Evans Prairie/ mouse in salad

[dotti105]

I have been watching the forums to see if this has been reported. I did not want to be the one to post this. But the facts are that on Monday night a party of 4 ordered entree salads at Evans Prairie and one of the guests found a dead mouse in his salad.

This was posted on "Next door" to warn neighbors. My concern is that the problem could be in their supply chain. Evans Prairie, Bonifay, Belle Glade, Orange Blossom and Scooples all have the same owner, and thus most likely, the same suppliers.

It was stated that the management, and owner were self reporting the incident and that they are doing all they can to find out how this happened.

I am just surprised that no one has alerted the Villages residents, at large, so that we could all be aware and alert.

This should not be hushed up and swept under the carpet. This is s serious health risk and should be promptly addressed.

I am sorry that it was me that had to post this. But I had to get the word out.

[Sable99]

What is "Next Door"? Is it a reliable source?

[Bogie Shooter]

Most likely it will be a long time before this happens again. So, what am I to be alert to?
This could , and probably does, happen at other restaurants.

[graciegirl]

Why do restaurants in The Villages go out of business?


Well.


I don't know what Next Door is either but it didn't happen to Dotti.


Maybe it didn't happen. Maybe it did.


This is the time of year when the rumor machine rachets up.

[spring_chicken]

Thanks for the heads up, Dotti. I should be a little more attentive to what's on my fork before it goes in my mouth! I'd have probably taken a bite out of it!

[Mr.Big]

Be sure to say "House" salad, not " Mouse"
Salad!

[Sable99]

Why do restaurants in The Villages go out of business?


Well.


I don't know what Next Door is either but it didn't happen to Dotti.


Maybe it didn't happen. Maybe it did.


This is the time of year when the rumor machine rachets up.


I just have a hard time believing someone making a salad wouldn't see a mouse! Maybe it happened but it seems a bit skeptical.

[rustyp]

Why do restaurants in The Villages go out of business?


Well.


I don't know what Next Door is either but it didn't happen to Dotti.


Maybe it didn't happen. Maybe it did.


This is the time of year when the rumor machine rachets up.



What would drive this phenomena ? Any facts ?

[golfing eagles]

Be sure to say "House" salad, not " Mouse"
Salad!

Thanks for that post
Now I feel free to ask if it was baked, fried, or broiled:1rotfl:

[DeanFL]

To clarify - and although proper to be skeptical, don't shoot the messenger -the OP.

Nextdoor is a mini-forum, like ToTV - I am a member of the Gilchrist one, where the original postings was made yesterday that Dotti, the OP referred to.

I will paste their entry from Nextdoor but delete out names etc (why do I feel like a congressional hearing admin?)

Here is their posting:
---------------------------------

Not sure where to post this but thought we would let people know in case you ate at Evan's Prairie last night, if you are at all queasy stop reading....

We had a horrible experience at Evan's Prairie last night. 4 of us were dining
and we all ordered salads we were part way done with our salads when suddenly my
partner xxxxx said to stop eating and covers his salad plate with his napkin. He has
just found a whole mouse that was dead in his salad. The waitress came over
and she was going to take his plate but he followed her and the went direct to
the manager. Then the manager came back to our table along with the director of
operations and they were apologizing and offered both couples gift cards. Then
suddenly the owner of Fresh Made Kitchen who runs Evan's Prairie restaurant came
to our table and he also was apologizing and told us that he was going to self
report to the Florida Health department. We contacted the Florida Licensing
Department this morning they oversee any complaints of this type and we filed a
complaint. We also then contacted the Sumpter county Health department just in
case they see any food borne illnesses with Evan's Prairie or prepackaged salad
as a common denominator. Needless to say we probably won't be returning to
Evan's Prairie for a long time if ever.

[cmj1210]

Thanks for that post

Now I feel free to ask if it was baked, fried, or broiled:1rotfl:


[emoji106]

[graciegirl]

To clarify - and although proper to be skeptical, don't shoot the messenger -the OP.

Nextdoor is a mini-forum, like ToTV - I am a member of the Gilchrist one, where the original postings was made yesterday that Dotti, the OP referred to.

I will paste their entry from Nextdoor but delete out names etc (why do I feel like a congressional hearing admin?)

Here is their posting:
---------------------------------

Not sure where to post this but thought we would let people know in case you ate at Evan's Prairie last night, if you are at all queasy stop reading....

We had a horrible experience at Evan's Prairie last night. 4 of us were dining
and we all ordered salads we were part way done with our salads when suddenly my
partner xxxxx said to stop eating and covers his salad plate with his napkin. He has
just found a whole mouse that was dead in his salad. The waitress came over
and she was going to take his plate but he followed her and the went direct to
the manager. Then the manager came back to our table along with the director of
operations and they were apologizing and offered both couples gift cards. Then
suddenly the owner of Fresh Made Kitchen who runs Evan's Prairie restaurant came
to our table and he also was apologizing and told us that he was going to self
report to the Florida Health department. We contacted the Florida Licensing
Department this morning they oversee any complaints of this type and we filed a
complaint. We also then contacted the Sumpter county Health department just in
case they see any food borne illnesses with Evan's Prairie or prepackaged salad
as a common denominator. Needless to say we probably won't be returning to
Evan's Prairie for a long time if ever.




Another one bites the dust.

[Taltarzac725]

We should get separate sources on this. Let's see what appears on the FL Licensing Department web-site about it. Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants Home Page (http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/hr/)

Restaurants/Food Service Public Records (http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/sto/file_download/public-records-food-service.html)

HR Mailing Addresses (http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/hr/contact_us/HRMailingAddresses.html#d3address)

[dotti105]

Nextdoor is accessible to anyone in TV. It is a legitimate forum and residents use their real names.

Usually people sign up under their Village. That is how our AED committee communicates in Gilchrist. The posters all use their real name. People of late, have quoted comments from the owner, who is very upset.

He was going to self report, and the guests were reporting it as well to the county. We may never learn the source of the mouse, but the fact that it was plated and served makes me think that oversight in the kitchen was not the best. Someone had to serve that portion, garnish it etc.

It is just very disturbing!

[rustyp]

"Rumor" has it the restaurant recently added peppercorns to the salads so "they" say.

