Charlotte’s Restaurant Health Inspections Reveal Key Issues

News Summary

The Mecklenburg County health department has inspected over 2,800 restaurants in Charlotte this year, revealing critical food safety violations. While most establishments are scoring well, a handful are on the brink of permit revocation due to subpar hygiene practices. Notable violators include American Deli, which initially earned a ‘C’ grade but improved significantly after addressing issues. This report highlights the importance of health standards for diners in Charlotte.

Charlotte’s Restaurant Scene Under the Microscope

In a bustling city like Charlotte, where foodies and families converge at eateries of all kinds, the health and safety of our restaurants are paramount. The Mecklenburg County health inspectors have been busy this year, checking in on more than 2,800 restaurants to ensure they meet food safety standards. As part of these inspections, restaurants receive grades of “A,” “B,” or “C”, reflecting scores out of 100. But what does that really mean for your next meal out?

What’s at Stake?

It’s important for all diners to know that if a restaurant receives a score of less than 70%, they face immediate permit revocation, according to state law. That’s a serious matter for the establishments and a big red flag for anyone thinking about dining there.

Spotlight on Violations

This year’s inspections have unveiled some critical issues. Just imagine enjoying your meal only to find out that the restaurant has been found with improper food storage, a few live bugs around, or staff who are lacking in proper hygiene practices. It’s enough to make anyone think twice about where to grab dinner!

The Notable Cautionary Tale

“C” grade this year, and that honor (or dishonor) goes to American Deli, which scored a 78% during its inspection on August 22. This deli had several violations, totaling 15 issues of concern. Among them were:

Improper food storage
Dirty dishes stored as clean
Food residue on shelves
Raw chicken improperly stored above bread in the freezer

The good news is, American Deli took immediate action to resolve most of these violations, resulting in a score of 91% during its follow-up inspection. That’s a positive turnaround in the right direction!

Restaurants Clinging to the Edge

C grade. Here’s a look at some establishments that scored just above the threshold:

Guate Linda – 80% (April 23) – 20 violations including improperly stored sauces
Skyland Family Restaurant – 81% (September 16) – 20 violations including flying pests
Biryani Nation – 81.5% (October 1) – 19 violations including cockroaches
Little Caesars – 82.5% (March 4) – 17 violations including moldy cheese sauce
Popeyes – 83% (April 16) – 17 violations including a dead bug in the restroom

With a plethora of concerns surrounding food safety, diners may want to reconsider their options when planning their next meal out.

What About the Rest?

120 restaurants landed scores in the 80% to 90% range. Some notables include:

Jack in the Box – B grade, 88% – issues with dead bugs and employees not washing hands
Muraya – B grade, 88.5% – had flies and raw beef stored above cooked items

During one reported month alone, a whopping 760 establishments were inspected, and remarkably, only 13 scored below 90%. Clearly, most restaurants are taking health standards seriously.

Conclusion

As Charlotteans, let’s keep our eyes peeled when dining out and pay attention to these inspection results. The safety and well-being of our community depend not only on the food we choose but also on the diligent work of health inspectors. So next time you dig into that tasty meal, remember the hard work that goes into making sure it’s safe to eat.

Stay informed and eat well, Charlotte!