CORTEZ CLAM FACTORY
10104 CORTEZ RD W, Bradenton FL 34210 · 941 798 9898
Last inspected Feb 20, 2026 · 9 visits since November 2023
AUG 24
JAN 25
MAY 25
SEP 25
FEB 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 10 rodent droppings in lower back corner of dish area under 3 compartment sink near exit door.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Feb 20, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 8 findingsThe state's own report →
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken wings in walk-in cooler at 46F. Operator stated they had been in and out of the cooler a lot. Operator put ice on wings to rapidly cool.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed interior of the soda gun at front bar area with soil and black mold like substance. Operator cleaned and sanitized soda gun.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed strainer in hand wash sink in bar area. Operator removed strainer. Observed utensils in hand wash sink next to triple sink near cook line. Operator removed utensils.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand sink in bar area. Operator replaced soap.
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black mold like substance on interior of ice machine. Operator cleaned and sanitized area.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs on oven door handle on cook line. Operator removed tongs.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand wash sink at hand wash sink next to triple sink. E-mailed hand wash sign to operator. Operator printed and hung hand wash signs.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mops not hung to dry in maintenance closet. Operator hung the mops to dry.
Sep 30, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black mold like substance in interior of ice machine located in outside hall next to walk-in cooler. Operator cleaned and sanitized area.
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of shrimp and a case of bread in walk-in freezer on the floor. Operator moved items of the floor.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed in dish room 2 door reach-in cooler gaskets with slime and black mold like substance. Operator cleaned gaskets.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in 2 reach-in cooler on cook line.
May 1, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed silverware in hand wash sink next to 3 compartment sink. Operator removed silverware.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.observed ceiling over end of cook line and part of bar area with missing stucco.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on single door flip top make station at the end of cook line with cut marks.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed missing floor tiles under 2 door glass reach in cooler at the end of cook line and bar area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filers on cook line with excessive grease.
Jan 24, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed areas of damaged ceiling in food prep area next to bar.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tile with water stains and black mold like substance. Operator was in process of cleaning ceiling before the end of inspection.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on single door flip top reach in cooler.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles missing in front and beneath of 2 door glass reach-in cooler next to bar.
Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. Observed exterior door from food prep area not sealing when closed.
Jan 23, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 16 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority5 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 10 rodent droppings in lower back corner of dish area under 3 compartment sink near exit door.
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment. Observed oyster and clam not being kept in chronological order.
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Observed oyster tags without a last date served.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed dishes in handwashing sink in food prep area between 3 compartment sink and wall. Operator removed dishes.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towel at handwashing sink in bar area. Operator replaced paper towel.
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Observed no signed copies of Employee health reporting agreements. Operator stated that forms had been destroyed due to hurricane. Provided copy of employee health reporting agreements to operator. Operator made copies and had employees read and sign agreements.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black mold like substance on interior of ice machine in back area next to walk in cooler.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed container being used as scoop in diced tomato mixture in single door flip top cooler. Operator removed container.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed areas of damaged ceiling in food prep area next to bar.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tile with water stains and black mold like substance. Operator was in process of cleaning ceiling before the end of inspection.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed tuna thawed in reduced oxygen packaging. Operator cut packaging of tuna.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed waste receptacle in woman's bathroom with a cover.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on single door flip top reach in cooler.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles missing in front and beneath of 2 door glass reach-in cooler next to bar.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed 3 reach-iin food coolers of off of bar without ambient thermometers.
Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. Observed exterior door from food prep area not sealing when closed.
Aug 16, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 15, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Milk (50F - Cold Holding); Half and Half (50F - Cold Holding); Cole slaw (51F - Cold Holding); Chicken (56F - Cold Holding); (56F); Clam chowder (51F - Cold Holding) Operator stated items had been in reach-in cooler in prep area from previous day.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Milk (50F - Cold Holding); Half and Half (50F - Cold Holding); Cole slaw (51F - Cold Holding); Chicken (56F - Cold Holding); (56F); Clam chowder (51F - Cold Holding) Operator stated item had been in reach-in cooler in prep area from previous day.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed container being used for scoop to dispense diced tomato. Operator removed container.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed tuna being thawed in reduced oxygen packaging. Operator removed tuna from packaging.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in bottom of reach-in cooler in back food prep area.
Mar 18, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed in back kitchen area Triple Sink (Chlorine Over 200ppm); Person in charge diluted with water and Triple Sink (Chlorine Retested 100ppm)
Raw Seafood stored over bottled drinks in back Walk in cooler. Educated Person in charge on safe refrigerator storage and emailed Person in charge a copy. Person in charge removed raw Seafood.
Establishment advertised crab on menu/menu board but served imitation crab. Observed imitation krab balls written on the menu Crabby Balls. Educated Person in charge on Establishment advertised crab on menu/menu board but served imitation crab.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed in back kitchen area can opener soiled with mold like substance. Person in charge washed and sanitized can opener.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed in front kitchen area over Grill and fryers hood filters soiled with grease.
Open dumpster lid on North Side of Building. Person in charge closed dumpster lid.
Nov 13, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed in Reach in cooler on cooks front Line Raw ground Beef over raw Clams. Educated Person in charge on safe refrigerator storage and emailed Person in charge a copy of the handout. Person in charge removed Raw ground Beef.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed in back kitchen area can opener soiled with mold like substance. Person in charge cleaned and sanitized can opener.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled in main kitchen area. Person in charge stated it was glass cleaner and labeled accordingly.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed in Reach in cooler on front cooks line Reduced oxygen package tuna in intact ROP. Educated Person in charge on Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Person in charge removed tuna from ROP. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.