Druid Hills Middle School Cafeteria Fails Health Inspection

ATLANTA, Ga. (HERE NEWS) – Druid Hills Middle School’s cafeteria failed a health inspection on Feb. 27, receiving a 63 out of 100 due to several violations.

Violations Observed

Violations observed by the health inspector included:

• An employee returning from using the bathroom without washing hands
• Improper food storage of milk, lasagna, bean and cheese burritos stored above 41 degrees, all of which were discarded
• Two boxes of expired yogurt
• Spaghetti cooling at room temperature
• Salads prepared without using proper cooling methods
• A main kitchen hand sink was inoperable

The health inspector’s report states the walk-in cooler was unable to maintain temperatures of 41 degrees or lower. The report states the cooler can’t be used until it can maintain those temperatures.

“A 63? That’s horrible. I mean you don’t even eat at restaurants that have a 63 score. So, for you to have your children and you are basically entrusting a school to feed them, 63 is super low. It is horrible,” said Damali Sullivan, mother to a student at Druid Hills Middle.

“I would say it’s concerning because there’s a whole bunch of kids here that eat breakfast. They eat their lunch here. A lot of young people, this is the only time where they can get a real meal at school. So, to know that they’re eating something that is at a level that you wouldn’t go to a restaurant.”

Past Scores

In March 2023, the school’s cafeteria got a perfect score. In October, the score dropped to 86.

Response and Actions Taken

After Decaturish asked DeKalb County Schools for comment, the middle school sent a letter to parents notifying them of the failed inspection and the steps the school is taking to address the issues.

“Druid Hills Middle School is fully committed to maintaining the highest cleanliness and food safety standards in all aspects of our school nutrition program,” Principal Sheveeta Bonner said in the letter to parents. “Ensuring the wellbeing of our students and staff is of utmost importance to us, and we take this responsibility very seriously.”

In a statement, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) acknowledged the failing health inspection score.

“DCSD remains committed to the highest cleanliness and food safety standards in our school nutrition programs, and we appreciate the community’s support as we strive to maintain and exceed our health and safety standards,” the school system said in a statement.

To view the full report, click here.

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Atlanta News First media partner Decaturish contributed to this story.

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