[Taltarzac725]

Nextdoor is accessible to anyone in TV. It is a legitimate forum and residents use their real names.

Usually people sign up under their Village. That is how our AED committee communitcates in Gilchrist, the poster used her real name. People of late, have quoted comments from the owner, who is very upset.

He was going to self report, and the guests were reporting it as well to the county. We may never learn the source of the mouse, but the fact that it was plated and served makes me think that oversight in the kitchen was not the best. Someone had to serve, that portion, garnish it etc.

It is just very disturbing!

That would be disgusting. Just watching out for TOTV and lawsuits and the like. You should always get verification from a number of sources for something like this.

I do thank you for posting about it though.

The big question is whether the Villages Daily Sun will cover this??? I assume they and the other news sources have not?

[kittygilchrist]

The posting from nextdoor was also published in my neighborhood news with names of the posters. I believe it to be true, a horrid dining experience, credible because I have rarely known such responsive and responsible restaurant management as has EP, and the writer's description shows the same.

My take on this is...I believe in the managers. This incident does not reflect general conditions in the kitchen. Let's see what he inspector's report says.

https://www.myfloridalicense.com/inspectionDates.asp?SID=&id=5416788

[justjim]

I do know of this neighborhood website and when we lived in Sanibel belonged to the one there. Dead mouse in their salad----wow! Iam sure the management is very concerned---it's the last thing you want to happen at your restaurant.

As bad as it sounds, they will get to the bottom of this incident and life will go on. I will go there for lunch or dinner----it will be super clean now!

[Sable99]

Nextdoor is accessible to anyone in TV. It is a legitimate forum and residents use their real names.

Usually people sign up under their Village. That is how our AED committee communicates in Gilchrist. The posters all use their real name. People of late, have quoted comments from the owner, who is very upset.

He was going to self report, and the guests were reporting it as well to the county. We may never learn the source of the mouse, but the fact that it was plated and served makes me think that oversight in the kitchen was not the best. Someone had to serve that portion, garnish it etc.

It is just very disturbing!

Thanks Dotti! I will have to see if Charlotte uses Next Door..

[Sable99]

To clarify - and although proper to be skeptical, don't shoot the messenger -the OP.

Nextdoor is a mini-forum, like ToTV - I am a member of the Gilchrist one, where the original postings was made yesterday that Dotti, the OP referred to.

I will paste their entry from Nextdoor but delete out names etc (why do I feel like a congressional hearing admin?)

Here is their posting:
---------------------------------

Not sure where to post this but thought we would let people know in case you ate at Evan's Prairie last night, if you are at all queasy stop reading....

We had a horrible experience at Evan's Prairie last night. 4 of us were dining
and we all ordered salads we were part way done with our salads when suddenly my
partner xxxxx said to stop eating and covers his salad plate with his napkin. He has
just found a whole mouse that was dead in his salad. The waitress came over
and she was going to take his plate but he followed her and the went direct to
the manager. Then the manager came back to our table along with the director of
operations and they were apologizing and offered both couples gift cards. Then
suddenly the owner of Fresh Made Kitchen who runs Evan's Prairie restaurant came
to our table and he also was apologizing and told us that he was going to self
report to the Florida Health department. We contacted the Florida Licensing
Department this morning they oversee any complaints of this type and we filed a
complaint. We also then contacted the Sumpter county Health department just in
case they see any food borne illnesses with Evan's Prairie or prepackaged salad
as a common denominator. Needless to say we probably won't be returning to
Evan's Prairie for a long time if ever.

I wasn't shooting the messenger, I was just curious about Next Door. I will have to see if Charlotte is a part of Next Door.

I still can't figiure out how someone preparing the salad to be served wouldn't see a mouse.

[kittygilchrist]

I wasn't shooting the messenger, I was just curious about Next Door. I will have to see if Charlotte is a part of Next Door.

I still can't figiure out how someone preparing the salad to be served wouldn't see a mouse.

Yeah, it is a mystery...was it...nevermind...

[golfing eagles]

We may never learn the source of the mouse, but the fact that it was plated and served makes me think that oversight in the kitchen was not the best. Someone had to serve that portion, garnish it etc.


No matter how it happened, I think it is fair to say Gordon Ramsey was NOT running the pass

[KathieI]

I'm not saying it didn't happen, but you know the saying... sh.. happens and just be glad it was a whole mouse. Seriously, I've eaten at Bonifay (part of the group of restaurants) every Monday night for the past year or so and order the same salad every time. Not only do I find their food wonderful, but everything about that restaurant is very clean (not like the old Havana restaurant) and their management to be very concerned about customer satisfaction and quality. I'm sure they will get to the bottom of this and it will definitely not stop me from eating at any of their establishments. Now if you were talking about Terre de Sol or Cody's, I wouldn't be at all surprised.

[golfing eagles]

I'm not all that concerned that a kitchen might get an occasional mouse wander in. But it is disturbing that it escaped detection by the salad maker, the pass, and the server. BTW, what type of dressing goes best with mouse?

[DeanFL]

I'm not all that concerned that a kitchen might get an occasional mouse wander in. But it is disturbing that it escaped detection by the salad maker, the pass, and the server. BTW, what type of dressing goes best with mouse?

Has to be blue cheese.

Next question - what do you have for dessert then?

Chocolate Mousse.

[Topspinmo]

I just have a hard time believing someone making a salad wouldn't see a mouse! Maybe it happened but it seems a bit skeptical.


I would guess the salads comes prepackaged, all the preparer probably does is unpack and dressing it? If so I could see how something could go un-noticed. I suspect it happened at the supply vender???? Just guess though??

[tuccillo]

I believe you can order salads with chicken or shrimp. Will they be printing new menus to add mouse to the choice?

Has to be blue cheese.

Next question - what do you have for dessert then?

Chocolate Mousse.

[jnieman]

I'm not saying it didn't happen, but you know the saying... sh.. happens and just be glad it was a whole mouse. Seriously, I've eaten at Bonifay (part of the group of restaurants) every Monday night for the past year or so and order the same salad every time. Not only do I find their food wonderful, but everything about that restaurant is very clean (not like the old Havana restaurant) and their management to be very concerned about customer satisfaction and quality. I'm sure they will get to the bottom of this and it will definitely not stop me from eating at any of their establishments. Now if you were talking about Terre de Sol or Cody's, I wouldn't be at all surprised.




