Florida Bakery Shut Down After Inspection Finds Moldy Fruit and Bad Croquetas and Pastelito

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A recent inspection at the Don Pan Bakery located at 9280 Bird Rd./SW 40th St. in West Miami-Dade Florida revealed several food safety issues, leading to a “Re-Inspection Required” notice, the lowest possible rating given by the Florida Department of Agriculture.

Conducted on August 30 by state inspector Julio Azpurua, the inspection uncovered moldy produce, improper food handling practices, and various cleanliness violations, putting the bakery under scrutiny until the necessary corrections are made.

Key Issues Found During Inspection:

1. Mold on Produce Inspectors found oranges in the walk-in cooler with a “white, mold-like substance” on them. This led to an immediate Stop Sale on the affected fruit.
2. Unsanitary Equipment Use Several knives in the kitchen were improperly stored, wedged between the preparation cooler and the food warmer. Additionally, the ice scoop handle was found in direct contact with the ice, violating proper storage protocols.
3. Unclean Coffee Equipment The steam wand used for milk at the coffee machine was not washed, rinsed, or sanitized after more than four hours of use, which poses a potential health risk.
4. Improper Food Temperature Control Numerous food items, including milk, creamers, ham, cheese, soups, and sauces, were found stored at unsafe temperatures, ranging from 45 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit—well above the required limit of 41 degrees. These items were discarded due to the risk of bacterial growth.
5. Poor Hand Hygiene Inspectors noted that kitchen staff did not wash their hands before putting on gloves and failed to do so after entering and exiting food preparation areas. Additionally, employees were observed handling food for customer orders without changing gloves after retrieving ingredients from the freezer.
6. Mishandled Pastries A range of pastries, including ham croquetas, pastelitos, tequeños, and empanadas, were left out of temperature control for more than four hours. These items were discarded as they were no longer safe for consumption.
7. Non-Food Grade Storage Croissants used to make sandwiches were being stored in non-food-grade shopping bags, which is not compliant with food safety standards.
8. Unclean and Faulty Equipment Inspectors found a slicer under a prep table with old food residue on its plate, blade guard, and handle. Additionally, a kitchen cooler's gasket showed an accumulation of food residue and a “mold-like substance.”
9. Misuse of Cleaning Supplies A spray lubricant, not intended for food contact, was being used on a stand mixer attachment point, according to the bakery’s manager.
10. Other Sanitation Concerns

• Wet wiping cloths were improperly stored on kitchen prep tables instead of being placed in sanitizing solution.
• The bakery's walk-in cooler fan guards had significant dust buildup.
• The mop sink's backflow prevention device was in disrepair, which could lead to contamination in case of sewage malfunction.

Next Steps

Don Pan must address all the cited violations before a follow-up inspection can take place. Until the bakery meets food safety and sanitation standards, the “Re-Inspection Required” status will remain in effect. Customers are encouraged to stay informed about the bakery’s progress and any further updates from the Florida Department of Agriculture.

This inspection highlights the importance of proper food handling and cleanliness in maintaining public health safety at food service establishments.