New Gwinnett restaurant re-inspected after lack of soap reported

Score: 57

UPDATE: Ta'Rico Express scored a 91/A on its follow-up inspection completed July 15. The only violation noted was rice being stored at an improper temperature.

ORIGINAL STORY: A new Gwinnett County restaurant failed its recent health inspection, with officials noting a lack of soap and paper towels and improperly stored food.

Ta'Rico Express, a "Latin and Chinese cuisine" eatery that opened in May at 3750 Venture Drive in Duluth, received a 57/U on its Thursday evaluation.

According to the inspection report, there was no soap or paper towel at a hand sink in the kitchen. Raw beef was also stored in the same container as raw chicken, and both of those items were also stored elsewhere above ready-to-eat foods.

The "person in charge" at the time of the inspection also "could not demonstrate food safety knowledge," the report said.

"Several food temperatures were not in compliance, food storage [was] not being maintained and chemicals were not being stored in the designated areas," the report said.

A person who answered the phone at the restaurant Friday afternoon said a manager was not available for comment.

A follow-up inspection will be completed before July 15.

Ta'Rico Express is the second new Gwinnett restaurant to fail a health inspection this week. Mold was reported during a Tuesday inspection at a Duluth restaurant called Super Pho.