Health inspectors in Brevard County cited multiple restaurants last month for failing to maintain proper food storage temperatures during routine checks. The issues surfaced during inspections conducted by the Brevard County Health Department, which found refrigeration units not holding required temperatures at establishments across the county. At least seven restaurants received violations related to temperature control between January 15 and January 28, according to department records.
The most common problems included refrigerators set above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for perishable items and freezers failing to stay below 0 degrees. One seafood restaurant on the Space Coast was cited for storing raw oysters at 45 degrees, a violation that could lead to foodborne illness. Inspectors noted the issue during a visit to the establishment on January 20.
Health department officials said improper temperature control is a recurring issue during inspections. "It’s a basic requirement for food safety," said department spokesperson Lisa Martinez. "When temperatures are off, bacteria can multiply rapidly." Martinez added that restaurants are required to monitor temperatures every two hours and log the data.
Some restaurant owners said the challenges are compounded by aging equipment. At a family-owned diner in Melbourne, the owner told inspectors that their refrigeration unit had been malfunctioning for weeks. "We’ve called the vendor three times," the owner said. "It’s frustrating because we’re following all the protocols."
The health department has issued fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 to the cited restaurants, with repeat violations prompting more severe penalties. Inspectors are also working with restaurant owners to identify equipment failures and provide guidance on maintenance. A follow-up inspection is scheduled for the seafood restaurant next week to ensure corrections have been made.