I agree Kathy. The salad could be those bagged salads we all see at the grocery store. Possibly an employee grabbed a handful and put it in a bowl and put toppings on it. There are plenty of mice in the fields where they grow lettuce.

[Lovey2]

I would guess the salads comes prepackaged, all the preparer probably does is unpack and dressing it? If so I could see how something could go un-noticed. I suspect it happened at the supply vender???? Just guess though??

Exactly what the Next Door post says! The salads are prepackaged and are plated by using salad tongs. Supposedly the mouse was the size of a fingertip, so it could be easily missed by whoever is preparing the salad. ( I think we all go eek! and picture a large mouse, but they DO start out little, so this is feasible...)The manager was self reporting the incident and has fired the company they receive their salads from. This has all been verified in the Next Door postings. Apparently several people that eat there frequently called to get to the bottom of the posting and everyone reported the same story. I would not let this incident keep me from eating there. The chances of it being repeated are slim to none, I think.

[Jima64]

If they just plate it right out of the bag makes me think they do not even rinse it before serving. No thank you.

[graciegirl]

Exactly what the Next Door post says! The salads are prepackaged and are plated by using salad tongs. Supposedly the mouse was the size of a fingertip, so it could be easily missed by whoever is preparing the salad. ( I think we all go eek! and picture a large mouse, but they DO start out little, so this is feasible...)The manager was self reporting the incident and has fired the company they receive their salads from. This has all been verified in the Next Door postings. Apparently several people that eat there frequently called to get to the bottom of the posting and everyone reported the same story. I would not let this incident keep me from eating there. The chances of it being repeated are slim to none, I think.



Thank you for the update.

[JoMar]

If they just plate it right out of the bag makes me think they do not even rinse it before serving. No thank you.

Most salads, including the ones in grocery stores come pre washed.....not sure if any high volume restaurants do much preparation in house anymore.

[CFrance]

I wasn't shooting the messenger, I was just curious about Next Door. I will have to see if Charlotte is a part of Next Door.

I still can't figiure out how someone preparing the salad to be served wouldn't see a mouse.
Often side salads are prepped in advance. It probably happened after the salads were prepared.

[Northwoods]

I agree with Justjim... my guess is that EP will be "inspecting" everything so it doesn't happen again. So it just might be the cleanest place to eat!
We ate there tonight... everything was very good.

[twoplanekid]

I have this picture in my mind of a government researcher eating mice (voles) as he studies wolves in the movie “Never Cry Wolf”. A “Good idea” as Mike the young Inuit would say in the movie.

[Barefoot]

I heard this rumor on Tuesday, and also that the mouse was the size of the tip of a finger.
Checking the Florida Licensing Department reports is a good idea.

[Sable99]

I would guess the salads comes prepackaged, all the preparer probably does is unpack and dressing it? If so I could see how something could go un-noticed. I suspect it happened at the supply vender???? Just guess though??

I thought it would be pre-packaged but I assumed they would have to add some toppings after it was plated. But, if the mouse was as small as another poster said I could see how you could miss it. I was thinking of a regular sized mouse and not one as big as a finger tip.

[jblum315]

I seldom buy those bagged salads. Now I probably will never buy one.

[rhood]

Gi guess no one thoughto take a photo

[rubicon]

The first thought that crossed my mind upon reading the topic's headline was "a possible insurance scam". However it seems unlikely and certainly I would not bring into question the honesty and integrity of this resident. The people involved would have been wiser to keep this to themselves reported the incident to the restaurant owner/manager, other responsible parties ,inspection agencies, etc and place the restaurant on notice in writing of the events, the conversation that took place upon reporting it, along with the parties present, the restaurant's responses and their reaction to this discovery

You can bet , and the customer/resident should understand that the restaurant, its insurer, the state inspection agencies , etc have to consider every possible explanation and they would be remiss not to do so because this restaurant's future is depended upon it.

You can bet this investigation will go back to where that lettuce etc was grown, picked, packaged, distributed, all the way to the waitress placing that plate on the table.

Truthfully I never want to eat in another restaurant again nor have a salad. In my case ignorance would have been blissbarf

[HimandMe]

Ratatouille strikes again.

This was a major oversight and traumatizing to the person so unfortunate to find it...yet, it happens.....usually not so far as getting on the plate though. People who have lived on farms or in the country know mice are everywhere and can get in the tiniest places. My girlfriend's husband found a mouse skeleton in a major brand beverage....after he drank half of it. He can't mention the name because they paid him off.

Things will and do happen here in TV especially where there is the most valuable commodity to all life, food. We hope it won't happen to us and after awhile we will all be eating out again without scrutinizing every morsel on our plates.

[Bonny]

I believe you can order salads with chicken or shrimp. Will they be printing new menus to add mouse to the choice?
They will have to figure out the market price. :beer3:

[Bay Kid]

I guess they didn't wash the salad very well...ugh....

[asianthree]

I am hoping it's was bagged lettuce. Salads are usually prepped early morning and put in the walkin on trays. If the are not using bagged lettuce then it's a whole new ball game

[graciegirl]

I guess they didn't wash the salad very well...ugh....



Bay Kid. I don't wash lettuce unless it is leaf lettuce. And usually even that is pre washed now.


I admit I was skeptical and I hadn't heard of "Next Door" and I thought maybe Dotti had got an email of one of those rampant rumors that often go around here.


I guess I felt that way just simply because in all of my life I hadn't ever discovered anything in my food but a hair. YUCK.


I remember there was a post on this forum from someone who posted only once that they had found a serving spoon handle in their vegetables at another restaurant owned by the same group.


I rely a lot on information from valid posters and Dotti is certainly a valid poster. She is not a trouble maker or a pot stirrer. But every once in awhile we all get information that isn't correct and report it. Now I know what Next Door is, but can't seem to get accepted. They say my email address is invalid...I am doing something wrong. My village is not one listed so that may be the roadblock.


So I hope no one ever has a mouse in their salad. I am very squeamish and I must admit that it has really made me want to never eat out. But I know I will.


YUCK.

[Cedwards38]

IF this happened (and in case you are wondering, that's a big if) then it was clearly an accident and it appears from the posting that the manager did everything possible under the circumstances to make it right.

