The longstanding Canton Chinese restaurant in Coral Gables, a staple of the local dining scene for nearly three decades, was temporarily closed earlier this week after a viewer concern caused Local 10 News to investigate. During an inspection triggered by a customer complaint, health officials uncovered a slew of health code violations that shuttered the doors temporarily. Local 10 News reported finding rodent droppings, live and dead roaches, and evidence of a general lack of cleanliness.
The inspection revealed disturbing details: 26 violations including rodent droppings by a prep sink and an unsafe temperature for stored chicken, which prompted a stop sale. There were also soilings on sauce containers and in the microwave, slime in an ice machine, and even an employee handling coleslaw without gloves. In a restaurant that calls itself "completely clean," evidence seems to suggest otherwise.
Asking about these conditions, Local 10’s Jeff Weinsier interviewed Steve, identified as the restaurant’s manager. "There were rodent droppings, roaches, cleanliness issues, the inspection was based on a complaint, and there were 26 violations found? Is that acceptable?" Weinsier queried. "No, it’s not," Steve replied, pledging that issues had been resolved with professional intervention. However, as Weinsier pushed for accountability, Steve's responses waned to a simple acknowledgment of the problem being addressed and beseeching customer trust.
Canton's troubles aren't isolated incidents. The Local 10 News review of state records dating back to 2012 showed that the restaurant has been warned repeatedly about similar violations, with required follow-up inspections on 11 occasions and fines levied in past years. While Steve assured Weinsier, "Is the place clean today? Of course," he didn't permit an on-site look to verify current conditions.
Following the ordered cleanup and re-inspection, Canton was allowed to reopen, hoping to move past this episode. While the management aims to rebuild public confidence, the documented history of violations casts a long shadow. The restaurant did not comment further on the record about the recent closure or the recurring issues. Patrons considering a meal at Canton now wrestle with the juxtaposition of its long-standing reputation and the stark reality of health inspectors' unsettling findings, as reported by Miami Herald.
