Restaurant Scorecard: Expired noodles, black mold in ice bin among violations as 5 Jefferson County restaurants fall below satisfactory compliance standards - WBRC

What the report says

WBRC reported that five Jefferson County food establishments were below satisfactory compliance in Jefferson County Department of Health inspections conducted from July 14 to July 16. The lowest score listed was China Kitchen on Caldwell Drive in Warrior, which received a 76 after inspectors cited cold-holding problems, including shrimp at 63 degrees and shredded cabbage at 73 degrees, above the 41-degree requirement. WBRC said China Kitchen was reinspected on July 16, scored 93 and returned to satisfactory compliance.

The Local in Vestavia Hills remained below the compliance threshold after a follow-up inspection on July 14, improving from a May score of 78 to 82. Reported issues included chicken and cheese above required cold-holding temperatures, a blocked hand sink without soap or paper towels, and queso being reheated in a noncommercial crock pot before being moved for rapid heating. Under JCDH policy cited by WBRC, restaurants scoring below 85 face another inspection within 60 days.

Other establishments listed below satisfactory levels were T-Mobile Call Center / Food Express in Birmingham, which scored 82 after inspectors reported black mold in an ice bin, restroom hand sinks without 100-degree water, and soiled equipment; Cajun Steamer Bar & Grill in Hoover, which scored 84; and Guthrie’s To Go in Birmingham, also at 84. The latter two lost points tied to employee health policy verification, training documentation and other food-safety requirements.

WBRC also noted two restaurants that improved after earlier low scores. Cracker Barrel in Gardendale rose from 64 to 90 after reinspection, and Sneaky Pete’s Hot Dogs scored 94 after previously receiving a 79. Both were described as back in satisfactory compliance.