The Costco Warehouse at 10921 Causeway Boulevard in Brandon, Florida failed a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services inspection this week. On Monday, December 14, 2015, food safety inspectors found enough problems in the “Club Demonstration Services” area that it was closed under a “Stop Use Order.”
Inspectors found live roaches in that area and in the food storage and ware-washing room. Several food items were removed from sale because they were being held at dangerous temperatures. Crab legs were being held at 55°F and sausages were being held at 46°F. Perishable foods must be held at 40°F or below so bacteria will not grow.
In addition, inspectors found cross-contamination problems. Raw eggs were stored above almond milk in the dairy walk in cooler. Bacteria from raw eggs can contaminate foods that are not heated before consuming. They also found the plumbing system in disrepair, and the hot water temperature at 121°F. To kill bacteria, hot water must be at 151°F. No soap was at the employee hand sink. Finally, inspectors found black residue under the ice maker, and cobwebs on the ceiling in the storage area.
The warehouse will be re-inspected to see if violations are being fixed. Costco is working with the health department on all of these violations.
