The health score of Ichiban Buffet in Cumming fell more than 50 points during a recent routine inspection, and management was blamed for not ensuring that employees were following food safety codes and procedures.
The inspector observed one employee washing gloved hands then proceeding to prep food. And personal items, drinks, even prescription medication, were found in the prep area.
Refrigerated cold foods, such as beef, raw chicken, eggs were out of temperature range. Cold food items on the salad bar — mussels, potato salad, squid salad and cheese — were also at unsafe temperatures. These items were discarded.
Ichiban Buffet, 655 Atlanta Road, scored 43/U, down from previous scores of 98/A and 100/A.
In other code violations, frozen meats were improperly thawed on the counter top. Buckets of potatoes were stored beside the hand sink on the floor. Raw meats were stored with ready-to-eat foods. The can opener blade was heavily soiled with food debris. Dining tables were not properly sanitized.
The inspector said plastic containers had been altered from their original condition and were being reused. The restaurant was told to stop using these containers. Soy sauce buckets were also being reused and should be discarded, according to the report. Bottles of bulk food were not labeled.
Points were also taken off for unnecessary items in the prep area. A bottle of prescription medicine was stored next to food. And employee belongings and drinks were stored on the prep table, the inspector said.
Ichiban Buffet will be re-inspected. [Editor's Note: Ichiban Buffet passed the follow-up inspection with an 81/B.]
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