Papa John's Pizza in Inverness, Florida, cited for 13 violations in Citrus County

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Papa John's Pizza is known for its quality pizza, which comes from its self-proclaimed "better ingredients." However, a location in Inverness, Florida, experienced some highlighted issues during a recent health inspection by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation.

The Citrus County eatery at 2617 Hwy 44 W faced several violations on August 26, 2024, resulting in an administrative complaint and the need for a follow-up review.

However, the follow-up inspection conducted a day later on August 27, 2024, revealed a total of 2 violations, requiring another inspection.

What Happened During The Inspection?

The initial inspection, which originated from a complaint, revealed 13 violations, including 4 categorized as high-priority, 1 intermediate, and 8 basic violations.

According to state records, inspectors found live flying insects in the kitchen and food preparation areas. In detail, they observed 2 live flies by the pizza prep line, 1 dead fly on the back prep table, and 14 live flies in the back kitchen.

Other high-priority violations included dented pizza sauce cans and an employee touching a soiled apron before handling food without washing hands. The presence of insects was evident, with 100 dead ants discovered near the back door.

Meanwhile, intermediate violations included a lack of hot water at the handwashing sink by the main pizza prep line. Basic violations ranged from overflowing garbage in the dumpster to dead roaches found on the premises.

Ratings and Reviews: Despite these issues, Papa John's Pizza in Inverness maintains a 4.1-star rating from 316 Google reviews.

What's Next For This Location: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation noted that while the recent violations require further review, they do not pose an immediate threat to public health.

Nevertheless, the Citrus County restaurant, which offers classic and specialty pizzas, wings, sides, and desserts for take-out and delivery, will need to quickly rectify any remaining infractions discovered by state authorities.

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