Fruit Flies Found in Tequila, Thermometer Probe Not Sanitized and Other Violations Noted During Recent Inspections

The East Metro Health District is tasked with ensuring restaurant compliance with applicable health and safety regulations. The following restaurant scores are the most recent scores posted on the East Metro Health District website as of Feb. 12.

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Click on the report links for details regarding the specific violations. 

Recent inspections:      

El Molcajete 
2590 Hamilton Mill Road, Suite 110, Buford
Score: 81
Last inspection: 2/7/13
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Observations and corrective actions:

• Violation of Code: [.06(2)(o) ] Employee was rinsing a wiping cloth in the service station hand sink. Training provided on using a hand sink for hand washing only. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. A handwashing facility may not be used for purposes other than handwashing.  Corrected On-Site.  New Violation.
• Violation of Code: [.04(4)(c)1(i)-(iii),(v),(viii) ] Raw shell eggs stored above sour cream in the walkin cooler. Raw hamburgers, raw shrimp, raw scallops above churros, cooling beans in the upright freezer. Raw hamburgers above raw shrimp, raw scallops in the upright freezer. Raw animal foods moved below ready-to-eat foods; raw animal foods organized by minimum cooking temperatures. Food shall be protected from cross contamination by: 1) storing raw animal foods above/away from cooked/ready-to-eat foods; 2) storing/separating raw animal foods by minimum cooking temperatures. **IF YOU RECEIVE A THIRD REPEAT VIOLATION ON THE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION, YOUR PERMIT MAY BE SUSPENDED.  Corrected On-Site.  Repeat Violation.
• Violation of Code: [.07(6)(b) ] All sanitizer buckets were unlabeled. Sanitizer buckets were labeled at the time of inspection. Working containers used for storing poisonous or toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material.  Corrected On-Site.  New Violation.
• Violation of Code: [.07(6)(g) ] Chlorine sanitizer in all buckets were >200ppm. Sanitizer solutions were diluted at the time of inspection. Ensure chemical sanitizers are at approved concentrations.  Corrected On-Site.  New Violation.
• Remarks: Multiple fruit flies found in a bottle of Tequila. Tequila was discarded at the time of inspection. Food that has been contaminated/adulterated shall be discarded.
• PIC stated they wash the produce used at the bar, in the bar dish sink. Raw fruits and vegetables shall be thoroughly washed in water, in a sink designated for that purpose only, to remove soil and other contaminants before being cut, combined with other ingredients, cooked, served, or offered for human consumption in ready-to-eat form.

Subway
4300 Buford Drive, Buford
Score: 76
Last inspection: 2/9/13
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Observations and corrective actions:

• Violation of Code: [.03(1)(a)-(c) ] Person in Charge (PIC) could not demonstrate knowledge of approved sanitizer (quart ammonium) concentration that should be used for food contact surfaces. Discussed with PIC that sanitizer concentration shall be between 150-400 ppm. PIC shall be able to demonstrate knowledge for food safety question during health inspection.  Corrected On-Site.  New Violation.
• Violation of Code: [.03(5)(j)1&2 ] Employees drinking from an approved, uncovered container in the food prep or food storage area. Drinks discarded. Employee drinks in food prep/storage area must be in disposable cups with a lid and straw.  Corrected On-Site.  New Violation.
• Violation of Code: [.06(2)(o) ] Coffee grounds dumped into handsink near cash register. Sink cleaned and discussed with PIC. Handwashing may not be used for purposes other than handwashing.  Corrected On-Site.  New Violation.
• Violation of Code: [.05(7)(a)1 ] Thermometer probe wiped with paper towels in between uses. Discussed with person in charge (PIC) that thermometer probe must be properly cleaned between uses. Had probe wiped with sanitizer. Food contact surfaces shall be cleaned to sight and touch. Thermometer probe may be wiped with sanitizer towel or alcohol wipes between uses.  Corrected On-Site.  New Violation.
• Violation of Code: [.04(6)(f) ] Hot-held potentially hazardous foods not maintained above 135oF; no time controls/documentation in place. See temperatures marked '*'. Food reheated. Hot-held potentially hazardous food must maintain a temperature of 135F or higher.  Corrected On-Site.  New Violation.
• Violation of Code: [.04(4)(g) ] Packages of roast beef stored in fruit/vegetable sink. Packages removed. Fruit/vegetable sink may be used to wash fruits and vegetables only.  Corrected On-Site.  New Violation.
• Remarks: Followup inspection will occur within 10 days.

