How clean are Columbus area school cafeterias? See latest health inspection scores here
The Ledger-Enquirer has compiled the latest health inspections scores for cafeterias in Columbus area public and private schools.
This list comprises the most recent scores from inspections conducted by Georgia and Alabama health department officials and posted on their websites.
Georgia’s inspection frequency depends on the food establishment category, but it’s typically twice per year. Establishments that receive a food safety grade of “C” (below 80 on the 100-point scale) or “U” (below 70) will have at least one additional routine inspection added in a 12-month period and may have more inspections at the discretion of the local health authority.
If an establishment maintains an “A” food safety rating on three consecutive routine inspections, the local health authority may reduce the frequency of routine inspections.
Alabama inspects food establishments every four months or every six months if the previous inspection score was at least 95.
Georgia’s health department posts the inspection reports online, so those violations are noted in this list. Alabama, however, posts only the scores — not the reports — so those violations aren’t noted here.
The following scores are from reports conducted May 23, 2022, through March 3, 2023.
Muscogee County
Elementary schools
100: Allen, Blanchard, Brewer, Britt David, Clubview, Davis, Dawson, Dimon, Double Churches, Eagle Ridge, Forrest Road, Fox, Gentian, Georgetown, Johnson, Lonnie Jackson, Martin Luther King Jr., Mathews, Midland, North Columbus, Rigdon Road, River Road, South Columbus, St. Marys Road, Waddell, Wesley Heights and Wynnton.
96: Dorothy Height. Sept. 13, the inspector reported pink buildup on the back of the ice machine’s chute. The person in charge said they would clean the machine as soon as possible. The problem must be solved within 10 days.
96: Hannan: Oct. 14, the inspector reported handwashing sinks and the dishwashing area without hot water. The person in charge said the school district was made aware of the issue. It must be corrected within 10 days.
95: Downtown. Sept. 12, the inspector reported a “pink-like substance” built up on the ice machine’s chute. The problem must be corrected within 72 hours. The inspector also reported the facility didn’t have a testing kit to accurately measure the concentration of sanitizing solutions. The problem must be corrected within 10 days.
91: Reese Road. March 1, the inspector reported 15-20 cans of food (beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce and peaches) in dry storage with rust around the rims. The rust was due to a water hose bursting and causing moisture in the area. The person in charge solved the problem by discarding the cans during the inspection.
87: Key. Sept. 12, the inspector reported the temperature of the hot water in the handwashing sink in the main kitchen area not reaching the required 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It was 82.9 degrees. The inspector required it to be corrected within 10 days. The inspector also reported the meat for the nachos that day wasn’t cooled to the proper temperature. The temperature is supposed to cool from 135 degrees to 70 degrees by 2 hours before lunchtime. It was at 116 degrees during the inspection. The person in charge reheated the meat to the appropriate temperature.
Middle schools
100: Aaron Cohn, Baker, Blackmon Road, Double Churches, East Columbus, Eddy, Fort, Midland and Veterans Memorial.
99: Arnold: Oct. 5, the inspector reported keys, a cellphone, tape and papers stored on a slicer atop a prep table. Employees removed those personal items and placed them in the proper area.
99: Richards. Dec. 2, the inspector reported the temperature on the dishwasher’s final rinse was 164 degrees. It should be 180 degrees. The person in charge put in a work order to fix the problem. Until it is repaired, items must be washed in the three-compartment sink.
High schools
100: Carver, Columbus, Hardaway, Jordan, Kendrick, Shaw and Spencer.
91: Northside. Oct. 28, the inspector reported a food employee who was prepping sandwiches walk to the dry storage room, turn on the light, retrieve a storage bag, then return to prepping sandwiches without washing hands and changing gloves. The inspector informed the person in charge and gave a reminder about the rules for that situation.
Others
100: Marshall Success Center, Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts and St. Elmo Center for the Gifted.
Harris County
100: Creekside, Harris County Carver Middle School, Harris County High School, Mulberry Creek, New Mountain Hill, Park and Pine Ridge.
Chattahoochee County
100: Chattahoochee County Education Center and Chattahoochee County Middle/High School
Phenix City
100: Central Freshman Academy, Central High School, Creative Learning Center, Creekside Early Learning Center, Culinary Arts Center, Lakewood Elementary School, Lakewood Primary School, Meadowlane Elementary School, New Beginning Parenting Center, Phenix City Early Learning Center, Phenix City Elementary School, Phenix City Intermediate School, Phenix City Special Education Center, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Sherwood Elementary School, South Girard School, Success Academy, The Brick and Westview Elementary School.
Russell County
100: Dixie Elementary School, Ladonia Elementary School, Mount Olive Elementary School, Oliver Elementary School, Russell County High School and Russell County Middle School.
Smiths Station
100: East Smiths Station Elementary School, Smiths Station High School, Smiths Station Junior High School, South Smiths Station Elementary School and West Smiths Station Elementary School.
Private schools
100: Calvary Christian, Glenwood, Pacelli Catholic High School, St. Anne Anne School and St. Luke Ministry Center.
96: Brookstone School. Nov. 18, the inspector reporter sticker residue from labels on food storage containers after wash, rinse and sanitize. Food service manager corrected the problem by washing, rinsing and sanitizing the containers during the inspection.
94: St. Luke Early Learning Center: Sept. 9, the inspector reported pink and yellow buildup on the ice machine chute and ordered it corrected within 10 days. The inspector also reported chicken and rice stored inside a corner originally labeled pasta salad. Single-service and single-use containers may not be reused. The person in charge moved to items to food-grade safe containers and discarded the single-use container. The inspector also reported a cupcake was stored on a shelf in the dishwashing area. The person in charge moved the cupcake to the designated area.
