A Lawrenceville restaurant recovered from a low health inspection score. EL Real Mexican Grill improved its score to 100 in the follow-up inspection on March 21. It had previously scored 63 points and failed the routine inspection that was held on March 13.
Highlights
- EL Real Mexican Grill in Lawrenceville was able to score 100 points in the follow-up inspection conducted on Friday, March 21.
- The follow-up inspection was conducted after it had failed on the routine inspection on March 13.
- The restaurant is scheduled for an additional inspection within the next 12 months as part of food safety compliance measures.
Latest Update on the Follow-Up: EL Real Mexican Grill
- Where: 1475 Buford Dr Suite 100 Lawrenceville, GA 30043
- Date: March 21, 2025
- Follow-up Score: 100 (A)
EL Real Mexican Grill was able to correct all the issues that were pointed out during the routine health inspection. “All uncorrected violations from the previous routine inspection conducted on 3/13/25 were corrected by today’s follow-up inspection,” the March 21 report stated. As the restaurant was found to be in full compliance with the food code, the inspectors awarded it a perfect score.
The report also stated that all cold-holding and hot-holding items complied with regulations. It also stated that the facility uses food colorings as additives. The follow-up inspection report is available online at the official website of the health department.
The health department will also conduct a required additional inspection within the next 12 months. The report warned the restaurant that unsatisfactory scores, repeat violations, and uncorrected violations may result in permit suspension.
Previous Health Inspection Report Details
- Previous Score: 63 (U)
- Date: March 13, 2025
During the previous routine inspection, the health department found multiple food safety violations at EL Real Mexican Grill. The report noted that the Person in Charge (PIC) was absent at the start of the inspection. The report said the PIC failed to demonstrate active managerial control.
Inspectors had also found pork and chicken tamales from unapproved sources, which were later discarded. An employee was seen handling raw steak and then touching a clean surface without changing gloves. The special menu did not include the required asterisk marking for undercooked items, as mandated by food safety guidelines. The report also said that clean cups and containers were seen stacked while still wet.
Two consecutive violations were also noted during the inspection. Pre-cooked foods were found inside the freezer without date labels. Salmon was seen being thawed inside a vacuum-sealed bag against manufacturer instructions.
Most violations were corrected immediately, including discarding unsafe food, instructing proper glove use, relabeling items, and rewashing utensils. The routine health inspection report is available online.
EL Real Mexican Grill has been able to recover its health inspection status by adhering to the food code. The restaurant is expected to keep complying with the regulations so that it can retain its permit and keep serving its guests.
