DUNEDIN, FL -- Kaveh Alipanah eats at El Zarape Restaurant about once a month. But he says the mexican eatery at 2020 Bayshore Blvd. in Dunedin has been falling a bit short.
"Dust everywhere, smoke detector broken up, and dirty tables, not enough staff," said Kaveh.
And according to state inspection records, El Zarape has accumulated 56 critical health code violations over the last year and inspectors had to come back three times for follow up inspections.
During their most recent visit in April, inspectors ordered a stop sale and the restaurant had to throw out sour cream, shredded cheese, and cooked vegetables because they were at dangerously warm temperatures.
State mandate requires all cold food to be held at 41 degrees or below.
Patricia Correa has owned El Zarape since 2001 and she says they correct anything inspectors point out.
"We always try to comply and we do comply with everything the health department says. And once in a while, they find something and we work really hard to get back on track," Correa said.
But the biggest issue in April? Inspectors found live and dead roaches in the kitchen. It's a problem the restaurant has dealt with before.
In July of 2008, inspectors found over 50 live and dead roaches along with rodent droppings.
And in August of 2007, inspectors found almost three dozen rodent droppings.
Correa says the pests are no longer an issue.
"As far as the roach problem?" ABC Action News Anchor Wendy Ryan asked.
"That's solved. We have Orkin coming here every month," responded Correa.
In April inspectors found onions, pinto beans, and rice all stored on the floor. And in July of last year inspectors found employees with no proof of training and salsa at a dangerously warm temperature.
But Correa says her whole staff works diligently every day and is confident her restaurant is clean.
"So if a customer is concerned to eat here?" asked Ryan.
"I hope they are not. I hope they come back and eat here," answered Correa.
"Your food is safe to eat?" asked Ryan.
"Oh yes, very safe. We make sure of that," Correa said.
