In a concerning public health development, the Sbarro pizza outlet at Coral Square Mall was shuttered this past Monday after inspectors uncovered a significant roach invasion. The story, originally reported by Local 10 and Coral Springs Talk, pointed out several instances of both living and deceased insects in various parts of the restaurant. Not limited to the visual evidence of pests, the pizzeria also faltered on other health metrics, including improper temperature maintenance for perishable ingredients.
According to the details of the inspections cited by Local 10, witnesses to the infestation included a medley of roaches cozying up next to a hand sink, while others were found frolicking near a drain in the prep area. This situation clearly overshadows the original purpose of these spaces, which is to maintain hygiene and food safety. Inspectors had to intervene and issue a stop-sale on temperature-sensitive foods, notably a pasta salad and a bean salad, hovering around the distinctly non-chilly temperatures of 54 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.
The litany of violations discovered didn't end at pest control and temperature regulation. The report from Coral Springs Talk highlights a lapse in managerial oversight; the restaurant's food manager certification was out of date. Additionally, all employees were found to be operating without the required current training, further compromising the establishment's ability to safely serve its customers.
While Sbarro managed to flutter back to operations by Wednesday, following multiple re-inspections, it wasn't a straightforward comeback. "Observed 1 dead under prep table next to stove area," read the report during a follow-up on July 16, a stark reminder of the previous days' issues. The continued discovery of deceased roaches scattered beneath the triplesink and around other kitchen accessories during the July 17 inspection bespeaks the ongoing struggle to restore the essential cleanliness standards expected by diners.
The restaurant has since resumed serving food to mall-goers after passing the most recent inspection hurdle. It's a timely reminder for consumers to remain vigilant and for eateries to maintain the top level of cleanliness and food safety practices, to avoid not just closures, but potential health risks to the public. Patrons stepping into Sbarro now would hope that the roach problem is a thing of the past and that more stringent measures are in place to ensure their dining experience is both appetizing and hygienic.
