Restaurant Grades: Know Then Go

Below are this week's results of recent Gwinnett County restaurant inspections in Greater Lilburn by the East Metro Health District, which covers Gwinnett, Rockdale and Newton counties. Each report includes a synopsis of some of the deficiencies found by the inspector.

Jan. 23

Name and location: Little Caesars, 5414 Five Forks Trickum Road

Score: 95/A

Previous scores: 81/B on Aug. 29, 2011 and 100/A on Jan. 28, 2011

Violations cited: The hand sink had food debris and residue. The inspection report wasn't displayed.

Name and location: , 4051 Highway 78

Score: 88/B

Previous scores: 80/B on Aug. 11, 2011 and 99/A on Jan. 29, 2011

Violations cited: Shredded cheese kept in a metal container on a bed of ice wasn't cold enough. The salt and pepper shakers that customers use needed cleaning.

Jan. 20

Name and location: Buffalo House Cafe, 4299 Lawrenceville Highway

Score: 99/A

Previous scores: N/A (possible new permit)

Violations cited: A part of the flooring near the rear exit needed replacing.

Name and location: , 3063 Five Forks Trickum

Score: 85/B

Previous scores: 92/A on July 8, 2011 and 88/B on Jan. 19, 2011

Violations cited: An employee was chewing gum while preparing ice cream and beverages (chewing gum, eating and drinking aren't allowed in the food prep areas). The thermometer probe wasn't sanitized before it was used on beef barbecue. The diffuser on the drink dispenser for the drive-through service had "dense" mold accumulation. Some sour cream was kept past its use-by date. The ceiling of the walk-in cooler was leaking.

Name and location: 605 Indian Trail Road

Score: 98/A (follow-up inspection)

Previous scores: 59/U on Jan. 11, 2012 and 91/A on Oct. 13, 2011

Violations cited: An employee handled raw, frozen chicken and then touched a food wrapper. Onions, cheese and raw hamburger were stored in containers with cracks and open seams.

Name and location: Subway Sandwich Shop, 4100 Five Forks Trickum

Score: 90/A

Previous scores: 92/A on Aug. 15, 2011 and 97/A on Jan. 26, 2011

Violations cited: The thermometer probe wasn't sanitized in between testing different food temperatures. The tomato slicer had food residue in between the blades. The ice machine had thick, black mold buildup in the chamber where the ice is formed, and there was pink mold under the baffle in the uper chamber. Salami with a Dec. 13 date was in the reach-in cooler. Sandwich knives were stored in a dirty container.

Jan. 19

Name and location: Subway Sandwich, 3035 Five Forks Trickum Road

Score: 91/A

Previous scores: 100/A on July 1, 2011 and 93/A on Jan. 24, 2011

Violations cited: Employee drink bottles were stored in the walk-in cooler above ready-to-eat foods. A slicer was visibly dirty that had been stored as clean. Storage containers were stacked still wet after cleaning. Disposable cups and lids were stored under a drainage pipe under a sink.

Jan. 18

Name and location: Dream Wing III, 490 Pleasant Hill Road

Score: 95/A

Previous scores: 91/A on Sept. 27, 2011 and 100/A on Aug. 24, 2011

Violations cited: A can of butane fuel was stored above bulk containers of hushpuppy and mix and flour. The filters in the ventilation hood had too much grease and debris.

Name and location: 4018 Lawrenceville Highway

Score: 80/B

Previous scores: 81/B on Oct. 24, 2011 and 74/C on Oct. 17, 2011

Violations cited: An employee's beverage cup was stored in the reach-in cooler on open shelving above the waffle batter. Plates and bowls still had food debris even after cleaning. Individually wrapped yogurt sticks weren't kept cold enough in an ice bath. The cutting board at the salad prep table was soiled and had deep scratches. Some shelving in the walk-in cooler needed cleaning.