Flying insects, food expired at Taco Mac in Sandy Springs

A popular sports bar and grill chain headquartered in metro Atlanta recently failed its health inspection after county officials said they observed flying insects near meat prep areas and sinks, and certain foods being improperly stored in the kitchen.

Taco Mac Prado, located at 5500 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, scored a 67/U during an Oct. 6 inspection from the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness.

Inside the kitchen, inspectors reported that seafood was thawed in still water. There was a back-up of waste water at the prep sink and a pile of waste at the exit doorway, blocking a hand-washing station. Vegetable and meat prep sinks were not used correctly, according to health inspectors.

Other citations were given because food items in the walk-in cooler were stored past the expiration dates. Inspectors also observed employees' drinking bottles placed in prep and refrigeration areas.

Restaurant manager Duane Sammons told the AJC on Tuesday he declined to comment on the recent inspection. Restaurants that have low scores are generally re-inspected 10 days.