It might have happened because of:

(1) a disgruntled restaurant employee with an ax to grind
(2) anyone can carry anything into a restaurant and place it in their own food for multiple reasons, not the least of which is a free meal or their own ax to grind
(3) placed in the food by the supplier by accident, or by a disgruntled employee there

I've eaten many meals at Evans Prairie, Bonifay, Belle Glade, and Scooples and I'll eat many more. I'd go there right now. Don't judge by whether a mistake was made. We all do that and wish we hadn't. Judge by how a mistake is corrected.

My sainted mother (a candidate for canonization because of putting up with the antics of my brother an me) once made a big pot of green beans for a dinner. She bought the beans fresh, snapped them herself, and cooked them the country way with a ham hock and on heat for hours. We all ate them greedily until getting to the bottom of the pot and finding what we used to call a grub worm in the bowl. What can you do but moan and then laugh? And we ate the very next meal she cooked.

[virgind]

Bottom line its their fault I wouldnt set foot in any of those places. They run decent places out and keep the dumps.

[circletrack]

If said mouse was indeed the size of a finger tip, I'd say it would be pretty darn hard to notice it in a fast-moving kitchen. There have been several reports over things ending up in bags of lettuce. Not surprised to see this happen, and it could happen at any restaurant.

[rustyp]

I like Next Door. Seems to be more factual oriented than other local sites. I like it also because it doesn't seem to be monopolized by a small minority.

[Taltarzac725]

It looks like Next Door is only open for the Group set up by the person that creates that Group. I just started one for Lynnhaven. Drew a map for homes I thought were in Lynnhaven.

I now have to get 10 Lynnhaven neighbors into the Group I set up or someone else will set up a new Lynnhaven Group. They gave me a three weeks to get my 10 neighbors. I have until November 26, 2015.

That's all I know about this Next Door so far. Unless you have a person who experienced something firsthand in your Group, I would not think that Next Door would be all that reliable for matters that might end up in a court of law.

It would be good for setting up dates for golf, block parties, football watching events, trips to the movies, sharing recipes, Candy Crush Saga advice, etc.

It can be connected to your Facebook page. Like Facebook you have to go through various verification procedures with respect to your real e-mail address, physical address, phone number, etc.

[Carla B]

Critters can be in prepackaged salad. I bought a bag of Fresh Express Salad from Publix. There was a LIVE horse fly in it. We called Fresh Express to let them know and they sent us some coupons.

I too hope the salad at EP was prepackaged.

[graciegirl]

I like Next Door. Seems to be more factual oriented than other local sites. I like it also because it doesn't seem to be monopolized by a small minority.


ouch.

[DeanFL]

ouch.

seemed to touch a nerve.

We luv ya Gracie.

[Taltarzac725]

I like Next Door. Seems to be more factual oriented than other local sites. I like it also because it doesn't seem to be monopolized by a small minority.

Actually, it also seems to be that a person could post on Next Door a lot. And, it seems about as factual as what is said at a dinner party in some neighborhood. Not sure if you can edit what you post on there? There's the transparency of using your real name but Facebook has that as well. And people can post a lot on Facebook.

Back to the mouse in the salad? There does not seem to be any information about the size of it?

My Mom had a nut/screw in her sandwich last year and it partially broke her tooth. The restaurant gave her a life time pass for free meals there. It was a small screw/nut. I am not going to say which one this happened at as it is settled via private agreement-- the lifelong pass. I bet she still though checks for things in the sandwiches at that restaurant. And they rarely go there. I have never ate at that restaurant myself.

I might have posted about it on TOTV but do not remember. She was with a group of female Lynnhaven golfers on the 19th hole so to speak even if they only play the 9 hole golf courses. The 10th hole.

[kittygilchrist]

If you do not get nextdoor, it is because nobody in your community organized it.
Brouhaha leaves me nonplussed.
...you have not been excluded by any act of commission.

[Taltarzac725]

If you do not get nextdoor, it is because nobody in your community organized it.
Brouhaha leaves me nonplussed.
...you have not been excluded by any act of commission.

You can set one up in your neighborhood. You just need nine more people to join over the 21 day trial period.

There are some other neighborhoods close to Lynnhaven with about 90 people in their Next Door Groups.

[Bogie Shooter]

The first thought that crossed my mind upon reading the topic's headline was "a possible insurance scam". However it seems unlikely and certainly I would not bring into question the honesty and integrity of this resident. The people involved would have been wiser to keep this to themselves reported the incident to the restaurant owner/manager, other responsible parties ,inspection agencies, etc and place the restaurant on notice in writing of the events, the conversation that took place upon reporting it, along with the parties present, the restaurant's responses and their reaction to this discovery

You can bet , and the customer/resident should understand that the restaurant, its insurer, the state inspection agencies , etc have to consider every possible explanation and they would be remiss not to do so because this restaurant's future is depended upon it.

You can bet this investigation will go back to where that lettuce etc was grown, picked, packaged, distributed, all the way to the waitress placing that plate on the table.

Truthfully I never want to eat in another restaurant again nor have a salad. In my case ignorance would have been blissbarf

Never eat in a restaurant? Do you think this s the first time this happened? At any restaurant?

[outlaw]

I gotta ask. Did they go ahead with their main course?

[Bogie Shooter]

Bottom line its their fault I wouldnt set foot in any of those places. They run decent places out and keep the dumps.

Who is they?

[kittygilchrist]

Will continue patronage and do so more often.

[blueash]

Lawsuit? really Lawsuit? What damages are there here? A severe onset of restaurantaphobia? We are all eating bugs and feces all the time, and squirrel hairs and spiders and undoubtedly there have been mouse parts in your meals. Gives you fiber and your immune system something to do on a slow day.

Defect Levels Handbook (http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/SanitationTransportation/ucm056174.htm)

Typical reason for the interest in insect parts, rodent hair and feces

"DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - pre/post harvest and processing insect infestation. Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic


Ain't gonna hurt ya. And no, I don't need you bringing me all your dead mice for my next meal. As Billy Pilgrim reminds us: So it goes.

