Food storage violations: A downtown Macon restaurant fails routine health inspection

A popular breakfast and lunch spot in downtown Macon failed its routine health inspection after multiple violations for how food was stored.

The Telegraph reviewed routine health inspections from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31 based on what was reported in the Georgia Department of Public Health’s online portal.

Famous Mike’s of Macon at 524 Poplar St. scored a 63 at its routine health inspection Dec. 6, receiving a grade of “U” for “unsatisfactory compliance.”

At its followup inspection Dec. 13, the restaurant scored an 83 with a grade of “B” for “satisfactory compliance.”

State health inspectors assign grades based on how many points are deducted from 100, with scores at 69 and below considered failing.

Follow-up inspections are required when a restaurant fails its routine inspection and generally take place within 10 days.

Routine inspection

During its routine inspection, a Famous Mike’s employee was observed removing ready-to-eat corn muffins with their bare hands in the main kitchen area instead of properly using an appropriate utensil or wearing single-use gloves.

Other violations dealt with foods stored improperly, including raw shell eggs stored above raw salmon and above cooked brownies in a walk-in cooler, according to the inspection report.

State health regulations require that foods be stored in such a way to prevent the potential for cross contamination.

According to the report, additional violations dealt with food stored at improper temperatures for food safety, including raw shell eggs and raw bacon on a prep table that were above the required temperature for cold holding.

Also, beef brisket and cooked mushrooms were stored in a warming cabinet at temperatures below the required temperature, the report said.

Additionally, tater tots and sausage patties kept in hot holding were below the required temperature, according to the report.

A hot water sanitation dish machine was not property measuring at the required temperature for sanitation of dishes, the inspector found.

On previous routine inspections, Famous Mike’s earned a “B” for “satisfactory compliance” with a score of 88 on both March 25 of last year and Dec. 12, 2019 as well as an “A” with a score of 95 on March 15, 2019 for “food safety excellence.”

In 2019, Famous Mike’s also received four “C” grades for “marginal compliance” during two routine and two follow-up inspections with scores of 75, 78, 70 and 75. On Nov. 1, 2018, the restaurant scored a 99 with a grade of “A” for food safety excellence.”

Other restaurant scores

Most Bibb County restaurants scored “A’s” and “B’s” with a couple given “C’s” on their routine health inspections in December.

Here are the top scorers:

• Louvenia’s Seafood Kitchen, 5033 Brookhaven Road, Suite 600, score: 99
• Texas Cattle, 5797 Houston Road, score: 95
• McDonald’s, 6210 Zebulon Road, score: 94
• Biddy’s, 946 First St., score 93
• Sakura Hibachi & Poke, 5585 Thomaston Road, Suite A300, score: 91
• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, 519 North Ave., Macon, score: 91

Here’s how the scores break down: “A” for a score between 90 to 100 and denotes “food safety excellence.” “B” for a score between 80 to 89, considered “satisfactory compliance.” “C” for “marginal compliance” based on a score of 70-79. A “U” for “unsatisfactory compliance” is given when a restaurant scores 69 or less.

This story was originally published January 5, 2022 at 5:00 AM.