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December 23, 2024
September 20, 2024

Spice House in Lithonia receives a 62% on their recent health inspection

Spice House, located at 2617 Panola Rd in Lithonia, received a score of 62 points out of a possible 100 points during their 09/17/2024 inspection by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The violations noted by the inspector were:

Violation #1:
2-1B – hands clean and properly washed
511-6-1.03(5)(c) – when to wash (p)
Points: 9
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed employee place on hair net and proceed to place on gloves without washing hands. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.03(5)(c) – When to Wash (P) (c) When to Wash. 1. Food employees shall clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles P and: (i) After touching bare human body parts other than clean hands and clean, exposed arms; P (ii) After using the toilet room; P (iii) After caring for or handling service animals or aquatic animals; P (iv) After coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating, or drinking, except for drinking from a closed beverage container and the container is handled to prevent contamination of the hands; P (v) After handling soiled equipment or utensils; P (vi) During food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks; P (vii) When switching between working with raw food and working with ready-to-eat food; P (viii) Before donning gloves to initiate a task that involves working with food; P and (ix) After engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands. P 2. All employees shall wash hands before leaving the restroom. All food employees leaving the restroom shall wash their hands again upon re-entering the food preparation area. Corrected onsite: employee removed gloves washed hands before returning to work.

Violation #2:
2-2A – management knowledge, responsibilities, reporting
511-6-1.03(1)(c)2,3 – demonstration (pf)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Employee health policy & written agreement unable to be provided to verify that employees have been made aware of their reporting responsibilities with diseases transmissible through food. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.03(1)(c)2,3 – Demonstration (Pf) 2. Explaining the responsibility of the person in charge for preventing the transmission of foodborne disease by a food employee who has a disease or medical condition that may cause foodborne disease; Pf 3. Describing the symptoms associated with the diseases that are transmissible through food; Pf Corrected onsite: Inspector provided Employee health agreement for current employees to sign.

Violation #3:
2-2D – adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
511-6-1.07(3)(a) – handwashing cleanser, availability (pf)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: Yes
Inspector Notes: Observed hand sinks in main kitchen without hand soap. Corrective Action: (a) Handwashing Cleanser, Availability. Each handwashing sink or group of two adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap. Corrected on site: soap dispenser was restocked.

Violation #4:
2-2D – adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
511-6-1.07(3)(b) – hand drying provision (pf)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed both sinks in main kitchen without paper towels. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.07(3)(b) – Hand Drying Provision (Pf) (b) Hand Drying Provision. Each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with: 1. Individual, disposable towels; Pf 2. A continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel; Pf 3. A heated-air hand drying device; Pf or Corrected onsite: Paper towels were restocked and advised that hand sinks shall have paper towels at all times.

Violation #5:
2-2D – adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
511-6-1.06(2)(o) – using a handwashing sink- operation & maintenance (pf)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed bottles of liquor stored in hand sink behind bar. Observed strainer and spoon stored in hand sink in main kitchen near 3 compartment sink. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.06(2)(o) – Using a Handwashing Sink- Operation & maintenance (Pf) (o) Using a Handwashing Sink. 1. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. Pf 2. A handwashing facility may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. Pf 3. An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Pf Corrected onsite: Items were removed from hand sinks by PIC and advised handsinks shall remain clear at all times.

Violation #6:
2-2D – adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
511-6-1-.03(5)(d) – where to wash (pf)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed employee wash hands at mop sink. Corrective Action: 511-6-1-.03(5)(d) – Where to wash (Pf) (d) Where to Wash. Food employees shall clean their hands in a handwashing sink or approved automatic handwashing facility and may not clean their hands in a sink used for food preparation or warewashing, or in a service sink or curbed cleaning facility used for the disposal of mop water and similar liquid waste. Pf Corrected onsite: Employee was educated on proper handwashing by inspector and advised to wash hands at hand sink.

Violation #7:
2-2E – response procedures for vomiting & diarrheal events
511-6-1.03(6) – clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events(pf)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: Yes
Inspector Notes: The Person in Charge could not provide details or proof during the inspection that a proper disinfectant would be utilized for responding to a vomiting or diarrheal event in the the establishment. Corrective action: (6) Responding To Contamination Events. A food establishment shall have procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events that involve the discharge of vomitus or fecal matter onto surfaces in the food service establishment. The procedures shall address the specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread of contamination and the exposure of employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter. Corrected on site: PIC purchased EPA approved chemical while inspector was on site.

