An inspection found bugs in the food and rodent poop on the shelves at a Florida grocery store

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In a shocking revelation, Kings Mart, a grocery store in Pompano Beach, has been slapped with a series of severe health violations by the Florida Department of Agriculture. The inspection, carried out by Francis Odio, uncovered a disturbing range of problems that have led to the immediate closure of several sections of the store.

According to the inspection report, Kings Mart's backroom was overrun with living insects, which had infested containers of breading. This led to a "Stop Sale Order" on the affected items. The ice machine, too, was not spared; it was found to have a black, mold-like substance inside, prompting a "Stop Use Order" on the equipment.

But the issues didn’t stop there. The inspector discovered an alarming build-up of dust and debris on various surfaces within the walk-in cooler, as well as recent rodent excrement on and under beverage storage shelves. The store’s food processing area was also in disarray, with numerous flying insects observed and black mold-like substances accumulating on drink slides and dust on shelves.

The violations extended to improper food handling practices as well. A single-use cup was being used as a scoop for grits, and the handles of scoops were found in direct contact with food. Utensils were not being washed, rinsed, or sanitized frequently enough, with some left uncleaned for up to five hours.

Temperature control issues were also significant. Several coolers, including the green reach-in cooler and the walk-in cooler, were found to be malfunctioning, with temperatures rising far above the safe threshold of 41 degrees. Foods such as sliced cheese, raw chicken, and bacon were all found to be at unsafe temperatures, leading to a wide range of "Stop Sale Orders" on these items.

The store was also cited for having no probe thermometer to assess the safety of temperature-controlled foods and for selling hemp extract products without proper authorization.

Outside, the store's dumpster enclosure was littered with trash and debris, further contributing to the store’s overall unsanitary condition.

In response to the inspection, Kings Mart has been ordered to stop using several areas of the store and has had to discard a large quantity of food. The store has yet to make a public statement, but it’s clear that significant improvements will be needed to meet health and safety standards.

The scale of these violations highlights the critical importance of maintaining rigorous health and safety practices in food handling and storage. For now, Kings Mart faces the challenging task of addressing these issues to regain its footing and ensure the safety of its customers.