[graciegirl]

Lawsuit? really Lawsuit? What damages are there here? A severe onset of restaurantaphobia? We are all eating bugs and feces all the time, and squirrel hairs and spiders and undoubtedly there have been mouse parts in your meals. Gives you fiber and your immune system something to do on a slow day.

Defect Levels Handbook (http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/SanitationTransportation/ucm056174.htm)

Typical reason for the interest in insect parts, rodent hair and feces

"DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - pre/post harvest and processing insect infestation. Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic


Ain't gonna hurt ya. And no, I don't need you bringing me all your dead mice for my next meal. As Billy Pilgrim reminds us: So it goes.



Thank you. I know I needed to hear that...but it will go on and on and on.

[TheVillageChicken]

A mouse in one's salad is not Kosher....or Halal.

[outlaw]

Yes. I always expect to find dead animals in my meals when I go out to eat.

[TheVillageChicken]

Yes. I always expect to find dead animals in my meals when I go out to eat.

Yep, beef, poultry, fish, lamb, pork, and the occasional reptile or amphibian. Mice, only if I am on Naked and Afraid, which won't happen because I am afraid to get naked.

[Gerald]

If it was alive, I would be very upset. However a dead mouse would mean that it was put in the salad. By a person, who works there. Someone who was really angry at the place.
Why you ask? Because the salad was made in the kitchen. Mixed in the kitchen so someone had to have put it in there. A live mouse could run into, That is possible if it was trying to hide. But a dead one, think about it.

[asianthree]

You can set one up in your neighborhood. You just need nine more people to join over the 21 day trial period.

There are some other neighborhoods close to Lynnhaven with about 90 people in their Next Door Groups.

Our neighborhood uses next door. It shows a map with each house that has joined. Lists your name and your address. Most are setting up new group, looking or selling something. Or info on the neighborhood gathering.

[newguyintv]

I have been watching the forums to see if this has been reported. I did not want to be the one to post this. But the facts are that on Monday night a party of 4 ordered entree salads at Evans Prairie and one of the guests found a dead mouse in his salad.

This was posted on "Next door" to warn neighbors. My concern is that the problem could be in their supply chain. Evans Prairie, Bonifay, Belle Glade, Orange Blossom and Scooples all have the same owner, and thus most likely, the same suppliers.

It was stated that the management, and owner were self reporting the incident and that they are doing all they can to find out how this happened.

I am just surprised that no one has alerted the Villages residents, at large, so that we could all be aware and alert.

This should not be hushed up and swept under the carpet. This is s serious health risk and should be promptly addressed.

I am sorry that it was me that had to post this. But I had to get the word out.

Was the Mouse dead or alive?

[Bonny]

If it was alive, I would be very upset. However a dead mouse would mean that it was put in the salad. By a person, who works there. Someone who was really angry at the place.
Why you ask? Because the salad was made in the kitchen. Mixed in the kitchen so someone had to have put it in there. A live mouse could run into, That is possible if it was trying to hide. But a dead one, think about it.
Could have happened at the packaging plant. They use pre bagged lettuce.

[DeanFL]

I'm just wonderin'...

Would those folks that are showing such unbridled support and understanding and continued patronage...
would they feel exactly the same way if the restaurant was off-campus, and one that they don't have some linkage to?

Just appears that some here are treadling very lightly with their commentary. for whatever reasons.

I am completely neutral and have eaten at EP quite a few times. My stomach turned when first reading of this issue and still does. Sorry, will be some time till we return as I could not imagine diving into my salad there without having that image. Where it was 'sourced' local issue or not, fair or not fair, this is a huge ding - should not have happened, should have been caught in prep - and NEVER show on a consumer's plate. period.

Just think that many are giving a pass, and no doubt have spoken with the manager/owner - and showing their support. That may be honorable to a degree, but sorry doesn't cut it here.

[graciegirl]

I'm just wonderin'...

Would those folks that are showing such unbridled support and understanding and continued patronage...
would they feel exactly the same way if the restaurant was off-campus, and one that they don't have some linkage to?

Just appears that some here are treadling very lightly with their commentary. for whatever reasons.

I am completely neutral and have eaten at EP quite a few times. My stomach turned when first reading of this issue and still does. Sorry, will be some time till we return as I could not imagine diving into my salad there without having that image. Where it was 'sourced' local issue or not, fair or not fair, this is a huge ding - should not have happened, should have been caught in prep - and NEVER show on a consumer's plate. period.

Just think that many are giving a pass, and no doubt have spoken with the manager/owner - and showing their support. That may be honorable to a degree, but sorry doesn't cut it here.



Your post is compelling. I wish I had been able to access the "Next Door" posts for myself. Blue Ash's opinion carries great weight with me, although I never hesitate to debate his politics. We are swayed here on this forum. And that is both good and bad.

[DeanFL]

For those with no access to Nextdoor Neighbor (Gilchrist). I just went in and see that there was a posting from 1 hour ago - by the operator of Evan's Prairie (and other CCs here at TV).

I would think that he would approve my copy/paste of his posting since there are so many readers of this topic here on ToTV. Since Mr. Karimipour named names on the public site, I will not delete them here.

I, for one appreciate his forthrightness and communication on this matter.
Here's his posting (word - for - word):
----------------------------------------

Fred Karimipour from Valiant Villagers 56m ago
Dear Neighbors,
My name is Fred Karimipour and I live in The Village of Charlotte right off of Hillsborough.
I'm also the operator of Evans Prairie country club and others.
I have been wanting to respond to your comments and concerns, but wanted to make sure I had all the facts, and had done my Due diligence.
Let me begin by saying that what Mr. Brian Emigh has reported is True.
Once I leaned of this, we immediately pulled the product and reviewed our process.

