Highland Rivers Center RTU in Cedartown receives a 58% on their recent health inspection

Highland Rivers Center RTU, located at 180 Wateroak Dr in Cedartown, received a score of 58 points out of a possible 100 points during their 03/25/2026 inspection by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The violations noted by the inspector were:

Violation #1:
1-2A – pic present, demonstrates knowledge, performs duties
511-6-1.03(1)(a)-(c)1,4,5,6-14,15, 16 – demonstration of knowledge (pf)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed PIC not able to demonstrate knowledge of the risk factors as noted in top section of inspection. CA: During inspections and upon request, the PIC shall demonstrate to the Health Authority knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, application of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point principles, and the requirements of this Chapter.

Violation #2:
1-2B – certified food protection manager
511-6-1-.03(3)(d) – certified food safety manager responsibility
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed PIC not trained by CFSM on the safety of food preparation and service. CA: CFSM shall have a training program for all food service employees to satisfy employee proficiency in their job responsibilities for food safety.

Violation #3:
2-2D – adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: Yes
Inspector Notes: Observed no paper towels at handwash sink. CA: Each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with individual, disposable towels. COS: PIC refilled paper towels.

Violation #4:
4-1A – food separated and protected
511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii) – packaged & unpackaged food separation, packaging, and segregation (p, c)
Points: 9
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed raw ground beef beside RTE foods (butter, sour cream) and above eggs. CA: Food shall be protected from cross contamination by separating by cook temperature. COS: PIC moved tubs of ground beef into a container and placed on the bottom shelf.

Violation #5:
4-2B – food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
511-6-1.05(7)(b) – food contact surfaces and utensils – cleaning frequency (p, c)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: Yes
Inspector Notes: Observed the microwave and ice machine with an accumulation of debris. CA: Equipment such as ice makers shall be cleaned at a frequency specified by the manufacturer, or absent instructions, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. COS: PIC will have microwave and ice machine cleaned by correct by date indicated. Health dept. to check back.

Violation #6:
4-2B – food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
511-6-1.05(6)(n) – manual and mechanical warewashing equipment, chemical sanitization-temperature, ph, concentration, hardness (p,pf)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed the dish machine with no sanitizer, and no sanitizer available in the kitchen. CA: Warewashing equipment shall reach concentration of sanitizer specified by manufacturer. Health to check back once dish machine is serviced and not to be used until so. PIC found chlorine in the facility and three compartment sink was set up to be used with it in the mean time.

Violation #7:
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: Yes
Inspector Notes: Observed multiple food items (deli meats and cheese slices) stored in WIC with no datemark. CA: TCS foods held in a facility for more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be used or discarded. COS: PIC discarded the food items.

Violation #8:
8-2B – toxic substances properly identified, stored, used
511-6-1.07(6)(c) – storage, separation (p)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed chemical spray bottles stored beside single use articles under counter in main kitchen. CA: Separating the poisonous or toxic materials by spacing or partitioning locating them in an area that is not above food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service or single-use articles. COS: PIC relocated chemicals.

Violation #9:
8-2B – toxic substances properly identified, stored, used
511-6-1.07(6)(l) – restricted use pesticide (p)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed pesticides stored under dish machine in main kitchen. CA: Pesticides shall not be stored in the facility. COS: PIC discarded pesticide.

Violation #10:
12B – personal cleanliness
Points: 3
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed employee with no hair restraint. CA: Employees preparing or handling food shall use effective and clean, disposable or easily cleanable nets or other hair restraints (ex: hats or visors) and have hair past shoulder length pulled back. COS: Employee acquired hair restraint.

Violation #11:
12B – personal cleanliness
511-6-1.03(5)(g) – jewelry (c)
Points: 3
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed employee wearing bracelet on wrist. CA: Food employees may not wear jewelry including medical information jewelry on their arms and hands except for a plain ring such as a wedding band while preparing food. COS: Employee removed bracelet.

Violation #12:
17D – adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used
511-6-1.05(2)(n) – exhaust ventilation hood systems, designed to prevent grease or condensation from dripping on food/equipment (c)
Points: 1
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed hood vent system with an accumulation of dust and grease in main kitchen. CA: Exhaust ventilation hood systems in food preparation and warewashing areas, including components such as hoods, fans, guards, and ducting shall be designed to prevent grease or condensation from draining or dripping onto food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles. Health dept to check back by correct by date.

Violation #13:
17D – adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used
511-6-1.07(4)(b) – designated areas for employee activity, located to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, & single service articles (c)
Points: 1
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Observed employee personal items around the kitchen: personal tumbler, keys and purse on counters in main kitchen. CA: Areas designated for employees to eat, drink, use tobacco products and electronic devices shall be located so that food, equipment, linens, and single-service and single-use articles are protected from contamination. COS: Employee relocated items to the office.

Violation #14:
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 back door left cracked open in main kitchen. CA: Outer openings of a food service establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors. COS: PIC closed the door.

Additional remarks:
Discussed:

-Handwashing
-Sanitizer use
-Outdoor chemical storage
-Re-use of single service containers
-Physical facility maintenance
-Indirect drain
-Cutting board staining/scoring and encrusted pans
-Nonfood contact surfaces (outsides of bulk containers ex: flour, sugar, grits, pasta)
-Dumpster door to remain closed.

CLICK HERE to read the full report