DECATUR, DeKalb County

THE FOOD DISPENSARY

4108 COVINGTON HWY STE 700 DECATUR, GA 30032

Food
Latest score
89
Apr 24, 2026
City
DECATUR
County
DeKalb
Inspections
4

Score history

Inspection scores over time for this facility.

Inspection history

Georgia inspection history is score-based, with violations grouped under each recorded inspection.

Apr 24, 2026

Followup

Score: 891 violation

4-1A - food separated and protected

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii) - packaged & unpackaged food separation, packaging, and segregation (p, c)

9 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: Yes

Observed raw chicken stored directly next to shelled eggs and raw pork hotdogs. COS: Raw eggs were moved to the top shelf, Raw chicken was moved to the chef base lower drawer. C/A:511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii) - Packaged & Unpackaged Food Separation, Packaging, and Segregation (P, C) (c) Packaged and Unpackaged Food - Separation, Packaging, and Segregation.

  1. Food shall be protected from cross contamination by:

(i) Except as specified in paragraph (i)(IV) of this subsection, separating raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding, and display from:

(I) Raw ready-to-eat food including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish, or other raw ready-to-eat food such as fruits and vegetables, P and

(II) Cooked ready-to-eat food; and P

(III) Fruits and vegetables before they are washed; P

(IV) Frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal food may be stored or displayed with or above frozen, commercially processed and packaged, ready-to-eat food.

(ii) Except when combined as ingredients, separating types of raw animal foods from each other such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, and poultry during storage, preparation, holding, and display by:

(I) Using separate equipment for each type, P or

(II) Arranging each type of food in equipment so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented, P and

(III) Preparing each type of food at different times or in separate areas; P

(iii) Cleaning and sanitizing equipment and utensils;

(v) Cleaning hermetically sealed containers of food of visible soil before opening;

(vi) Protecting food containers that are received packaged together in a case or overwrap from cuts when the case or overwrap is opened;

(vii) Storing damaged, spoiled, or recalled food being held in the food service establishment separate from food, equipment, utensils, linens and single-service and single-use articles; or

(viii) Separating fruits and vegetables, before they are washed from ready-to-eat food.

Apr 15, 2026

Followup

Score: 607 violations

2-1B - hands clean and properly washed

Regulation: 511-6-1.03(5)(c) - when to wash (p)

9 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed employee with gloved hands handling cell phone then proceed to handle TCS ready to eat cake with gloved hands without washing hands. COS: Ready to eat cake was discarded, gloves were removed and hands were washed before returning to work. C/A:511-6-1.03(5)(c) - When to Wash (P) (c) When to Wash.

  1. Food employees shall clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles P and: (ix) After engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands. P

3-1C - food in good condition, safe, and unadulterated

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(1) - safe, unadulterated and honestly presented (p)

9 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed green peppers and cooked chicken wings with mold like growth stored in chef base. Observed strawberries and raw chicken stored in the reach in cooler with mold like growth. COS: All items were discarded by PIC. C/A: 511-6-1.04(1) - Safe, unadulterated and Honestly Presented (P) (1) Condition. Food shall be safe, unadulterated, and honestly presented. P

4-1A - food separated and protected

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii) - packaged & unpackaged food separation, packaging, and segregation (p, c)

9 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed raw ground beef stored directly next shelled eggs in reach in cooler. Observed raw chicken stored directly next to raw chicken wings. COS: Raw chicken wings and ground beef were discarded. Shelled eggs were moved to the top shelf. PIC was given DPH food storage flyer. C/A: 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii) - Packaged & Unpackaged Food Separation, Packaging, and Segregation (P, C) (c) Packaged and Unpackaged Food - Separation, Packaging, and Segregation.

  1. Food shall be protected from cross contamination by:

(i) Except as specified in paragraph (i)(IV) of this subsection, separating raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding, and display from:

(I) Raw ready-to-eat food including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish, or other raw ready-to-eat food such as fruits and vegetables, P and

(II) Cooked ready-to-eat food; and P

(III) Fruits and vegetables before they are washed; P

(IV) Frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal food may be stored or displayed with or above frozen, commercially processed and packaged, ready-to-eat food.

(ii) Except when combined as ingredients, separating types of raw animal foods from each other such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, and poultry during storage, preparation, holding, and display by:

(I) Using separate equipment for each type, P or

(II) Arranging each type of food in equipment so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented, P and

(III) Preparing each type of food at different times or in separate areas; P

(iii) Cleaning and sanitizing equipment and utensils;

(v) Cleaning hermetically sealed containers of food of visible soil before opening;

(vi) Protecting food containers that are received packaged together in a case or overwrap from cuts when the case or overwrap is opened;

(vii) Storing damaged, spoiled, or recalled food being held in the food service establishment separate from food, equipment, utensils, linens and single-service and single-use articles; or

(viii) Separating fruits and vegetables, before they are washed from ready-to-eat food.