I immediately contacted my supplier, which is a National Company, to raise the flag "stop sale".
I then contacted the restaurant inspector with The State of Florida and requested an inspection.
I also asked Steritech, a third party inspector, to come and perform an additional inspection.
I am pleased to report that both private and government inspection have found our operation to be impeccable!
Both these reports are available for your review and I will be glad to meet with any individual that has any concerns. I have found honesty and transparency are virtues that have served me well. If you'd like to learn more or would like to contact me directly you can reach me at
Fred@freshmadegroup.com, or call/text me on my cell phone: 407-256-5558

I will finish by saying I am very sorry for what has occurred. It has humbled me as the voice in our industry about food safety and realizing it can even happen to my organization. I am very proud of my Team and its dedication to food safety and the result of their commitment and hard work were verified today by the state inspectors.
I believe our reaction to a situation literally has the power to change the situation itself.
Therefore, I'm making it my mission to petition the USDA to reevaluate how they harvest Spring Mix (Mesculine)
Again, a special Thank You to Mr. Brian Emigh for his Kindness and Compassion!
-------------------------------------

NOTE - I also see that the diners that had this incident happen to them made a posting 2 hours ago. Here it is word - for - word:
-------------------------------------

Joyce Graham & Brian Emigh from Valiant Villagers 2h ago
EVANS PRAIRIE UPDATE

To be totally fair to Evan's Prairie we need to post an update.

The Owner and Management at EP has called to check on our health and wellness every day since the incident. We appreciate that. We are truly sad about this whole incident since this was one of the places we frequently dined and brought our out of town guests to in the Villages. The owner called Brian to check on us and also to inform us of some of the changes they are making including changing the vendor they use for their produce.

We also receive a phone call from the Florida Licensing agency that does restaurant inspections and they said that they did an inspection today and found Evans's Prairie is a very clean restaurant and passed all inspections.

That said I didn't want this forum to turn in to something to bash EP, like I
said we had many good meals there and it was probably the restaurant and bar we frequented the most in the Villages.

[Bogie Shooter]

I'm just wonderin'...

Would those folks that are showing such unbridled support and understanding and continued patronage...
would they feel exactly the same way if the restaurant was off-campus, and one that they don't have some linkage to?

Just appears that some here are treadling very lightly with their commentary. for whatever reasons.

I am completely neutral and have eaten at EP quite a few times. My stomach turned when first reading of this issue and still does. Sorry, will be some time till we return as I could not imagine diving into my salad there without having that image. Where it was 'sourced' local issue or not, fair or not fair, this is a huge ding - should not have happened, should have been caught in prep - and NEVER show on a consumer's plate. period.

Just think that many are giving a pass, and no doubt have spoken with the manager/owner - and showing their support. That may be honorable to a degree, but sorry doesn't cut it here.

You should watch your salad wherever you eat.....it could happen anywhere.
Me, I will discount the paranoia.

[dbussone]

For those with no access to Nextdoor Neighbor (Gilchrist). I just went in and see that there was a posting from 1 hour ago - by the operator of Evan's Prairie (and other CCs here at TV).

I would think that he would approve my copy/paste of his posting since there are so many readers of this topic here on ToTV. Since Mr. Karimipour named names on the public site, I will not delete them here.

I, for one appreciate his forthrightness and communication on this matter.
Here's his posting (word - for - word):
----------------------------------------

Fred Karimipour from Valiant Villagers 56m ago
Dear Neighbors,
My name is Fred Karimipour and I live in The Village of Charlotte right off of Hillsborough.
I'm also the operator of Evans Prairie country club and others.
I have been wanting to respond to your comments and concerns, but wanted to make sure I had all the facts, and had done my Due diligence.
Let me begin by saying that what Mr. Brian Emigh has reported is True.
Once I leaned of this, we immediately pulled the product and reviewed our process.

I immediately contacted my supplier, which is a National Company, to raise the flag "stop sale".
I then contacted the restaurant inspector with The State of Florida and requested an inspection.
I also asked Steritech, a third party inspector, to come and perform an additional inspection.
I am pleased to report that both private and government inspection have found our operation to be impeccable!
Both these reports are available for your review and I will be glad to meet with any individual that has any concerns. I have found honesty and transparency are virtues that have served me well. If you'd like to learn more or would like to contact me directly you can reach me at
Fred@freshmadegroup.com, or call/text me on my cell phone: 407-256-5558

I will finish by saying I am very sorry for what has occurred. It has humbled me as the voice in our industry about food safety and realizing it can even happen to my organization. I am very proud of my Team and its dedication to food safety and the result of their commitment and hard work were verified today by the state inspectors.
I believe our reaction to a situation literally has the power to change the situation itself.
Therefore, I'm making it my mission to petition the USDA to reevaluate how they harvest Spring Mix (Mesculine)
Again, a special Thank You to Mr. Brian Emigh for his Kindness and Compassion!
-------------------------------------

NOTE - I also see that the diners that had this incident happen to them made a posting 2 hours ago. Here it is word - for - word:
-------------------------------------

Joyce Graham & Brian Emigh from Valiant Villagers 2h ago
EVANS PRAIRIE UPDATE

To be totally fair to Evan's Prairie we need to post an update.

The Owner and Management at EP has called to check on our health and wellness every day since the incident. We appreciate that. We are truly sad about this whole incident since this was one of the places we frequently dined and brought our out of town guests to in the Villages. The owner called Brian to check on us and also to inform us of some of the changes they are making including changing the vendor they use for their produce.

We also receive a phone call from the Florida Licensing agency that does restaurant inspections and they said that they did an inspection today and found Evans's Prairie is a very clean restaurant and passed all inspections.

That said I didn't want this forum to turn in to something to bash EP, like I
said we had many good meals there and it was probably the restaurant and bar we frequented the most in the Villages.

Mr Karimipour obviously is very upset about this situation. However, he appears to be a person of integrity and believes in doing the right thing. Given the steps he has taken - without being coerced - I will continue to patronize EP.

[Bogie Shooter]

If the folks that had this experience had been a little more patient with management of EP......all of this unnecessary negative publicity and bashing could have been avoided.
It wasn't as if the were told to go away.

[dbussone]

If they just plate it right out of the bag makes me think they do not even rinse it before serving. No thank you.


Washing is not necessary with many prepackaged salad mixes. Most come triple washed.

[circletrack]

I'm just wonderin'...

Would those folks that are showing such unbridled support and understanding and continued patronage...
would they feel exactly the same way if the restaurant was off-campus, and one that they don't have some linkage to?

Just appears that some here are treadling very lightly with their commentary. for whatever reasons.

I am completely neutral and have eaten at EP quite a few times. My stomach turned when first reading of this issue and still does. Sorry, will be some time till we return as I could not imagine diving into my salad there without having that image. Where it was 'sourced' local issue or not, fair or not fair, this is a huge ding - should not have happened, should have been caught in prep - and NEVER show on a consumer's plate. period.