Violation #8:
6-2 – proper date marking and disposition
511-6-1.04(6)(g) – ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, date marking (pf)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed serval items cooked and held for more than 24 hours without proper labeling. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.04(6)(g) – Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking (Pf) (g) Ready-to-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking 1. Except when packaging food using a reduced oxygen packaging method, and except as specified in paragraphs 4 and 5 of this subsection, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and held in a food establishment for more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded, when held at a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days. The day of preparation shall be counted as Day 1. Pf 2. Except as specified in paragraphs 4 through 6 of this subsection, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and packaged by a food processing plant shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened in a food service establishment and if the food is held for more than 24 hours, to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded, when held at a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days after the original container is opened. The day the original container is opened in the food service establishment shall be counted as Day 1, except, the day or date marked by the food service establishment may not exceed a manufacturer’s use by date if the manufacturer determined the use-by date based on food safety; Pf 3. A refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food ingredient or a portion of a refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is subsequently combined with additional ingredients or portions of food shall retain the date marking of the earliest-prepared or first-prepared ingredient. Pf 4. A date marking system that meets the criteria stated in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection may include: (i) Using a method approved by the Health Authority for refrigerated, ready-to-eat time / temperature control for safety food that is frequently rewrapped, such as lunchmeat or a roast, or for which date marking is impractical, such as soft serve mix or milk in a dispensing machine; (ii) Marking the date or day of preparation, with a procedure to discard the food on or before the last date or day by which the food must be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded; (iii) Marking the date or day the original container is opened in a food service establishment, with a procedure to discard the food on or before the last date or day by which the food must be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded; or (iv) Using calendar dates, days of the week, color-coded marks, or other effective marking methods, provided that the marking system is disclosed to the Health Authority upon request. 5. The requirements in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection do not apply to individual meal portions served or repackaged for sale from a bulk container upon a consumer’s request. 6. The requirements in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection do not apply to shellstock. 7. The requirement in paragraph 2 of this subsection does not apply to the following foods prepared and packaged by a food processing plant inspected by a Health Authority: (i) Deli salads, such as ham salad, seafood salad, chicken salad, egg salad, pasta salad, potato salad, and macaroni salad, manufactured in accordance with 21 CFR 110 Current good manufacturing practice in manufacturing, packing, or holding human food; (ii) Hard cheeses containing not more than 39% moisture as defined in 21 CFR 133 Cheeses and related cheese products, such as cheddar, gruyere, parmesan and reggiano, and romano; (iii) Semi-soft cheeses containing more than 39% moisture, but not more than 50% moisture, as defined in 21 CFR 133 Cheeses and related cheese products, such as blue, edam, gorgonzola, gouda, and monterey jack; (iv) Cultured dairy products as defined in 21 CFR 131 Milk and cream, such as yogurt, sour cream, and buttermilk; (v) Preserved fish products, such as pickled herring and dried or salted cod, and other acidified fish products defined in 21 CFR 114 Acidified foods; (vi) Shelf stable, dry fermented sausages, such as pepperoni and Genoa salami; and (vii) Shelf stable salt-cured products, such as prosciutto and Parma ham. Corrected onsite: All items stored for more than 24 hours were labeled.

Violation #9:
8-2B – toxic substances properly identified, stored, used
511-6-1.07(6)(g) – chemical sanitizers, criteria (p)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed dish machine behind bar reading 200+ ppm Cl. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.07(6)(g) – Chemical Sanitizers, Criteria (P) (g) Chemical Sanitizers, Criteria. Chemical sanitizers, including chemical sanitizing solutions generated on-site, and other chemical antimicrobials applied to food-contact surfaces shall: 1. Meet requirements specified in 40 CFR 180.940 Tolerance exemptions for active and inert ingredients for use in antimicrobial formulations (Food-contact surface sanitizing solutions) P, or 2. Meet the requirements as specified in 40 CFR 180.2020 Pesticide Chemicals Not Requiring a Tolerance or Exemption from Tolerance-Non-food determinations. P Corrected onsite: Dish machine was serviced and reads 100ppm Cl

Violation #10:
12A – contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display
511-6-1.04(4)(q) – food storage (c)
Points: 3
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: Yes
Inspector Notes: Observed sauces stored on floor near hand sink and dish machine. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.04(4)(q) – Food Storage (C) (q) Food Storage. 1. Except as specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this subsection, food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food: (i) In a clean, dry location; (ii) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and (iii) At least 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor. 2. Food in packages and working containers may be stored less than 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor on case lot handling equipment if the equipment can be moved by hand or by conveniently available apparatuses such as hand trucks and forklifts. 3. Pressurized beverage containers, cased food in waterproof containers such as bottles or cans, and milk containers in plastic crates may be stored on a floor that is clean and not exposed to floor moisture. Corrected onsite: Sauces were moved to the shelf below prep top 6 inches off the floor.

Violation #11:
13A – posted: permit/inspection/choking poster/handwashing
511-6-1.02(1)(f)(1) – permit, displayed (c)
Points: 1
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Current permit has not been paid. Please contact404-508-7900 to pay current permit fees. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.02(1)(f)(1) – Permit, Displayed (C) 1. Post the permit in a location in the food service establishment that is conspicuous to consumers

Violation #12:
15C – nonfood-contact surfaces clean
511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3 – equipment, food/nonfood-contact surfaces, and utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations (c)
Points: 1
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: Yes
Inspector Notes: Observed all shelf inside the walk in cooler unclean with food debris and rust build up. Observed inside of oven unclean with heavy debris build up. Observed inside of reach in coolers near grill unclean with heavy debris build up. Observed inside of drawer under grill unclean with grease and food debris build up. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3 – Equipment, Food/Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations (C) 2. The food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. 3. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Advised to have deep cleaned.

