Metro Atlanta Restaurants Struggle with January Health Inspections

News Summary

In January, 13 restaurants in Metro Atlanta received unsatisfactory health inspection grades, highlighting significant issues such as temperature control and cross-contamination. Notable establishments such as Sushi Niko and Marias Tex Mex were among those affected, scoring below the required standards. Health department inspections are essential for maintaining food safety, and while some restaurants improved after follow-ups, others like An’s Kitchen faced severe repercussions. The situation calls for increased vigilance in food safety practices across the bustling dining scene.

Metro Atlanta Food Scene Faces Challenges in January Health Inspections

ATLANTA — The bustling food culture of Metro Atlanta took a hit this January, as health inspections revealed that 13 local restaurants fell short of health standards. Conducted by health departments in Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale Counties, these inspections aimed to ensure that establishments maintain safe food practices to prevent health issues. Unfortunately, some eateries did not meet these expectations, scoring below the desired 69 points and receiving a “U” (unsatisfactory) grade.

A Shaky Start for Many Restaurants

Among the establishments flagged during this round of inspections, Sushi Niko Niko Hibachi, located at 3260 Buford Dr, Suite 20 and 30, had a rough day on January 31, scoring a dismal 60 points. The restaurant faced multiple compliance issues, raising concerns for patrons about food safety and hygiene.

Not far behind, Top Crawfish, at 3255 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd, Suite T, received a 67 on January 30. This seafood haven had notable issues, such as heft ice accumulating in the freezer and missing date markings on food items – a critical factor in monitoring food freshness.

Temperature Control Troubles

Another culprit, Kang’s Table, a Korean BBQ joint at 3312 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Suite 5, scored only 60 points on January 30 due to temperature control issues and a lack of managerial oversight, prompting questions about how patrons could expect safe dining experiences.

Cross-Contamination Concerns

Meanwhile, Marias Tex Mex in Dacula posted the lowest score of the month, earning a mere 49 points on January 30. The restaurant had multiple violations, including serious problems with cross-contamination and improperly stored expired milk, putting customers at risk. That kind of news can leave a sour taste in anyone’s mouth.

Hygiene and Food Storage Violations

In Duluth, Nacho Daddy stumbled with a score of 62 points on January 29 due to several hygiene and food storage violations. Meanwhile, Sweet Octopus, located at 3559 W. Lawrenceville St, Suite 600, fared slightly better with 63 points on January 27 but still fell short due to managerial control issues and concerns about food storage practices.

Turning Things Around

Some restaurants, however, found redemption after failing their initial inspections. For instance, Jiang Nan Asian Restaurant, at 2180 Pleasant Hill Rd, Suite C, initially failed on January 14 but bounced back impressively, achieving a score of 90 and earning an A grade in a follow-up inspection on January 24.

Unfortunately, not all establishments were as fortunate. An’s Kitchen at 5495 Jimmy Carter Blvd went through the wringer with two inspections resulting in scores of 48 and 40, which led to a temporary suspension of its permit. Clearly, this restaurant has some serious issues that need addressing before reopening.

Hope on the Horizon

Restaurants like American Deli in Dacula saw a silver lining after initially scoring 69 points on January 9. With dedicated efforts, this eatery revamped its practices and achieved a perfect score in its follow-up inspection. Additionally, eateries like Chilispot and 120 BBQ also improved after failing their inspections, showcasing the commitment of some establishments to rectify their mistakes.

Conclusion

For the majority of inspected restaurants, there’s good news—many scored perfect 100s and received A grades, illustrating that not all is grim in the Metro Atlanta dining scene. The inspections are crucial in ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, which ultimately keeps diners healthy and happy.

The health departments will continue conducting follow-up inspections throughout February 2025 to ensure that those troubled spots improve. While some places are currently facing challenges, it’s heartening to see that others are stepping up to the plate. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for healthier dining experiences in the month ahead!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Author: HERE Atlanta

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