Birmingham Restaurants Struggle with Health Inspections in November
In the bustling city of Birmingham, appetites are running high, but unfortunately for some local eateries, health inspection scores are running low. November brought alarming results from the Jefferson County Health Department, with several popular dining spots receiving below-par ratings.
The recent inspection woes kicked off dramatically when inspectors discovered a troubling sight at the Discount Meat Market. During an inspection on November 13, inspectors found a mysterious red substance on the sink, which they reported as “dried blood residue.” Yikes! That certainly raises the alarm for anyone looking to grab some fresh meat. In fact, this appealed to be a common issue among many of the 26 establishments – including restaurants, convenience stores, and food vendors – that received scores of 84 or below for the month.
What Does a Low Score Mean?
When a restaurant scores below 85, it raises a red flag, requiring a follow-up inspection within 60 days. With so many places struggling, it’s essential for consumers to understand what this means. A dining establishment’s score can reflect critical health issues, which might affect your next meal out.
Kitchen Nightmares in Birmingham
Let’s dive into some of the lowest-rated establishments:
- Dairy Queen – Score: 84 (Inspection Date: Nov. 8). They weren’t marking cut tomatoes and had a dirty knife stored on a magnetic holder.
- Gasland Shop – Score: 84 (Nov. 15). While sandwiches were left out of temperature, grime was spotted in the drink nozzles.
- MELT – Score: 84 (Nov. 19). They were also serving food that wasn’t kept at safe temperatures, and chemical bottles were seen without labels.
- Discount Meat Market – Score: 73 (Nov. 13). Aside from the blood residue, the meat wasn’t kept at the right temperature. A scenario we bet doesn’t entice confidence!
- Sakana Sushi Bar & Grill – Score: 70 (Nov. 4). The kitchen was in disarray with salmon kept at unsafe temperatures and grime on the floors.
But hold your forks! That’s just a taste of some concerning examples. Other restaurants faced issues including raw meats improperly stored, dirty utensils, and pests lurking in kitchens – definitely not what you want to encounter when dining out.
What’s Going Wrong?
It seems many places faced challenges around basic food safety protocols. Common issues spanned having food out of temperature—something crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses—while others grappled with cleanliness and training for their staff. For instance, at Chili’s in Homewood (Score: 81 on Nov. 13), the beloved molten lava cakes were found contaminated due to improper storage.
Next Steps for Affected Eateries
With reinspections looming, many restaurant owners are likely scrambling. This scrutiny serves as a stern reminder of the importance of maintaining health standards. After all, keeping your customers safe and happy is the goal, right?
Where Do We Go From Here?
For residents of Birmingham, this makes selecting a dining spot a little tricky. As always, it’s wise to check health ratings before noshing on those nachos or sprawling over a plate of spicy sushi. Hopefully, these eateries will bounce back stronger, as no one wants their favorite spots to return to the inspection boards.
For now, keep an eye on your favorite establishments, and remember that it’s all about staying safe and healthy while enjoying the culinary delights our city has to offer!
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
