On Site. reheated
05-09-1    Critical. No conspicuously located thermometer in holding unit. small salad cooler
22-19-1    Critical. Observed interior of microwave soiled. food debris, service station
33-12-1    Observed dumpster rusted out on bottom.
37-11-1    Observed attached equipment soiled with accumulated dust. fan guard in bakery reachin cooler
53A-09-1    Critical. No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation. 5+ on duty
53A-19-1    Critical. Observed expired Food Manager Certification. Debbie Klemmer, certification expired 5/11/2009 Is another CFM for establishment.