KFC restaurant in Palatka, Florida, cited for 6 violations in Putnam County; follow-up needed

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The KFC restaurant at 409 S State Rd 19 in Palatka, Florida, received a routine food inspection on July 11, revealing more than a handful of violations that require further review. The inspection, conducted by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, identified 6 total violations, including 1 high priority and 5 basic infractions.

What Happened During The Inspection:

The high-priority violation involved the improper storage of toxic substances. Inspectors found a chemical spray bottle of sanitizer stored on a shelf with wrapped buns, posing a potential contamination risk. This infraction was immediately corrected on-site but was noted as a repeat violation.

Among the basic violations, inspectors observed employee personal items stored improperly in food preparation areas. Cracked and missing floor tiles near the fryers were also noted, though the operator stated that replacement flooring was scheduled for the following week.

Additional basic violations included ice buildup in the walk-in freezer, a missing drain plug at the dumpster, and soiled nonfood-contact surfaces. Notably, mold-like substances were found behind soda dispenser nozzles and on the walk-in cooler door gasket.

The inspection results indicate that a follow-up visit is required, as the infractions need further review. While these infractions do not pose an immediate threat to public health, they do suggest areas for improvement in the restaurant's maintenance and sanitation practices.

This KFC in Palatka has received mixed reviews from diners, with a 3.2-star rating from 1,013 Google reviews. The popular fast food chain is known for its buckets of fried chicken, combo meals, and sides.

The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation emphasizes that inspection reports provide a snapshot of conditions observed during the inspection.

Regular inspections and prompt correction of violations are important for maintaining food safety standards in restaurants.