Cortez Clam Factory
Last inspected: Feb 20, 2026
52
Score
Inspectors have visited Cortez Clam Factory 14 times, with records going back to 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 20, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near six violations per visit across recent inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “accumulation of black/green mold-like substance” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
Cortez Clam Factory's latest score of 52 falls below the Bradenton average of 83. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
14
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 20, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - 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. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Intermediate - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand sink in bar area. Operator replaced soap. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs on oven door handle on cook line. Operator removed tongs. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
52
Sep 30, 2025
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
22-20-5
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in 2 reach-in cooler on cook line.
29-49-6
82
May 1, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed silverware in hand wash sink next to 3 compartment sink. Operator removed silverware. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Basic - 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. **Repeat Violation**
36-37-5
Basic - 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.
14-09-4
Basic - 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. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filers on cook line with excessive grease.
23-03-4
74
Jan 24, 2025
Complaint Full
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - 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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-24: Observed areas of damaged ceiling in food prep area next to bar at the time of this inspection. Operator is in the process of repairing ceiling. **Time Extended**
36-37-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - 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. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-24: Observed ceiling tile with water stains and black mold like substance. Operator was able to clean up half of the ceiling at the time of this inspection. **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on single door flip top reach in cooler. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-24: Operator stated gasket has been ordered. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - 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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-24: Observed floor tiles missing in front and beneath of 2 door glass reach-in cooler next to bar at the time of this inspection. Operator stated tiles have been ordered. **Time Extended**
36-17-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. Observed exterior door from food prep area not sealing when closed. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-24: Observed exterior door from prep area not sealing when closed at the time of this inspection. **Time Extended**
35B-04-4
78
Jan 23, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - 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. **Admin Complaint**
35A-04-4
Intermediate - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - 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. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - 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. **Warning**
01C-05-4
Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Observed oyster tags without a last date served. **Warning**
01C-03-4
Intermediate - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed waste receptacle in woman's bathroom with a cover. **Warning**
32-12-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on single door flip top reach in cooler. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - 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. **Warning**
36-17-5
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed 3 reach-iin food coolers of off of bar without ambient thermometers. **Warning**
05-09-4
Basic - Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. Observed exterior door from food prep area not sealing when closed. **Warning**
35B-04-4
Basic - 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. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - 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. **Warning**
36-37-5
Basic - 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. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
06-09-1
32
Aug 16, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Aug 15, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - 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. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - 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. **Warning**
01B-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed container being used for scoop to dispense diced tomato. Operator removed container. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
06-09-1
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in bottom of reach-in cooler in back food prep area. **Warning**
29-49-6
64
Mar 18, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Floors, Walls, and Ceilings Clean and in Good Repair
FL-52
55
Nov 13, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled in main kitchen area. Person in charge stated it was glass cleaner and labeled accordingly. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - 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. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
67
Jun 2, 2023
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
90
Mar 31, 2023
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 4 major violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed server put soiled dishes in dishwasher area and then pick up food to serve no Handwashing. Stopped employee and educated on Handwashing procedures. Employee washed hands. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-02-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw Ground Beef over shucked oysters in Reach in cooler on cooks line. Educated Person in charge on cold holding food. Person in charge removed raw Ground Beef. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink by 3 compartment sink. Person in charge filled soap. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked Pork ribs in Reach in cooler on cooks line not date marked. Educated Person in charge on date marking. Person in charge stated they were prepared on 3/29/23 and date marked accordingly. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Observed no clean up procedures in place. Educated Person in charge and emailed a copy.
11-27-4
Intermediate - 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 proof of employee health agreement. Educated Person in charge and emailed a copy
11-26-1
50
Jan 27, 2023
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler at bar area. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-01-27: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
95
Nov 28, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Food/ice received from unapproved source/no invoice provided to verify source. See Stop Sale. Observed smoked fish in freezer, obtained from outside source no invoice. Operator discarded. **Warning**
01A-05-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed smoked fish in freezer, obtained from outside source, no invoice. Operator discarded. **Warning**
01B-04-5
Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Observed last tag no date marked. **Warning**
01C-03-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler at bar area. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
29-49-6
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine in the back area by the walk in cooler. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed in the walk-in freezer and walk in cooler. **Warning**
36-73-4
52
Jul 19, 2022
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cortez Clam Factory last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cortez Clam Factory on file is from Feb 20, 2026. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cortez Clam Factory?
Across the inspection record, “accumulation of black/green mold-like substance” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Cortez Clam Factory.
How does Cortez Clam Factory compare to other restaurants in Bradenton?
Cortez Clam Factory most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Bradenton average of 83.
Has Cortez Clam Factory's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cortez Clam Factory have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Cortez Clam Factory means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Cortez Clam Factory inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cortez Clam Factory is inspected around four times per year on average.
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