Madison Dining: Inspection Reports Reveal Mixed Results
In the vibrant city of Madison, a recent dive into health inspection reports has revealed a **variety of concerns** at local eateries over the past couple of weeks. As many residents and visitors enjoy the local food scene, it’s essential to stay informed about the places we eat. The Madison County Kitchen Cops have provided inspection data after a brief hiatus last week, and the findings are intriguing, to say the least!
Scores Highlight Areas for Improvement
Leading the pack of low scores is the Far East Market, which received a disappointing score of **69**. Inspectors discovered a host of major issues, including open containers of raw meat available for sale. Additionally, they noted multiple dented cans, a lack of food thermometers, and dirty food containers. Perhaps most alarming were the findings of living creatures—inspectors found “**flies, roaches, and mosquitoes throughout the establishment**,” even spotting a roach crawling on a food container. Though a follow-up visit confirmed that the pest problem was addressed, the low score still stands.
Next on the list is New China Dragon on Wall Triana, landing at a score of **77**. Some concerns included **black residue** on soda nozzles and grease accumulation inside food containers. Even more troubling, an employee was seen handling food without gloves, raising food safety eyebrows.
Moving on, the popular Zaxby’s at Sullivan Street and Madison Boulevard was also cited with an **81**. The inspectors found black residue in the ice machine and food scraps in the hand washing sink, not to mention sightings of **gnats and roaches** throughout the kitchen area.
Additional Local Dining Concerns
Continuing the trend, Fulin’s on Highway 72 was given a score of **82**. The establishment had **residue on a bar drink nozzle**, and inspectors observed a lack of sanitizer in the dishwasher, along with cracked food containers that exposed their contents to potential contaminants.
Pita Mediterranean on Hughes Road isn’t escaping scrutiny either, as they earned an **84**. The chain had to deal with residue in its drink nozzles and faced food temperature issues with chicken and cheesecake. It appears they have some cleaning up to do as well!
Interestingly, the lone low score outside of Madison this week belongs to the Great Panda on Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville, which had an **85** due to a fly swatter being found in a sink and black residue within an ice chute.
Regional Roundup: Other Counties Report Findings
The inspection reports extend beyond Madison County, highlighting challenges across the region. In DeKalb County, for instance, the United Grocery Outlet store had chemicals improperly stored above a produce sink, alongside thawing meat in the freezer.
Meanwhile, the Waterloo General Store in Lauderdale County scored an **85**, with inspectors citing improperly stored medications and employees lacking proper safety certifications.
In Morgan County, the Exxon convenience store on 6th Avenue got an **82** for having no paper towels in the employee restroom and cooking raw meat without the necessary permit. Rock N Roll Sushi, also in Morgan County, scored an **84**, with issues involving improperly stored toxic chemicals and ingredients that weren’t kept at safe temperatures.
Keeping Local Eateries Accountable
As these inspection reports come to light, it serves as a **reminder for both restaurant ownership and patrons** alike about the importance of food safety and hygiene practices. It’s essential for local establishments to gradually improve and maintain their scores, while customers can also play a role by being aware of what they are consuming. By staying informed, residents can make better choices about where they decide to dine in Madison and surrounding areas. After all, everyone deserves delicious food served in a clean environment!
