Health Inspection Reveals Concerns at Matthews’ Red Bowl Asian Bistro

The State of Health at a Matthews Restaurant

Hey there, Matthews! If you’ve happened to stroll past the Red Bowl Asian Bistro recently, you might want to pause for a moment to learn about its recent health inspection. This popular spot located at 3122 Fincher Farm Rd. recently received a “B” grade from the Mecklenburg County Health Department. On September 10, inspectors noted several health violations that raised some eyebrows.

What’s Cooking at Red Bowl? Or Not?

During the inspection, Red Bowl shined with an overall score of 88.5%. Not bad, right? However, lurking behind that score were some significant concerns that diners may want to take note of. For instance, inspectors found cut red bell peppers sitting in their prep unit, but they weren’t looking so fresh — they were actually starting to rot. Yikes!

But that’s not all. There were also multiple cutting boards and hotel pans which had been stored as clean but were still caked with food debris and old sticker residue. This isn’t just a cleanliness issue; it’s something that can lead to cross-contamination if not addressed properly.

Temperature and Storage Issues

Moreover, some of the food items were being stored inappropriately. For example, pre-cooked wontons and fresh-cut lettuce were found sitting above required temperatures. This can cause foodborne illnesses, which is why it’s such a big deal.

Inspected reports also noted buckets of sauce being kept on the floor, which isn’t exactly what you’d call sanitary! To top it all off, numerous containers holding customer food such as sauces, tofu, and raw meats were being stored throughout the facility without proper lids. This opens the door to all sorts of contamination risks.

Unpleasant Surprises in the Kitchen

And if you thought that was the end of it, well, there was also the condition of the **microwaves** — yes, two of them — one in the kitchen and the other at the bar area, both were soiled with food debris. Isn’t that just unappetizing?

Lastly, the overall cleanliness of the place was less than stellar. Inspectors noticed food debris scattered on the floors, walls, and even in the sink drains during their visit. These observations don’t inspire confidence for anyone who loves to enjoy a delicious meal out.

One of Many Restaurants Inspected

Interestingly, the Red Bowl Asian Bistro is not alone in the inspection scene. In fact, the Mecklenburg County Health Department conducted a total of 91 restaurant inspections during the week of September 7-13. Most of these eateries fared well, receiving an A grade — meaning they scored at least 90%.

Just for perspective, only one other restaurant in this round of inspections received a B grade, making it quite clear that establishments are held to high standards when it comes to hygiene and food safety.

Importance of Inspection Scores

So why should we care about these inspection scores? Well, in North Carolina, these grades play a crucial role in maintaining public health. If a restaurant scores below 70%, its permit is immediately revoked. That’s major motivation for these places to keep their standards high!

In conclusion, while Red Bowl Asian Bistro may still have a loyal following, this recent inspection is a wake-up call for them, as well as for other restaurants striving to provide safe dining experiences. If you’re ever curious about the hygiene scores of your favorite eateries, just know you can check them all out in the Mecklenburg County sanitation grades database.

If you have questions about your community or tips to share, it’s always a great idea to get involved and stay informed. Let’s keep our lovely Matthews and its eateries clean!