WTSP – Tampa Bay’s news leader – reports that of the hundreds of grocery stores across the Bay area, seven received failing ratings in the latest round of inspections by the State Division of Food Safety. 

According to Florida state guidelines, a poor rating indicates the grocery store was found to be unsatisfactory in meeting sanitation requirements on the day the inspector entered the store.

Good and fair ratings are considered passing and in compliance with sanitation requirements.

The businesses on the list of failing stores include:

• ALDI at 14933 North Florida Ave., Tampa
• La Fiesta Mexican Convenience Store, 1202 S. 22nd St. Tampa
• Rejax Meat Market, 2327 Dr. MLK Jr. St., St. Pete
• Save-A-Lot, at 8854 State Road 52, Hudson
• Costco, at 10921 Causeway Blvd., Brandon
• Kasa Xpress Market, 7020 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven
• El Rancho Mejicano, at 5648 SR 674, Wimauma

Violations that trigger a failing grade vary but usually include conditions that can possibly lead to public illness.

On an Oct. 14 inspection of the Rejax Meat Market, the inspector reported finding evidence of insects and/or rodents, with rodent droppings on a shelf in the back room.

An Oct. 27 inspection of the Kasa Xpress Market, the state reports finding live roaches in the storage cupboard, eggs stored at improper temperature, and no soap at an employee sink.