UPDATE: Newk’s Eatery in Smyrna cited for flies in kitchen

Georgia has rules it requires every food service operation to follow. These are just a few of the many health and safety regulations. Food service operations without a permit are illegal. Employees must know how to prevent foodborne illness and the symptoms of those illnesses. Food must be kept at the correct temperatures to prevent pathogens from growing. Employees must meet standards of cleanliness while working around food. If health laws are not met, the food service's permit may be suspended.

UPDATE at 10:23 a.m. Oct. 21: Newk's Eatery on Spring Road in Smyrna received a 76, or C, on its follow-up inspection held Oct. 15.

The restaurant was cited for having several flies in the kitchen, an employee wiping his or her gloved hands on a soiled apron and placing its original inspection report behind the menu display. Newk’s received a 68, or  U, on that Oct. 4 inspection.

Newk’s also had several food items inside coolers that were holding above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Those items were moved to a walk-in cooler.

Newk’s will have to pay an additional fee due to the health department inspecting the restaurant three items within a 12-month period, the report adds.

ORIGINAL STORY

A popular fast-casual restaurant’s location in Smyrna will have to undergo another reevaluation after failing its original food service inspection.

Newk’s Eatery at 1405 Spring Road in Smyrna received a 68, or U, on its Oct. 4 inspection conducted by the Cobb & Douglas Public Health Department. Anything below a 70 is considered failing.

According to the report, the inspector observed an employee who washed his or her hands without using soap. Another employee also handled dirty utensils before moving on to clean ones without washing his or her hands.

READCobb restaurant scores 92 after second consecutive failure

Other violations include a trash can placed in front of a hand-washing sink in the food service area, mold inside the soda machine ice chute and residue buildup on soda nozzles.

Newk’s also had tomatoes, shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, Romaine lettuce and arugula all measuring above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Those food items had to be thrown out.

The inspector also cited Newk’s for having cantaloupe that was cut without being washed in the prep sink and an employee who was wearing a watch and bracelet in the sandwich prep area.

Paul Williams of Williams Food Group, the franchisee of the Smyrna Newk’s, said the company prides itself on “preparing and delivering the highest-quality dining experience for our customers.”

“We have historically received exceptional health rating scores, and are committed to maintaining a track record of success that demonstrates our dedication to great food and outstanding service,” he added.

A follow-up inspection is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 14.

SEE ALSODespite roaches, Cobb eatery scores A on follow-up inspection

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