A Pizza Buffet Restaurant in Florida Has Been Shut Down for Live Roaches, Flying Insects and Mold

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If you’ve ever enjoyed a buffet experience, you know how delightful it is to have endless options right at your fingertips. Florida is famous for its buffets, from Asian to Southern cuisines, but let’s not forget the pizza buffets! However, the news recently took a sour turn for one particular establishment—Cici's Pizza Buffet in Orange City.

A recent inspection by the Florida Department of Business and Professional RegulationO conducted on July 17, 2024, inspectors uncovered a staggering 18 violations! Some of the red flags included a "black/green mold-like substance" in the ice bin, a non-flushing toilet, standing water in the walk-in cooler, and, unfortunately, the presence of dead roaches and their egg casings. Not exactly appetizing, right?

One particularly concerning high-priority violation involved the discovery of live roaches and flying insects. Adding to the concerns was the fact that certain foods meant to be kept cold were being stored at temperatures above 41 degrees. That’s not just a violation; it’s a recipe for disaster when it comes to food safety!

As a result of these serious violations, Cici's Pizza was temporarily shut down. Two follow-up inspections on July 18 and 19 showed that they still had work to do, but it took a third inspection on the 19th before the restaurant could finally reopen, albeit with six remaining violations that were deemed non-threatening to the public.

While it’s great that the restaurant is back in business, this incident raises questions about the importance of cleanliness in dining establishments. So, if you’re planning to grab a slice at Cici's or any buffet, it might be worth checking those recent reviews and ensuring that your dining experience is both delicious and safe.

Stay safe out there, and keep enjoying your buffet adventures—just make sure to look closely at that pizza before you dig in!