On Monday, February 17, one restaurant failed the inspection, and its permit was suspended temporarily by the Gwinnett, Newton & Rockdale County Health Departments. Taqueria Maria in Norcross lost its permit because of a case of third consecutive violation of the same food code.
It failed the inspection after having scored 52 points. Restaurants that score less than 70 points on the inspection are given an unsatisfactory “U” grade.
Inspectors visited the Taqueria Maria located at 4970 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Suite C, on Monday morning as part of the routine inspection. The Mexican restaurant serves favorites from the cuisine, such as tortillas, nachos, and more. The restaurant has two locations in Norcross, the second being inside the Cedar Village Shopping Center.
Highlights
- GNR Health Department temporarily suspended one restaurant’s license after a third repeat violation was reported.
- The restaurant only scored 52 points on the inspection, which was based on an unsatisfactory grade of “U” on Monday.
- Although the permit was reinstated, it will face follow-up inspections, failing which it may lose the permit again.
Taqueria Maria Fails Inspection After Non-compliance With Food Code
During the inspection at Taqueria Maria on February 17, inspectors noted several instances of violation of the food code. Among the various issues, there was one violation that was observed for a third consecutive time (6-1A), leading to permit suspension. The permit was reinstated after onsite training was given to all those concerned.
Violations Observed at Taqueria Maria
The report stated that the Person in Charge (PIC) was not practicing active managerial control of the establishment. It held this person responsible for the cases of non-compliance with the food code that was observed at the restaurant.
The third consecutive violation of the same food code was reported when inspectors saw food items such as salsas, arrepas, and cheese not being held at 41F or below. There was a case of a second consecutive violation, as the most recent inspection report was not displayed at the restaurant.
Inspectors also saw employees’ drinks placed on the prep table, right next to the food. Bookbags and jackets were seen stored above food and clean utensils. There were also cell phones that were stored on prep tables.
The inspectors also found that the establishment was not following the procedure set for vomit/diarrhea incidents. The quat sanitizer that was being used to clean utensils was not at the effective concentration. Clean utensils were seen stored outside as well.
A bag of masa was seen to be stored on the floor, and bags of onions, potatoes, and canned food were in the alleyway. Bags of sugar, rice, and such food items and opened single-service utensils were stored in the outside storage area, which was not properly constructed.
Food items such as hot chocolate, hot dogs, flautas, and tamales were not maintained at 135F or above. It was also noted that the restaurant sourced arepas and cakes from another restaurant that does not have a wholesale license.
Inspectors also noted that there was no thermometer in the sandwich cooler in the back kitchen or the cooler for cakes on the front counter. First aid kits were stored above the cooler in the front counter area, in another violation. The handwashing sink was blocked by a cart, which was another violation. The Tankless water heater that was installed a year ago at the restaurant was not sufficient, the report noted.
Corrective Measures
Under the supervision of the inspectors, most of the issues that were cited above were corrected. The food items were moved for proper storage or discarded, as applicable to the case. The cart was moved out of the way to the sink. Employee’s drinks and personal items were moved to the designated areas. The sanitizer used to clean the utensils was remade
Issues to Be Resolved By February 27
Many of the issues that were cited in the report are yet to be resolved, and it should be done before the follow-up inspection. The problems concerning the Person in Charge (PIC), the thermometers, food and utensil storage and the display of the inspection report are to be solved by February 27. The restaurant must also submit a remodel application for the tankless hot water heater to the office by the same date.
Follow-Up Inspections to Be Conducted
The follow-up inspection will take place at the restaurant within 10 days. If there are cases of the third or more consecutive violations, the restaurant may face permit suspension yet again. Another required additional routine inspection will happen within 12 months.
The full report for the February 17 Routine Inspection at Taqueria Maria is available online.
GNR County Health Department inspected 37 restaurants on February 17, and 8 of them scored a perfect 100. Scoring between 90 and 99 were 17 restaurants. A total of 10 restaurants scored in the 80s, and one scored in the 70s.
