Neighboring Augusta hotels share lowest health scores in newest restaurant inspections

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 Dec. 12 and 18, 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 scores

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed recent food-service inspections between Dec. 12 and 18 with scores of 100, without a single health violation:

Circle K/Blimpie, 2702 Wrightsboro Rd.

Diablo's Southwest Grill, 3668 Wheeler Rd., Ste. 4

Don Pepe Mexican Grill, 3450 Wrightsboro Rd., Ste. 2355

Fox's Lair and Olde Town Inn, 349 Telfair St.

Krystal Restaurants, 2537 Peach Orchard Rd.

Ming Wah No. 2, 3415 Wrightsboro Rd.

Pizza Hut, 2804 Wrightsboro Rd.

Pruitt Health Evans, 561 University Dr., Evans

Village Deli, 2803 Wrightsboro Rd., Ste. 28

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So close

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed recent food-service inspections between Dec. 12 and 18 with scores of 99, posting just one health violation. Inspectors’ comments are included:

Longhorn Steakhouse, 434 Lewiston Rd., Grovetown

Inspector's comments: "Replace cutting boards that are scored/stained if unable to properly be cleaned and sanitized."

"Observed cleaning needed: 1. gaskets in drawers and reach-ins along line; 2. shelves in reach-ins along line; 3. organize single service /apron room

Getting warmer

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed with "A" scores in recent food-service inspections between Dec. 12 and 18 followed by their scores:

Tastefully Yours, 2204 Ellis St.: 97

Parliament House Café, 1250 Gordon Hwy.: 96

Jamaica Hut, 3213 Wrightsboro Rd.: 96

Fairfield Inn & Suites, 3023½ Washington Rd.: 93

Baymont Inn & Suites, 629 NW Frontage Rd.: 90

Not quite done

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that posted the lowest recent food-service inspections between Dec. 12 and 18, followed by their scores and, where available, inspectors’ comments. Scores of 70 and below are considered failing:

Waffle House, 3134 Peach Orchard Rd.: 89

Inspector's comments: "Observed no paper towels supplied at hand washing sink. All hand washing sinks must have paper towels and soap supplied at all times."

"Observed no date labels on prepared food in reach in cooler. There were labels present, however they were not filled out. Date labels need to be on all food items that are prepared and out of original container."

"Observed no common food name labels on container of prepared food in reach in cooler. All food items out of original containers need a food name label."

Baymont Inn & Suites, 2905 Riverwest Dr.: 86

Inspector's comments: "Wash, rinse, sanitize utensils. Bleach available at time of inspection, person in charge stated they were out of sanitizer tablets; instructed PIC on using bleach as sanitizer; train personnel working kitchen on proper sanitizing. (Note: Use commercial grade bleach approved for sanitizing food contact surfaces).

"Items not held at safe temperatures (41 F and below for cold items: cream cheese, butter on display, waffle mix) and must be discarded at end of 6-hour period (or end of service). Workers must clearly follow written procedure; procedure must list all items to be discarded. (Workers must understand and be clear on time/temperature control. Out of temperature items from display were discarded).

"Refrigeration should be commercial grade/manufactured (home style not approved). Refrigerators should be on 6-inch legs or wheels."

Microtel Inn & Suites, 2909 Riverwest Dr.: 82

Inspector's comments: "Observed no posted certified food safety manager certificate in public view. Post CFSM certificate in public view."

"Observed no handwashing soap or towels at hand washing sink. Supply hand wash sink with single use towels."

"Observed toxic item improperly stored. All toxic substances must be stored in one location."

"Post most recent inspection in public view. Observed no food permit posted in a location in the food service establishment that is conspicuous to the consumers."

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: New Augusta-area health inspections put neighboring hotels at bottom