Georgia's restaurants fail health inspections—none earn an A-rating in a year

Health inspections across Georgia have revealed concerning trends over the past year. Not a single restaurant in the state achieved an A-rating during routine checks. Among the worst performers was Taqueria in Lawrenceville, which scored just 44 points and received an 'U' for unsatisfactory conditions. Inspectors at Taqueria in Lawrenceville found multiple violations during their visit. Several ants were spotted crawling on the prep table, cutting board, and even in employee food. Raw chicken had been left thawing on the prep table for over a day, though the manager initially claimed it had only been out for two hours. A box of sauces was also stored under a water leak in the cooler.

After the inspection, the restaurant's management posted an old report showing a score of 94 points instead of the failing grade. They later stated that pest control treatment had been arranged following the inspection. Meanwhile, other establishments fared better. Mix'd Up Burgers in Grant Park, which has operated for nearly 14 years, earned a perfect 100 on its latest inspection. Lions Restaurant on Buford Highway in Atlanta also improved, scoring 97 points and an A-rating on a follow-up check.

The lack of A-ratings in Georgia's routine inspections highlights ongoing challenges in food safety compliance. While some restaurants, like Mix'd Up Burgers and Lions Restaurant, maintain high standards, others continue to struggle with basic hygiene issues. No official data explains why violations persist across the region.