Restaurant inspections: Live roaches, 'rusted can of cheese' found on Augusta food truck

The Georgia Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, conducts regular restaurant inspections to help keep residents and visitors safe.

The following is a list of restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that have been inspected between Aug. 9 and 15, accompanied by their scores and, in some cases, the health infractions that lowered those scores.

Disclaimer: On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment. A few more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.

Perfect score

Here are food and drink establishments in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed recent food-service inspections between Aug. 9 and 15 with scores of 100, without a single health violation:

A. Dorothy Hains Elementary School, 1820 Windsor Spring Rd.

American Legion Post 178, 3219 Richmond Hill Rd.

Barton Chapel Road Elementary School, 2329 Barton Chapel Rd.

Columbia Middle School, 2016 William Few Pkwy., Grovetown

East Central Regional Hospital - Augusta Campus, 3405 Mike Padgett Hwy.

Grovetown High School, 2010 Warrior Way, Grovetown

Lewiston Elementary School, 5426 Hereford Farm Rd., Evans

Maggie Jayne's Snoballs & Italian Ice, 1963 Appling Harlem Rd., Appling

McBean Senior Center, 1155 Hephzibah-McBean Rd., Hephzibah

North Columbia Elementary School, 2874 Ray Owens Rd., Appling

Quantum Restaurants, dba Little Caesars, 2801 Washington Rd., Ste. 110

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Augusta, 1903 Division St.

Getting warmer

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed with "A" scores in recent food-service inspections between Aug. 9 and 15, followed by their scores:

Rack And Grill II, 3801 Mike Padgett Hwy.: 97

Burger King 5334, 3201 Peach Orchard Rd.: 96

Windemere Health and Rehabilitation Center, 3618 J. Dewey Gray Cir.: 96

Rockin’ Crab, 2807 Washington Rd.: 96

Papa John's, 3449 Peach Orchard Rd.: 92

Not quite done

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that posted the lowest recent food-service inspections between Aug. 9 and 15, followed by their scores and, where available, inspectors' comments. Scores of 70 and below are considered failing:

Neuro Restorative Georgia-Harison Heights, 3648 Walton Way Ext.: 89

Inspector's comments:

• “Observed no Certified Food Protection Manager certificate. Obtain/Post certificate.”
• "Observed scoop improperly stored inside a container of sugar in the dry storage room. To limit contamination, store handle out of food or store scoop outside of food.”
• "Observed the top lids of the dumpster left open. Ensure all dumpster doors remain closed when not in use.”
• "Observed dead bugs under dishwashing sink. Observed gnats in dry storage room. Determine an approved method to deter & get rid of any pests. Clean up dead bugs.”

Korean Food Express, 2857 Tobacco Rd., Unit 6, Hephzibah: 87

Inspector's comments:

• “Observed time/temperature control or safety food in PTC not being held at 41 F or below. Ensure TCS food in cold storage stays at 41 F or below.”
• "Observed items in PTC that need prep and discard dates. Food that is prepped needs prep and discard dates on the containers.”

Best Western Plus, 1062 Claussen Rd.: 87

Inspector's comments:

• “Observed expired Food Manager Certification.”
• "Observed milk at 53 F. Cold held TCS foods must be held at 41 F or below (or use time as safety control with written procedure with foods listed).”

Taqueria El Patron, 3107 Washington Rd.: 82

Inspector's comments:

• “Observed red salsa and mole stored uncovered in reach-in cooler on right hand side of kitchen entrance. Cover all food in storage appropriately with or wrap.”
• "Observed brown build up in ice machine. Repeat violation. Clean on a regular routine basis to prevent buildup.”
• "Observed liquid butter stored in unlabeled bottle at the grill. Label food stored outside of its original container.”
• "Observed phone stored among clean plates. Store personal belongings away from food contact surfaces.”
• “Observed employee wearing watch during food prep. Refrain from wearing jewelry on the hands/wrists outside of a plan band ring.”
• "Observed most recent inspection not posted. Post most recent inspection in public view.”
• "Observed wet nesting of stacked dishes. Allow dishes to properly air dry prior to stacking.”
• "Observed gnats and flies in dining area and kitchen. Repeat violation. Determine a method to deter flies from establishment. Be sure to wipe down sticky areas that may attract pests.”

Jerk City Truck, 2147 Eastside Ct.: 81

Inspector's comments:

• “Observed no Certified Good Protection Manager Certificate. Obtain a certification w/in 60 days of this inspection."
• "Observed rusted can of cheese held past date marking on dry storage rack. Monitor date markings & ensure food is properly discarded."
• "Observed no thermometers to temp food nor inside the coolers & freezers. Obtain thermometers to properly temp food.”
• "Observed rice not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor in dry storage. Store all food items at least 6 inches off of the floor.”
• "Observed under hand/prep sink not smooth & easily cleanable. Construct a smooth & easily cleanable surface under sink or replace materials.”
• "Observed no test strips to properly test concentration of sanitizer. Obtain the proper test strips for sanitizer.”
• "Observed buildup inside the coolers & freezers. Clean. Increase cleaning frequency to limit buildup.”
• "Observed no hot water at the prep/hand sink. Person in charge stated batteries are needed to make hot water. Ensure there's hot & cold water at all times.”
• "Observed no air gap under hand/prep sink. Place air gap under sink within 60 days of this inspection.”
• "Observed live roaches in the coolers, freezers, & equipment. Contact a licensed pest control operator immediately to get rid of roaches.”

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Restaurant inspections: Live roaches, 'rusted can of cheese' found on Augusta food truck