I do a lot of reporting here on EatJax about restaurant inspections. I’ve actually become rather difficult to surprise, but on September 16th, one of the most popular and highly rated restaurants in Jacksonville was shut down due to inspection violations. I’ve reported here about violations numbering well into the 30s, 40s and even 50s, but with 22 violations – 9 critical, the Mossfire Grill in Riverside was closed down as a hazard.

The Jacksonville Magazine Top 25 Restaurant had over 300 “semi-dry” rodent droppings found, not only in the storage areas, but also in the dining area. I would love to give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt. After all, rodent infestations can quickly get out of hand without being detected. However, the inspection also turned up black mold on the ice machines and splash guards as well as “crusted material” on the slicer.

Only the management of this establishment can be certain of the motivations for these lapses in cleanliness, but Sandra, a concerned reader who enjoys the restaurant frequently, tells EatJax.com that cleanliness has been “questionable” recently at Mossfire.

The Mossfire Grill was reinspected shortly after the shutdown and came up with zero violations. It has since reopened, but as a frequent restaurant patron, I’m concerned that more previously fastidious restaurants will lapse into neglect due to cutbacks in staff and possibly even pest control in these hard economic times.

EatJax.com is always on the case when it comes to dirty or otherwise unsafe restaurants. If you have a tip about a restaurant causing you concern or you want us to check out the record of your favorite dining establishment, just click “Contact Us” above. Don’t forget to keep an eye on our weekly Hall of Shame for reports about the most disturbing offenders perpetrating crimes against food!

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