On February 27, inspectors from the Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County health departments found two restaurants in Metro Atlanta that did not meet health standards. Both received an unsatisfactory “U” grade after scoring below the passing mark of 70 points.
The two restaurants in question are Star Bakery, Pasteleria Y Pupuseria in Lilburn, which scored just 56 points, and Fly Chef Restaurant in Norcross, which scored 61 points. Fly Chef faced disciplinary action for a third consecutive violation during routine checks, leading to a temporary permit suspension.
During inspections, several health code violations were noted, including issues related to hygiene and employee practices. Follow-up inspections are set to ensure compliance within 10 days.
Fly Chef Restaurant Issues
Located at 6470 Spalding Dr, Fly Chef specializes in Nigerian cuisine. In the recent inspection, inspectors identified multiple violations. They observed unapproved food storage practices, such as bowls being used as scoops without handles and improper storage of beans on the floor in the dry storage area.
The establishment’s license was suspended due to repeated violations, but it was reinstated after staff received training on compliance. Inspectors reported that the restaurant lacked proper management oversight, with employees unaware of their responsibilities regarding personal health and hygiene protocols.
Further inspection revealed additional issues. Employees were seen without appropriate hair coverings, and some food items, including tomatoes, showed signs of spoilage. The restaurant also lacked necessary equipment to maintain food safety, such as thermometers and properly labeled cleaning supplies. Structural problems, including holes in the kitchen ceiling, were also identified.
Previously, Fly Chef scored well in inspections, receiving an “A” in February 2024 and March 2023.
Star Bakery, Pasteleria Y Pupuseria Violations
Star Bakery is located at 733 Pleasant Hill Rd, Suite 1119, Lilburn. During its inspection, which took place from 11:30 AM to 3 PM, the restaurant also faced several health violations, including a second consecutive violation for employee behavior. An employee was observed eating in the kitchen and using the same gloves for food prep without washing hands, which is against health regulations.
Issues such as pest infestations, unclean surfaces, and improper food storage practices were reported. Some food items were stored improperly, with raw meats kept in plastic bags in the freezer, and preparations that did not cool quickly enough to ensure safety.
Both restaurants must address their violations promptly to avoid further penalties. Follow-up inspections will be conducted within ten days to ensure compliance and address any remaining issues. The full inspection reports are available online for public viewing.
Overall, out of the 36 restaurants inspected, 12 achieved perfect scores of 100, while others had varying levels of compliance. It’s vital for restaurants to maintain health standards to ensure the safety of their customers.
Check out this related article: Strengthening Food Safety: The Reintroduction of the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act to Shield Our Food Supply Chain from Cyber Threats
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