A couple Orlando-based food trucks were forced to temporarily shut down operations recently after live roaches were found in their mobile vending units.
La Castanuela Tapas & Canas, which operates at 4098 S Orange Avenue, and Tacos Mi Casita, which operates at 701 West Lancaster Road, were both closed early last week after failing health inspections conducted by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
During an inspection at Tacos Mi Casita on May 8, a total of eight violations were cited, including 2 considered high priority. Among the violations was roach activity as evidenced by the presence of live roaches. at least four live roaches were found under cabinets by the water tanks in the vehicle. Additionally, to-go style bags were coming in contact with rice that was to be sold.
The food truck was permitted to reopen on Tuesday, May 9, after no additional violations were cited.
During an inspection at La Castanuela Tapas & Canas on May 9, the health inspector cited a total of five violations, including two considered high priority. Among the violations was roach activity as evidenced by six live roaches found in a reach-in cooler. Additionally, 14 dead roaches were found all around the unit, including 2 on a table by the rice cooker.
The food truck was reinspected on Wednesday, May 10, and was kept closed for another day after four violations were found, including another live roach on a prep table, and two dead roaches elsewhere in the vehicle.
Another inspection was conducted on Thursday, May 11, and the food truck was permitted to reopen after only one violation was cited.