Just think that many are giving a pass, and no doubt have spoken with the manager/owner - and showing their support. That may be honorable to a degree, but sorry doesn't cut it here.

I'm giving them a pass because there are several documented instances of insects and sometimes mice showing up in bags of premade salad.

I've only been to EP twice, so I have no attachment to the restaurant.

They said they will self report, and will likely change suppliers if possible.

[gerryann]

Washing is not necessary with many prepackaged salad mixes. Most come triple washed.

That's very true....but recently problems have occurred with lettuce. I have heard that it is advisable to wash it again before eating. I know I do.

[jerseyvillager]

Enough said - remove thread.

[DonH57]

Must not have been good salad if it killed the mouse!

[Northerner52]

I guess the mouse was triple washed too.

[Barefoot]

Seven of us ate at Evan Prarie tonight. They are now using a different vendor for salads.
We figured the kitchen is probably immaculate due to negative publicity.
We all enjoyed ourselves. No mice, no Mosquitos.

[wendyquat]

Not that it has anything to do with this incident but Evans Prairie has had a U (unsatisfactory I presume) grade on What the health -Florida app! Many other restaurants carry A's and B's! This is important to me!

[rubicon]

Never eat in a restaurant? Do you think this s the first time this happened? At any restaurant?

Hi Boogie Shooter: On the personal side I ate at an upscale diner near my home in MN the hamburger contained a piece of plastic about an inch long.
I admit I did play with the manager a bit because insurance was my life and I wanted to see how far he would good, how he would act etc for business purposes. I only ask that he not charge me for my meal. We paid for my wife's. I never identified that restaurant to anyone to this day.

My staff worked many a product liability claims, lawsuits, etc across the country because we were a good size commercial insurer. so yes I know its not the first time this has happened in a restaurant. I also know that insurance scams of this nature are more common than people would imagine.

when first reading this thread two thoughts came to mind an insurance scam but again I make a disclaimer that it would be unfair of me to assume such because I am not privy to more detail than what the OP offered. Secondly that it was a concocted story. I dismissed this because the story contained the actual name of the restaurant and that the story originated from a neighborhood newsletter

Of course never doesn't really mean never but I have a weak stomach when it comes to such things and so....In fact after golf this AM will be eating at one of our fine village restaurants...I'm just going to really inspect what I'm eating:D

Personal Best Regards:

[Taltarzac725]

Seven of us ate at Evan Prarie tonight. They are now using a different vendor for salads.
We figured the kitchen is probably immaculate due to negative publicity.
We all enjoyed ourselves. No mice, no Mosquitos.

Welcome back, Barefoot!

The legend of the mouse in the salad would not deter me neither. I would inspect the food though before chowing down.

[jnieman]

It's a risk to eat out. Ate at a popular chinese restaurant here and bit down on something hard in my soup. I broke off my tooth which then had to be pulled. It can happen any where.

[Cedwards38]

I'm just thinking about all of the potentially disgusting things that have been in my food in my lifetime, either accidentally or intentionally, that I did not see or know about, and ate with vigor.
And yet, I feel pretty good today!

[graciegirl]

I'm just thinking about all of the potentially disgusting things that have been in my food in my lifetime, either accidentally or intentionally, that I did not see or know about, and ate with vigor.
And yet, I feel pretty good today!



And you personify the kind of person I so admire.


Such a lovely positive attitude, coupled with such a reasonable and hopeful view of the world.


Your kids are sure lucky.

[Bonny]

We went to a restaurant for an Easter brunch in Michigan years ago. Hubby took a bite of his nice big sausage patty. All of a sudden he spit it out along with a piece of his tooth. It happened to be the metal ring that closes the wrap of the ground sausage.
Of course our buffets were comped and the restaurant paid for the dental bill.
We continued to eat our brunch cause hubby wasn't having any pain.
It was always one of our favorite restaurants.

[BabeRogers]

Rumors are virile around here....to set the record straight I asked and verified these facts.
Fact:Evans Prairie's restaurant has been cleared of any hint of health or sanitary problems. Read health reports.
Fact: They self reported.
Fact. They have an excellent health and sanitary record
Fact: The small rodent came from packaged greens delivered from a food distributor. Due to ecoli dangers that have shut down restaurants like McDonalds and 43 Chipotle restaurants.
Fact: Evans Prairie has reported the distributor to the proper health authorities.
Fact: They have changed food distributors

a bit of humor for a horrible experience: my nephew works for the World Food Health Organization in Washington. The FDA has now approved all packaged food can contain "other" ingredients from 15% to now 20%. Does the 20% fit into the mouse in the salad situation? FDA thinks so!

[pajim]

On your I phone get the app " what the health' and you will see that Evans Prairie is rated U or 62 with A or 100 being high. not the cleanest place in TV

[ScorpioSquared]

Critters can be in prepackaged salad. I bought a bag of Fresh Express Salad from Publix. There was a LIVE horse fly in it. We called Fresh Express to let them know and they sent us some coupons.

I too hope the salad at EP was prepackaged.

Don't know the best way a company could react to this situation but after that experience not sure if I would need the coupons.

[Dan9871]

I think that inspection report is out of date. The current one from the Florida Business and Regulation site is on www dot myfloridalicense dot com / dbpr / sto / file_download / public-records-food-service.html

Use the link on the text "DBPR Online Services" to look up the current inspections. Evans Prairie just had an inspection a couple of days ago.

Also it the Florida Business and Regulation site has mobile versions for phones. Just search in the app store for your phone for DBPR. This app doesn't have all the advert stuff on it that the What The Health app does. Also it's info from the source so it is up to date.

On your I phone get the app " what the health' and you will see that Evans Prairie is rated U or 62 with A or 100 being high. not the cleanest place in TV

[rick@sundstrom.com]

I have been watching the forums to see if this has been reported. I did not want to be the one to post this. But the facts are that on Monday night a party of 4 ordered entree salads at Evans Prairie and one of the guests found a dead mouse in his salad.

This was posted on "Next door" to warn neighbors. My concern is that the problem could be in their supply chain. Evans Prairie, Bonifay, Belle Glade, Orange Blossom and Scooples all have the same owner, and thus most likely, the same suppliers.

