A McDonald’s fast-food restaurant in Ocala was forced to temporarily close its doors last week after a health inspector found a total of 18 violations, including five that were considered high priority.
On Monday, May 22, the McDonald’s located at 2827 SW 27th Avenue in Ocala was temporarily shut down after unsanitary conditions were observed inside the establishment, according to a health inspection report filed by a health inspector with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
The fast-food restaurant was cited for five high priority violations, including the presence of approximately 10 live flies in the kitchen area. Additionally, raw animal food was not properly separated from ready-to-eat food in the walk-in cooler and freezer.
The health inspector noted in the report that the dining room is in the process of being remodeled, and food in the kitchen was not properly protected from contamination. Due to the construction, dust was covering the top of grills, drink machines, and cooking equipment. Construction personnel and employees were also observed entering the kitchen area.
The establishment was also cited for not providing soap at the handwashing sink near the front counter, not providing paper towels or a hand drying device at the handwashing sink, and not protecting the establishment from vermin and cross-contamination since portions of the wall and windows were missing in the dining area due to the remodel.
The fast-food restaurant remained closed and was reinspected the following day. After no violations were found by the health inspector, the restaurant was permitted to reopen.