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Shocking Restaurant Inspections: Triangle’s Lowest Sanitation Scores Revealed!

Shocking Restaurant Inspections: Triangle’s Lowest Sanitation Scores Revealed!

Sandy Staggs

Food safety and sanitation are essential for a healthy dining experience. In North Carolina, sanitation grades are a crucial measure of how restaurants adhere to hygiene standards. This year, several restaurants in the Triangle area failed to meet those standards, scoring 85% or lower during inspections. Here’s a detailed overview of the worst-performing restaurants in Wake, Durham, Johnston, and Chatham counties.

Understanding Sanitation Scores
North Carolina requires all restaurants to display sanitation grades. These grades reflect compliance with health codes designed to prevent foodborne illnesses. Scores range from 0-100, with letter grades assigned as follows:

  • A: 90-100
  • B: 80-89
  • C: 70-79

Restaurants scoring below 85% are flagged for serious violations, which can include improper food storage, inadequate cleanliness, or unsafe food-handling practices.

Wake County: Violations to Watch

Wake County conducted 1,216 inspections this year, and four restaurants scored below 85%.

  1. Chengdu 7 Sichuan Cuisine (Cary):
    • Score: 81% (Nov. 27)
    • Key Violations: Food stored at room temperature, mold on freezer doors, and improper stacking of cooked chicken.
  2. Another Broken Egg Cafe (Raleigh):
    • Score: 81.5% (Oct. 25)
    • Key Violations: Expired sauces and waffle batter stored for over seven days.
  3. Mezeh (Apex):
    • Score: 85% (Nov. 12)
    • Key Violations: Foods held at incorrect temperatures and unclean displays.
  4. StarBar (Raleigh):
    • Score: 85% (Feb. 8)
    • Key Violations: Cross-contamination with raw eggs, and debris in “clean” utensils.

Durham County: A Closer Look

Durham County had 714 inspections with nine restaurants falling below 85%, including one receiving a C grade.

  1. Chopstix Chinese (Durham):
    • Score: 79% (Nov. 26)
    • Key Violations: Live cockroaches, reused disposable items, and improper food storage in plastic grocery bags.
  2. El Mariachi Restaurante (Durham):
    • Score: 82% (Dec. 13)
    • Key Violations: Unsafe meat storage and cooled beans left overnight at room temperature.
  3. Kickback Jack’s (Durham):
    • Score: 84% (Nov. 18)
    • Key Violations: Contaminated food and unclean equipment.
  4. Mexico Lindo Y Querido (Durham):
    • Score: 85% (Nov. 4)
    • Key Violations: Moldy watermelon and raw meats stored above ready-to-eat foods.
  5. Pure Vegan Cafe (Durham):
    • Score: 82% (Nov. 13)
    • Key Violations: Opened food items stored without lids and unclean utensils.
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Other Triangle Counties

Johnston County:

  • La Quinta Inn & Suites (Selma):
    • Score: 81.5% (Dec. 23)
    • Key Violations: Cooler temperatures exceeded safety standards, affecting dairy products.

Chatham County:

  • Jordan Dam Mini Mart (Moncure):
    • Score: 84.5% (Sept. 17)
    • Key Violations: Moldy cheese, improperly cooled hot dogs, and unlabeled food items.

A Bright Spot in Orange County

Orange County stood out with no restaurants scoring below 85%. This highlights the county’s adherence to high sanitation standards.

Conclusion: A Reminder for Restaurant Owners and Patrons
These inspection results emphasize the importance of maintaining food safety standards. For restaurant owners, adhering to hygiene protocols is not just a legal obligation but a responsibility toward their customers. For diners, checking sanitation scores can help ensure a safe and enjoyable meal.

Stay Informed: Regular updates on sanitation scores can keep the community aware of health risks and encourage better practices in the food industry.

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