Famous Joes
3290 Hamilton Mill Road, Suite 201, Buford
Score: 84
Last inspection: 2/7/13
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Observations and corrective actions:

• Violation of Code: [.03(5)(j)1&2 ] Employee drink, without a straw, stored on the prep table above boxes of food. Drink was removed. Employees drinks shall be in approved designated areas separate from food preparation and serving areas, clean linens, equipment or utensil areas and food storage areas. Drinks shall be in a single service beverage cup with a secure lid and straw. **IF YOU RECIVE A THIRD REPEAT VIOLATION ON THE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECION, YOUR PERMIT MAY BE SUSPENDED.  Corrected On-Site.  Repeat Violation.
• Violation of Code: [.07(3)(b) ] No paper towel at the cookline hand sink; dispenser was empty. Paper towel supplied at the time of inspection. Ensure paper towel is supplied to hand sinks at all times. **IF YOU RECEIVE A THIRD REPEAT VIOLATION ON THE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION, YOUR PERMIT MAY BE SUSPENDED.  Corrected On-Site.  New Violation.
• Violation of Code: [.04(4)(c)1(iv) ] Uncovered food in the reachin freezer, upright freezer, chest freezer. Foods were covered at the time of inspection. Cover stored foods to prevent contamination.  Corrected On-Site.  New Violation.
• Violation of Code: [.05(7)(a)1 ] Mold-like buildup inside the ice machine. Ice machine was cleaned at the time of inspection. Food/buildup on the can opener. Can opener taken to dish room for cleaning. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch.  Corrected On-Site.  New Violation.
• Violation of Code: [.04(6)(h) ] Ready-to-eat potentially hazardous foods stored past the date mark: 2 containers of chili 1/27, 8 containers of beans 1/30. Foods were discarded at the time of inspection. A food that requires date marking shall be discarded if it exceeds 7 days. **IF YOU RECEIVE A THIRD REPEAT VIOLATION ON THE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION, YOUR PERMIT MAY BE SUSPENDED.  Corrected On-Site.  Repeat Violation.
• Remarks: 10 sliced of cheesecake were 51F in the upright cooler. Ambient air temperature in cooler was 56F. Have cooler serviced. Food was discarded at time of inspection. Potentially hazardous food (time/temperature control for safety food) shall be maintained at 41°F (5°C) or below. Equipment shall be maintained in good repair. Insect light installed on the wall above the drink dispenser, single-use lids/straws. Insect control devices shall not be installed over a food preparation area, food storage areas, food, clean linens, utensils, linens, single-use articles.

Ruby Tuesday
3333 Buford Drive, Buford
Score: 100
Last inspection: 2/5/13
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Observations and corrective actions: 

• Remarks: Notes - Required Additional Inspection will occur within 45-60 days. Ensure equipment (ie. food containers) is completely air-dried before stacking

Arby’s
4145 Buford Drive, Buford
Score: 99
Last inspection: 2/9/13
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Observations and corrective actions:

• Violation of Code: [.07(4)(b) ] Employee food and drinks stored on top shelf above other food in walk-in cooler and employee belongings hanging above single-service items along back wall. Employee food placed on bottom shelf. Employee belongings shall be seperated from food service equipment and food items.  New Violation.

Philly Bistro
2680 Hamilton Mill Road, Suite 101A, Buford
Score: 100
Last inspection: 2/7/13
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Observations and corrective actions:

• A routine inspection will be done in 30 - 60 days.

Burger King
1725 Mall of Georgia Boulevard, Buford
Score: 99
Last inspection: 2/9/13
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Observations and corrective actions:

• Violation of Code: [.05(10)(a) ] Plastic food containers stacked while wet and placed on shelf. Food equipment and utensils shall be air-dried before being stacked or used.  New Violation.
• Remarks: Salsa, whipped topping, and marinara sauce have date marking periods of longer than 7 days on chart. Once these items have been opened follow 7 day date marking requirement.

You might also be interested in reading:

• Downtown Buford Restaurant Improves Score From 56 to 98
• 'Mold-Like Substance' Found in Drink Machine and Other Violations Noted During Recent Restaurant Inspections

Visit the Buford Patch restaurant inspections page for additional reports.