What Now Atlanta presents our monthly health inspection column to inform diners and to help businesses find solutions to the common health and safety issues they may run into during operations.
Inspections take into account foodborne illness risk factors, defined as “food preparation practices and employee behaviors most commonly reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as contributing factors in foodborne illness outbreaks.” Also considered in inspections are good retail practices, described as “preventive measures to control the introduction of pathogens, chemicals, and physical objects into foods.”
Some violations are corrected on site during the inspection, while others have a time frame by which they must be corrected. Please note that these scores are from particular inspections in July 2024 and may not represent the current health inspection status of an establishment.
Five establishments in Fulton County received failing health inspection grades of “U” (69 points or less out of 100) in July 2024, a slight decrease from the previous month.
El Bandido Mex Mex Grill
Where: 1083 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Date: July 12, 2024
Score: 58
Previous two scores: 91 (May 1, 2024) and 56 (April 17, 2024)
Inspection notes: Improper storage of foods, such as raw meat stored above cooked foods; food debris on and around fryers; several roaches observed throughout facility; salsa meant to be discarded July 6 still in use on July 12; employee without a hair restraint observed during food preparation. (View full report here)
Howell’s Kitchen and Bar
Where: 1962 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318
Date: July 3, 2024
Score: 62
Previous two scores: 93 (Sept. 26, 2023) and 100 (March 23, 2023)
Inspection notes: Fruit fries and a roach-like insect observed in facility; water leaking from coolers; dirty pipe running beneath knives, touching the blades; containers without proper date markings. (View full report here)
Note: Howell’s Kitchen and Bar received an A score on their reinspection.
Star Pizza
Where: 1000 Marietta Hwy, Roswell, GA 30075
Date: July 25, 2024
Score: 67
Previous two scores: 86 (Feb. 23, 2023) and 90 (Feb. 24, 2021)
Inspection notes: Rusted and punctured cans; expired sauces; weedkiller stored next to sauces; chicken and cans of pineapple stored on ground; no hand soap available. (View full report here)
Sugar Factory
Where: 1080 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Date: July 19, 2024
Score: 54
Previous two scores: 96 (Jan. 25, 2024) and 100 (June 9, 2023)
Inspection notes: Several dented cans; dairy items opened without any date marking; tubs of sugar without proper labeling; cook preparing food without hair restraint; pipes leaking through facility; excessive grease buildup in kitchen; previous inspection reported not posted. (View full report here)
Tuscany Cafe and Bistro
Where: 28017 Mill Creek Ave, Alpharetta, GA 30022
Date: July 17, 2024
Score: 43
Previous two scores: 96 (June 22, 2023) and 91 (Jan. 27, 2021)
Inspection notes: Flies observed throughout kitchen; food debris buildup on floors, doors and equipment; some items stored uncovered; raw foods stored above ready-to-eat foods. (View full report here)
Fortunately, there are solutions to health and safety issues that dining establishments can encounter. Dirty ice machine is a common reason for failed health inspections, so What Now Atlanta has teamed up with Preferred Partner Easy Ice to help. Easy Ice offers commercial ice machine equipment subscriptions so business owners can be sure their beverages are crystal-clear of any issues. In addition to equipment, the brand offers preventive maintenance, repairs and a 24/7 ice machine service line.
Stay tuned for next month’s installment of failed health inspections. In the meantime, here are additional resources from Easy Ice to help keep your ice machine in good shape:
