Madison County Eateries Face Health Inspection Concerns with Low Scores in September 2024

Madison County’s Restaurant Health Scores: A Closer Look at September 2024

Hey there, Madison County residents! As we dive into October, it’s that time again when we take a peek at the *health scores* from our favorite local eateries. This September, several restaurants in our area received rather low marks from health inspectors. You might want to pay attention to these scores, especially if you’re thinking about where to grab a bite next!

What’s the Deal with the Scores?

The county health inspectors have rolled out their evaluations, and it appears that ten establishments scored **84** or below on their latest inspections. This means they’ll have to welcome a health department inspector back for a follow-up visit within the next 60 days. Yikes! Major issues that raised eyebrows included food being stored at unsafe temperatures, pests like roaches and gnats, and the alarming presence of *many flies*. Let’s break down the list of these establishments from lowest to highest score.

Low-Scoring Establishments

• Chuy’s – Score: 71
  Address: 935 Bob Wallace Ave SW Ste 101, Huntsville
  Inspection Date: September 26
  Highlights: Concerns over a dirty ice chute, *roaches*, and dirty utensils paired with clean ones. Several containers of *salsa* were found out of temperature, and no staff member had completed a certified food safety training course.
• New China Dragon, Inc. – Score: 77
  Address: 7190 Wall Triana Hwy Ste A, Madison
  Inspection Date: September 5
  Highlights: “Black residue” on soda nozzles and food handlers touching food with bare hands—that’s definitely a no-no!
• Domino’s Pizza – Score: 80
  Address: 7642 Highway 53, Toney
  Inspection Date: September 23
  Highlights: An unsettling number of *flies* buzzing around and a worker failing to wash their hands after touching their apron before handling food.
• Circle K Store #2709336 – Score: 80
  Address: 801 Governors Dr. SW, Huntsville
  Inspection Date: September 16
  Highlights: Keeping chicken and half and half at unsafe temperatures and missing employee health agreements.
• Zaxby’s – Score: 81
  Address: 100 Ivory Pl., Madison
  Inspection Date: September 5
  Highlights: An invasion of *gnats* and *roaches* were reported throughout the kitchen, alongside “black residue” seen on the ice machine.
• Turkey’s Barbecue – Score: 82
  Address: 8904 Wall Triana Hwy., Harvest
  Inspection Date: September 18
  Highlights: A dirty *ice machine* and multiple foods kept at unsafe temperatures.
• The Ledges Clubhouse – Score: 82
  Address: 32 Castle Down Dr., Huntsville
  Inspection Date: September 24
  Highlights: Can openers with buildup and several food items not marked with dates.
• Fulin’s Asian Cuisine – Score: 82
  Address: 8141 Highway 72 W Ste C, Madison
  Inspection Date: September 4
  Highlights: Residue found on the bar nozzle and food in cracked containers.
• Umakhodal Inc DBA Pita – Score: 84
  Address: 300 Hughes Rd Ste I, Madison
  Inspection Date: September 4
  Highlights: “Black residue” on soda nozzles and drinks, plus raw chicken and cheesecake out of temperature.
• Sonic Drive-In #5503 – Score: 84
  Address: 366 Sutton Rd SE., Owens Cross Roads
  Inspection Date: September 9
  Highlights: Chicken nuggets out of temperature and no hand soap at the front sink, which is quite concerning!

Final Thoughts

It’s certainly disheartening to see our local dining spots receive such low marks, but let’s remember that these inspections are intended to keep us safe and healthy. If you plan on dining out, it might be worth checking the latest scores or giving these places a little extra scrutiny on your next visit. As always, your health should come first, and we hope to see improvements in the coming months!

Stay safe and eat well, Madison County!