On Monday, April 14, two restaurants in the Atlanta metropolitan area failed the health inspections. The Gwinnett, Newton & Rockdale County Health Departments, which conducted the inspections, unveiled several violations of the food code at both establishments. The passing score for the inspections is 70, which the restaurants failed to achieve.
As the various violations were reported at the establishments, most of them were resolved right away during the inspection. However, a few issues remain to be solved and will have to be addressed in the coming days. Follow-up inspections have been scheduled for the restaurants, which they will have to perform well to retain their permits.
Please note that the scores mentioned here are from particular inspections conducted on April 14 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishments.
Highlights
- Two Lawrenceville restaurants failed the health inspection on April 14 after scoring 56 and 57 points, respectively.
- Common issues reported at the restaurant included a lack of managerial control and food storage issues.
- Both restaurants are scheduled to face follow-up inspections, which will be crucial to retain their permits.
Non-compliance with Food Safety Rules Reported at Sushi Village and Cajun Cooks
- Where: 1030 Old Peachtree Rd NW, Suite 106
- Date: April 14, 2025
- Score: 56 (U)
Inspectors from the health department visited the Sushi Village and Cajun Cooks between 2:15 PM and 5:30 PM on Monday. The last inspection at the restaurant was conducted on April 18, 2024, in which it scored 87 points and received a “B” grade.
The report begins by noting the lack of active managerial control by the Person in Charge (PIC), which resulted in multiple risk factor violations at the establishment. The report said the PIC was also unable to explain reportable symptoms and diseases and, as corrective action, was given training on the employee health policy during the inspection.
Three employees could not show that they were informed of their responsibility to report foodborne illnesses, adding to the issues.
The facility was not able to provide letters verifying parasite destruction for raw fish like salmon, escolar, and tuna, marking another violation. Inspectors also observed that raw animal products were stored above ready-to-eat and other raw foods in the coolers, risking cross-contamination. The foods were rearranged based on cooking temperatures as a corrective measure.
The sushi rice that was being used past the 4-hour discard time and had incorrect time labeling was discarded. Several containers held ingredients without proper labeling, the report pointed out. Correcting the issue, the containers were labeled during the inspection.
Improper washing of produce was also reported, as washed avocados still had stickers on them. The storage of the utensils was also reported to be improper, as utensils like sushi knives and spoons that were being used were stored in standing water below the required 135°F.
Inspectors also noted that raw fish and food containers were lined with disposable paper towels, which are not approved food-contact materials. As a corrective action, the paper towels were removed.
Employees’ personal items were observed on food and prep surfaces. The items were moved to a designated storage area, the report said.
The comments section of the inspection report gave certain instructions and recommendations as well. The details of the follow-up inspections were also noted.
Causa Restaurant and Bar Found In Violation of the Food Code
- Where: 3153 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Suite 114 & 115
- Date: April 14, 2025
- Score: 57 (U)
Causa Restaurant and Bar underwent a routine health inspection from 11 AM to 1:50 PM on April 14. The various violations reported at the restaurant resulted in unsatisfactory scores and grades. Previously, the restaurant had faced an inspection on February 18, 2025, in which it scored 100 points.
The report began by stating that no Person in Charge (PIC) was present at the start of the inspection. The person came in 20 minutes later, it said. The multiple violations at the facility indicated the PIC was not effectively managing food safety practices, it also said.
The only handwashing sink in the kitchen had no disposable towels, it was reported. Paper towels were added to the dispenser as a corrective action. Several spray bottles containing cleaning chemicals were not labeled, the report said. The bottles were labeled with their contents, solving the issue.
It was noted that mold-like growth was observed on cheese slices and Mazamora syrup, and the affected food items were discarded as a corrective measure. An employee was seen cutting raw meat while wearing double single-use gloves. The employee removed the gloves to correct the issue.
In the case of a repeat violation, raw meats were seen stored above cooked foods and unwashed produce in multiple coolers. The items were rearranged by the required cooking temperatures, correcting the issue. Several time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods were stored above 41°F. The foods were discarded.
Mahi mahi was thawed inside vacuum-sealed bags despite manufacturer instructions to remove them before thawing, it was noted. The fish was discarded as a corrective measure. A glass door cooler was not holding at the proper temperature, as it was not at or below 41°F, the report said.
Further, some additional comments were also added to the inspection report, along with the details for future inspections.
Follow-Up Inspection Scheduled
The follow-up inspection at both restaurants will occur within 10 days, as per the respective reports. The reports warned that they must ensure that all violations are corrected by this time, failing which the permits may be suspended. The restaurants will also have an additional inspection, which will happen within the next 12 months.
Among the 24 food establishments that faced the health inspection on Monday, April 14, all were routine inspections. Scoring a perfect 100 were 10 establishments, and seven scored between 90 and 99. A total of 4 scored in the 80s, and one scored in the 70s.