It was stated that the management, and owner were self reporting the incident and that they are doing all they can to find out how this happened.

I am just surprised that no one has alerted the Villages residents, at large, so that we could all be aware and alert.

This should not be hushed up and swept under the carpet. This is s serious health risk and should be promptly addressed.

I am sorry that it was me that had to post this. But I had to get the word out.
Things like this occurs occasionally even at the best of restaurants. If all the was presented was true and accurate the actions taken by the restaurants management staff and the reporting to the various regulating agencies was appropriate. I feel very comfortable with in and around the villages and this incident would not make me even hesitate to eat there. By the way, in most cases of food sickness it is what you can not see that gets people sick, micro organisms. I have to tell you I am impressed with most of the replies I have seen. they seem to represent anything but the knee jerk reactions that I have often seen in the past. Put everything you hear in prospective and make sure it is true before you pass it on.

[Bogie Shooter]

Things like this occurs occasionally even at the best of restaurants. If all the was presented was true and accurate the actions taken by the restaurants management staff and the reporting to the various regulating agencies was appropriate. I feel very comfortable with in and around the villages and this incident would not make me even hesitate to eat there. By the way, in most cases of food sickness it is what you can not see that gets people sick, micro organisms. I have to tell you I am impressed with most of the replies I have seen. they seem to represent anything but the knee jerk reactions that I have often seen in the past. Put everything you hear in prospective and make sure it is true before you pass it on.

You may want to review TOTV site guidelines regarding the use of an email address for your user name.

[golf2140]

Had diinner at Belle Glade last night, great food and service.

[rubicon]

Lawsuit? really Lawsuit? What damages are there here? A severe onset of restaurantaphobia? We are all eating bugs and feces all the time, and squirrel hairs and spiders and undoubtedly there have been mouse parts in your meals. Gives you fiber and your immune system something to do on a slow day.

Defect Levels Handbook (http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/SanitationTransportation/ucm056174.htm)

Typical reason for the interest in insect parts, rodent hair and feces

"DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - pre/post harvest and processing insect infestation. Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic


Ain't gonna hurt ya. And no, I don't need you bringing me all your dead mice for my next meal. As Billy Pilgrim reminds us: So it goes.

You might want to reconsider your opinion

Personal Best Regards:

[lambchop285]

Had diinner at Belle Glade last night, great food and service.
Had dinner at Belle Glade on Thursday and it was fantastic! I personally know the owners of these restaurants and they have experience that exceeds most restaurants in the Villages.. things happen in all restaurants that we prefer not to hear,, but the best restaurants take care of business to make sure it doesnt happen again

[Bogie Shooter]

For those with no access to Nextdoor Neighbor (Gilchrist). I just went in and see that there was a posting from 1 hour ago - by the operator of Evan's Prairie (and other CCs here at TV).

I would think that he would approve my copy/paste of his posting since there are so many readers of this topic here on ToTV. Since Mr. Karimipour named names on the public site, I will not delete them here.

I, for one appreciate his forthrightness and communication on this matter.
Here's his posting (word - for - word):
----------------------------------------

Fred Karimipour from Valiant Villagers 56m ago
Dear Neighbors,
My name is Fred Karimipour and I live in The Village of Charlotte right off of Hillsborough.
I'm also the operator of Evans Prairie country club and others.
I have been wanting to respond to your comments and concerns, but wanted to make sure I had all the facts, and had done my Due diligence.
Let me begin by saying that what Mr. Brian Emigh has reported is True.
Once I leaned of this, we immediately pulled the product and reviewed our process.

I immediately contacted my supplier, which is a National Company, to raise the flag "stop sale".
I then contacted the restaurant inspector with The State of Florida and requested an inspection.
I also asked Steritech, a third party inspector, to come and perform an additional inspection.
I am pleased to report that both private and government inspection have found our operation to be impeccable!
Both these reports are available for your review and I will be glad to meet with any individual that has any concerns. I have found honesty and transparency are virtues that have served me well. If you'd like to learn more or would like to contact me directly you can reach me at
Fred@freshmadegroup.com, or call/text me on my cell phone: 407-256-5558

I will finish by saying I am very sorry for what has occurred. It has humbled me as the voice in our industry about food safety and realizing it can even happen to my organization. I am very proud of my Team and its dedication to food safety and the result of their commitment and hard work were verified today by the state inspectors.
I believe our reaction to a situation literally has the power to change the situation itself.
Therefore, I'm making it my mission to petition the USDA to reevaluate how they harvest Spring Mix (Mesculine)
Again, a special Thank You to Mr. Brian Emigh for his Kindness and Compassion!
-------------------------------------

NOTE - I also see that the diners that had this incident happen to them made a posting 2 hours ago. Here it is word - for - word:
-------------------------------------

Joyce Graham & Brian Emigh from Valiant Villagers 2h ago
EVANS PRAIRIE UPDATE

To be totally fair to Evan's Prairie we need to post an update.

The Owner and Management at EP has called to check on our health and wellness every day since the incident. We appreciate that. We are truly sad about this whole incident since this was one of the places we frequently dined and brought our out of town guests to in the Villages. The owner called Brian to check on us and also to inform us of some of the changes they are making including changing the vendor they use for their produce.

We also receive a phone call from the Florida Licensing agency that does restaurant inspections and they said that they did an inspection today and found Evans's Prairie is a very clean restaurant and passed all inspections.

That said I didn't want this forum to turn in to something to bash EP, like I
said we had many good meals there and it was probably the restaurant and bar we frequented the most in the Villages.

I thought this should be brought up again.

[golf2140]

Another fine post Bogie

[tedquick]

Just a quick note: EP is one of my favorite places to eat. The food and service there have always been quite satisfactory. I am very impressed with what management/ownership of EP has reportedly done since this incident was first reported.

While I in no way want to minimize what happened, consider for just a moment: there are over 100 restaurants in TV, if 100 persons are served at each one on average for one year, that means that 3.65 million servings have been placed in the last 12 months. As "strange" as this comment may sound, "one mouse in 3.65 million servings 'ain't bad' ".

I may scrutinize each meal I eat out from here on out (the truth is I'll probably forget all of this by tomorrow), but I'm certainly not going to avoid Evans Prairie.