Violation #13:
16B – plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
511-6-1.06(2)(r) – system maintained in good repair (p, c)
Points: 2
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: Yes
Inspector Notes: Observed sink faucet at 3 compartment sink not working. Water does not turn off. Observed 3 compartment sink behind bar has leak at faucet. Water has continuous drip. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.06(2)(r) – System Maintained in Good Repair (P, C) (r) System Maintained in Good Repair. A plumbing system shall be repaired according to law; P and maintained in good repair. Advised to have repaired.

Violation #14:
17C – physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) – good repair, physical facilities maintained; cleaning, frequency & restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (c)
Points: 1
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: Yes
Inspector Notes: Observed missing ceiling tiles. Observed walls behind bar unclean with debris build up. Observed floor in walk in freezer unclean with debris build up. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) – Good Repair, physical facilities maintained; Cleaning, Frequency & Restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (C) (5) Maintenance and Operation. (a) Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. (b) Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions. 1. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and by methods that prevent contamination of food products. 2. Except for cleaning that is necessary due to a spill or other accident, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed, such as after closing. Advised to have deep cleaned and increase cleaning frequency.

Violation #15:
17D – adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used
511-6-1.07(3)(f) – lighting intensity, adequate in food prep, storage & service areas (c)
Points: 1
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed light out in walk in freezer Corrective Action: 511-6-1.07(3)(f) – Lighting Intensity, adequate in food prep, storage & service areas (C) (f) Lighting Intensity. The light intensity shall be: 1. At least 10 foot candles (108 lux) at a distance of 30 inches (75 cm) above the floor, in walk-in refrigeration units and dry food storage areas and in other areas and rooms during periods of cleaning; 2. At least 20 foot candles (215 lux): (i) At a surface where food is provided for consumer self-service such as buffets and salad bars or where fresh produce or packaged foods are sold or offered for consumption; (ii) Inside equipment such as reach-in and under-counter refrigerators; (iii) At a distance of 30 inches (75 cm) above the floor in areas used for handwashing, warewashing, and equipment and utensil storage, and in toilet rooms; and 3. At least 50 foot candles (540 lux) at a surface where a food service employee is working with food or working with utensils or equipment such as knives, slicers, grinders, or saws where employee safety is a factor. Advised to have replaced.

Violation #16:
18 – insects, rodents, and animals not present
511-6-1.07(2)(m) – outer openings protected (c)
Points: 3
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed fly fan at rear door of main kitchen not working while is propped open. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.07(2)(m) – Outer Openings Protected (C) (m) Outer Openings, Protected. 1. Except as specified in paragraphs 2 through 5 of this subsection, outer openings of a food service establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by: (i) Filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings; (ii) Closed, tight-fitting windows; and (iii) Solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors. 2. The requirements in paragraph 1 of this subsection does not apply if a food service establishment opens into a larger structure, such as a mall, airport, or office building, or into an attached structure, such as a porch, and the outer openings from the larger or attached structure are protected against the entry of insects and rodents. 3. Exterior doors used as exits need not be self-closing if they are: (i) Solid and tight-fitting; (ii) Designated for use only when an emergency exists, by the fire protection authority that has jurisdiction over the food establishment; and (iii) Limited-use so they are not used for entrance or exit from the building for purposes other than the designated emergency exit use. 4. Except as specified in paragraphs 2 and 5 of this subsection, if the windows or doors of a food service establishment, or of a larger structure within which a food service establishment is located, are kept open for ventilation or other purposes or a temporary food service establishment is not provided with windows and doors as specified under paragraph 1 of this subsection, the openings shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by: (i) 16 mesh to 1 inch (16 mesh to 25.4 mm) screens; (ii) Properly designed and installed air curtains to control flying insects; or (iii) Other effective means. 5. The requirement in paragraph 4 of this subsection does not apply if flying insects and other pests are absent due to the location of the establishment, the weather, or other limiting condition. Corrected onsite: door was closed and advised not to prop door open without the fly fan working properly.

Additional remarks:
511-6-1-.10 Compliance Procedures: (o) (1) Voluntary Closure. A food service establishment that is graded as a “U” and does not earn at least a grade “C” within ten (10) days of receiving the “U” will be requested to voluntarily close until all violations are corrected and/or have enforcement action taken to suspend or revoke the food service permit.
511-6-1-.10 Compliance Procedures: (o) (2) Voluntary Closure. A food service establishment that is graded as a “U” on two consecutive routine inspections will be asked to voluntarily close until all violations are corrected and/or have enforcement action taken to suspend or revoke the food service permit.
Dish machine main kitchen- 50ppm Cl
Walk in freezer- food frozen solid

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