Charming Charlotte Reveals Restaurant Hygiene Scores: Which Eateries Fell Short?

Charming Charlotte Takes a Closer Look at Restaurant Hygiene

In the vibrant city of Charlotte, where you can find every type of cuisine imaginable, it’s important to keep an eye on the cleanliness of our beloved eateries. In September, the Mecklenburg County Health Department conducted a thorough inspection of food establishments, and the results are in. Fifteen establishments scored below a 90, receiving grades of either B or C. Curious to know which restaurants made this list? Let’s dive into the details!

Understanding the Inspections

Every year, the health department performs more than 13,000 inspections at food-service facilities across Mecklenburg County. Their goal? To ensure high levels of sanitation and protect public health. These inspections check for anything that might increase the risk of food-borne illnesses. They’re looking for things like improper cooking temperatures, food handlers who forget to wash their hands, and whether sick workers are in the kitchen. You might be wondering what a typical inspection looks for; noncompliance can lead to serious violations and, in some cases, even permit revocation.

September’s Notable Mentions

A total of 712 establishments were inspected last month, and while many passed with flying colors, there were a few that didn’t fare so well. Here’s a brief overview of some local restaurants that received a score below 90:

• 1897 Market – Located in the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, this spot had a score of 86.5 with multiple violations, including improper storage of employee drinks over prep areas and failure to maintain proper temperatures for various food items.
• Doza Sushi And Ramen – Scoring 87.5, common violators included holding food above safe temperatures and a lack of current food protection manager at the facility.
• Park Place Restaurant – With a score of 87.5, violations included handling soiled linens without washing hands, which is a big no-no in food safety.
• El Sazón Latino Restaurant – Scoring 84, this restaurant had issues such as failing to date mark food items and failing to maintain proper food temperatures.
• Eastway Express – Scoring 85.5, this eatery faced violations such as improper handwashing and food items not properly labeled.

What Happens Next?

If a restaurant scores below 70, state law requires that their permit be revoked immediately. However, for establishments that scored within the B or C range, there’s a chance for redemption. Many of these restaurants will undergo reinspections to check if they’ve corrected their previous violations. Notably, several mentioned here have already shown improvement. For example, Doza Sushi And Ramen bounced back with a new score of 96/A after its reinspection!

Staying Informed

As a community, it’s crucial that we stay informed about the hygiene and health standards of the places we dine in. Dining out should be a pleasure, but knowing a little about the restaurant’s health record adds an extra layer of comfort.

The next time you’re out and about in Charlotte, you might want to glance at those health inspection scores. It’s all about enjoying good food while ensuring your health is safeguarded. If you’re curious to explore more about restaurant inspections and the specific details about what inspectors look for, consider checking out the Mecklenburg County’s health resources.

Let’s keep supporting our local eateries while also holding them accountable for maintaining the highest standards of hygiene. Happy dining!