SouthPark Restaurant Gets 2nd 'B' for Bugs: Scores (July 18)

Restaurant Faces Repeated Sanitation Issues

A south Charlotte restaurant has recently received its second "B" grade from the Mecklenburg County Health Department this year, due to multiple health violations. The establishment, Tous Le Jours SouthPark, located at 4625 Piedmont Row Dr., was given an 86% score during an inspection on Monday, July 14. This follows a previous "B" grade in May, which was also linked to unsanitary conditions.

During the most recent inspection, inspectors identified several critical issues. These included the presence of multiple small flies throughout the facility, some of which were found in display cases with food items. Other violations noted by the health department include:

• A knife stored in a handwashing sink
• Savory items in the display case that had been held past four hours
• Multiple wet wiping cloths on prep surfaces
• A walk-in cooler leaking from a vent
• Build-up of food debris in the bottom of coolers and freezers

These findings highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining proper hygiene standards at the restaurant. The repeated "B" grades indicate that the establishment is not meeting the expected level of cleanliness and safety for customers.

Broader Trends in Restaurant Inspections

The Mecklenburg County sanitation grades database reveals that at least 161 restaurant inspections were conducted between July 11 and 17. Most restaurants received an "A" grade, which requires a score of at least 90%. However, three restaurants, including Tous Le Jours SouthPark, received a "B" grade, which means their scores ranged between 80% and 90%.

Another restaurant, New Century Oriental Deli, located at 4500 N. Tryon St., received a score of 86.5% during an inspection on Wednesday, July 16. The restaurant violated 17 standards, including the presence of bugs and dirty kitchen equipment. Some of these violations were addressed during the inspection.

Similarly, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, situated at 6809 Phillips Place Ct., was given a score of 88.5% during an inspection on Monday, July 14. The restaurant violated 13 standards, such as the presence of flies near the dish area and food without expiration dates. Most of the violations were corrected during the inspection.

Understanding Restaurant Sanitation Scores

Sanitation scores and corresponding letter grades are used in North Carolina to evaluate how well restaurants follow rules designed to prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses. These scores are often displayed on cards at restaurants, providing customers with an idea of the establishment’s hygiene practices.

According to state law, if a restaurant receives a score below 70%, its permit is immediately revoked. This strict policy underscores the importance of maintaining high sanitation standards.

To check restaurant inspection scores in Mecklenburg County, individuals can visit the official website: public.cdpehs.com. This resource provides detailed information on all inspections conducted in the area.

Community Engagement and Additional Resources

Residents interested in learning more about their local communities or contributing to journalism efforts have opportunities to engage with service journalism teams. Those with questions about the Charlotte area can submit inquiries through a specific form, while those in the Raleigh or Triangle area can do the same via another form.

In addition to restaurant inspections, other community-related topics may be of interest. For example, after summer rains in North Carolina, ants often enter homes, prompting questions on how to keep them out. Another common question is whether it is legal to drive in the left lane without passing in North Carolina. These topics reflect the diverse range of concerns that residents have about their daily lives.