An Ocala hot dog cart was closed down recently after a health inspector found six violations – the most egregious of which involved the lack of running water and food temperatures.
The inspector visited the International Dog House on Feb. 16 and closed the cart at 2:01 p.m. after finding two high-priority, three intermediate and one basic violation, a report on file with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation states.
The health inspector reported that the handles and faucet were broken in the food cart, meaning there was no running water at a handwashing sink. A second high-priority violation was issued for cold hot dogs and sauerkraut being held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit, the report states.
Two intermediate violations were issued when the owner of the food cart couldn’t provide food manager certification or proof of required state-approved employee training. The third intermediate violation came as a result of no soap being provided at a handwashing sink, according to the report.
The basic violation was issued because the vehicle’s license number wasn’t permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least two inches high and in “contrasting colors” from the background of the vehicle.
The health inspector returned on Monday and reported just one remaining intermediate violation for the owner not being able to provide proof of food manager certification. The inspector reported that the manager had signed up to take a test and the hot dog cart was allowed to reopen at 9:36 a.m., according to the report.