Florida Tex-Mex Restaurant Closed Following State Inspection

Photo byGoogle reviews

A Chipotle location in Miami Lakes recently faced a temporary closure after a state health inspection uncovered several violations. The fast-casual Tex-Mex chain, known for its commitment to fresh ingredients, was forced to close its doors after inspectors identified food safety and cleanliness concerns at the restaurant on 18299 NW 27th Avenue.

Chipotle's Standards in Florida

Chipotle has made a name for itself by offering what it calls "real food" without artificial colors, preservatives, or additives. The chain prides itself on using fresh ingredients, prepared daily, without the use of freezers or can openers. However, this particular location in Miami Lakes has been a cause for concern for some customers due to its cleanliness and service issues.

With a Google rating of just 3.3 out of 5 stars, many reviews from customers have highlighted ongoing issues with the restaurant's upkeep.

What Did the Inspection Find?

On August 28, 2024, inspectors from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducted a review of the Miami Lakes Chipotle and found seven violations. The findings ranged from basic cleanliness issues to more serious food safety concerns. Here are some examples of what inspectors discovered:

• Basic Violations: A box of plastic wrap was found to be soiled with old food debris, clean pans and lids were stored in an area with flying insects, and multiple pans were "wet nesting," meaning they were not properly dried after washing. Additionally, the fans in the walk-in cooler were noted as being soiled.
• High-Priority Violations: The most alarming discovery was the presence of dozens of live flying insects in various areas of the kitchen, including in the prep area and where clean pans were stored. Another major violation involved cold foods, such as lettuce and spinach, being held at unsafe temperatures above 41 degrees, which could pose health risks.

As a result of these issues, the restaurant was temporarily shut down to address the violations and improve its food safety practices.

A follow-up inspection was conducted on August 29, 2024, and the restaurant passed with no violations. The Chipotle met inspection standards and was allowed to reopen, resuming its normal operations.

While the restaurant has since addressed the immediate issues, the temporary closure serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high food safety and cleanliness standards, especially in a chain that emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Moving Forward

For customers of this Miami Lakes Chipotle, the hope is that the restaurant will continue to uphold higher standards moving forward. Cleanliness and food safety are essential not only for public health but also for maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.

It remains to be seen whether the improvements made will be permanent, but for now, the restaurant is back in business, and customers can once again enjoy their burritos and bowls—hopefully with a cleaner, safer experience.