Charlotte Restaurant Faces Health Criticism: A Look at Recent Sanitation Scores
In the bustling city of Charlotte, a beloved local restaurant has found itself in hot water after a recent inspection revealed some pretty serious health violations. Masti Indian Restaurant and Bar, located at 128 Brevard Ct., grabbed headlines when it was awarded a less-than-stellar “B” grade following an inspection on November 14. With a score of 86%, not only is it a significant dip from the high-quality dining experience many patrons expect, but it also raises concerns among food lovers about safety and cleanliness.
What Went Wrong?
During the inspection, the Mecklenburg County Health Department discovered some troubling issues. Most notably, inspectors found a few cockroaches of various sizes and small gnats buzzing around the establishment. To make matters worse, a small cockroach was found in a container of rice—yikes! Talk about a buzzkill for anyone excited about enjoying a tasty meal.
But that wasn’t all. Other violations included:
- No soap at handwashing stations
- Raw chicken stored above tilapia in the freezer
- Pizza boxes stored on the floor in the basement
- Cardboard boxes acting as makeshift floor mats
- Gaskets of prep units in desperate need of a good cleaning
- An ice machine that wasn’t functional
For Masti, this was the first time they received a B grade, and it’s clear the restaurant has some serious work to do to regain the confidence of its customers.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
During the inspection period from November 8 to 14, Mecklenburg County saw a total of 124 restaurant inspections conducted. While Masti may be facing health scrutiny, it wasn’t the only restaurant to receive a B grade during this time. Irie Nation Restaurant, located at 3501 S. Tryon St., also scored an 86% after inspectors uncovered 11 violations, such as leaking water onto stoves and general cleaning needs.
Similarly, Vitality Bowls at 1414 S. Tryon St. scored a tad lower, with an 85.5%. This eatery was noted for violations like employees wearing jewelry while preparing food and the presence of small flies near the sandwich cooler. It’s worth noting that some of these violations were corrected on the spot during the inspections.
Why Sanitation Scores Matter
In North Carolina, sanitation scores and the corresponding letter grades serve a critical function. These scores are part of the state’s efforts to ensure that restaurants adhere to strict health and safety regulations meant to prevent food-borne illnesses. You may have seen those little grade cards hanging in the entrance of your favorite dining spots—they’re not just for show!
As per the state law, if a restaurant receives a score below 70%, their permits are immediately revoked, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean, safe environments for patrons.
Stay Informed
Residents in the Charlotte area are encouraged to stay informed about the restaurants they choose to visit. For detailed inspection results and sanitation grades, you can check out the Mecklenburg County sanitation grades database online. Remember, your health and safety come first, and knowing the cleanliness of your favorite eateries can help you make better choices.
If you have any questions about your community or tips to share, don’t hesitate to ask! Keeping our neighborhoods safe and enjoyable is a group effort, after all. Whether you’re a foodie, a local, or just passing through, stay alert and informed about the dining options around you!
