A Thai restaurant in Orlando was forced to close its doors last week after failing several health inspections due to roach and fly activity.
Thai Island Orlando located at 2522 S Semoran Boulevard was closed on Monday, February 26 after the restaurant failed a health inspection conducted by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
According to a report from the department, during that initial visit on February 26, the restaurant was cited for 34 health code violations, including five that were considered high priority.
Among the violations cited in the report were the presence of live roaches, as evidenced by 15 to 20 roaches found in a “bus tub” with food items on a shelf in the kitchen and 20 to 25 roaches spotted on top of a freezer.
Additionally, multiple flies were observed in the kitchen, as well as in the food preparation, food storage, and bar areas.
Other violations listed in the report include: raw chicken being stored over an opened container of tofu; prepared food being held onsite for more than 24 hours with no date marked on the packaging; ceiling tiles and vents being soiled with debris, grease, dust, or a mold-like substance; multiple floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair; a hole or other damage being observed on a wall by the dishwashing machine and sink; and the dishwashing machine not sanitizing properly.
During a follow-up inspection on Wednesday, February 28, the inspector cited the restaurant for another 25 violations, including the presence of live roaches. The inspector noted that time was being extended, and a third inspection took place the following day.
During that third visit on Thursday, February 29, the inspector cited the restaurant for a dozen violations. The sole high priority violation listed in the report was for the dishwashing machine, which was still not sanitizing properly.
There was no mention of any roaches or flies in that third inspection report.
A call to Thai Island Orlando this week confirmed that it has since reopened. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation records show that as of February 29, the restaurant is still required to pass another follow-up inspection.