2-2A - management knowledge, responsibilities, reporting

Regulation: 511-6-1.03(2)(o) - person-in-charge duties (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

PIC was unable to provide proof that the employee health agreements were reviewed with employees. COS: Employee health agreements were reviewed and signed by all employees on shift. C/A: 511-6-1.03(2)(o) - Person-in-Charge Duties (Pf) Food employees and conditional employees are informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibility to report in accordance with the Chapter, to the person in charge, information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food; Pf and

2-2D - adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(3)(b) - hand drying provision (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: Yes

Observed 2 hand sink in main kitchen without paper towels. COS: paper towels were restocked while inspector was onsite. C/A: 511-6-1.07(3)(b) - Hand Drying Provision (Pf) (b) Hand Drying Provision. Each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks hall be provided with:

  1. Individual, disposable towels; Pf

6-2 - proper date marking and disposition

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(6)(g) - ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, date marking (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed liquid cheese, cooked black beans, white rice stored in prep top past days. Dates marked for discarded 4/13/2026. COS: All items were discarded by PIC. C/A: 511-6-1.04(6)(g) - Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking (Pf) (g) Ready-to-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking

  1. Except when packaging food using a reduced oxygen packaging method, and except as specified in paragraphs 5 and 6 of this subsection, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and held in a food establishment for more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded, when held at a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days. The day of preparation shall be counted as Day 1. Pf

  2. Except as specified in paragraphs 5 through 7 of this subsection, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and packaged by a food processing plant shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened in a food service establishment and if the food is held for more than 24 hours, to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded, when held at a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days after the original container is opened. The day the original container is opened in the food service establishment shall be counted as Day 1, except, the day or date marked by the food service establishment may not exceed a manufacturer’s use by date if the manufacturer determined the use-by date based on food safety; Pf

  3. A refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food ingredient or a portion of a refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is subsequently combined with additional ingredients or portions of food shall retain the date marking of the earliest-prepared or first-prepared ingredient. Pf

  4. A date marking system that meets the criteria stated in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection may include:

(i) Using a method approved by the Health Authority for refrigerated, ready-to-eat time / temperature control for safety food that is frequently rewrapped, such as lunchmeat or a roast, or for which date marking is impractical, such as soft serve mix or milk in a dispensing machine;

(ii) Marking the date or day of preparation, with a procedure to discard the food on or before the last date or day by which the food must be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded;

(iii) Marking the date or day the original container is opened in a food service establishment, with a procedure to discard the food on or before the last date or day by which the food must be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded; or

(iv) Using calendar dates, days of the week, color-coded marks, or other effective marking methods, provided that the marking system is disclosed to the Health Authority upon request.

  1. The requirements in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection do not apply to individual meal portions served or repackaged for sale from a bulk container upon a consumer’s request.

  2. The requirements in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection do not apply to shellstock.

(iv) Cultured dairy products as defined in 21 CFR 131 Milk and cream, such as yogurt, sour cream, and buttermilk;

12B - personal cleanliness

Regulation: 511-6-1.03(5)(g) - jewelry (c)

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed employee preparing TCS food while wearing apple watch and bracelet. COS: Apple watch and bracelet were removed and hands were washed and sanitized before returning to work. C/A: 511-6-1.03(5)(g) - Jewelry (C) (g) Jewelry. Except for a plain ring such as a wedding band food employees may not wear jewelry including medical information jewelry on their arms and hands while preparing food.

Nov 24, 2025

Routine

Score: 776 violations

5-1B - proper reheating procedures for hot holding

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(5)(h) - reheating for hot holding (p)

9 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed refried beans (65f), black bean (70F) and queso (110F) stored on grill for hot holding before properly reheating. 511-6-1.04(5)(h) - Reheating for Hot holding (P) (h) Reheating for Hot Holding. 4. Reheating for hot holding shall be done rapidly and the time the food is between the temperatures of 41°F (5°C) and 165°F (74°C) and 41°F (5°C) and 135°F (57°C) for commercially processed food, may not exceed 2 hours. P COS: All items were discarded by PIC. PIC was educated on proper reheating for hot holding.

2-2D - adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(3)(a) - handwashing cleanser, availability (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Soap was not available at the hand sink at entry of main kitchen at time of inspection. CA: 511-6-1.07(3)(a) - Handwashing Cleanser, Availability (Pf) (3) Numbers and Capacities.

(a) Handwashing Cleanser, Availability. Each handwashing sink or group of two adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap. Pf

COS- soap was supplied and advised that ALL hand sinks shall have soap, paper towels and trash can at all times.

2-2D - adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(3)(b) - hand drying provision (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Hand sink near 3 compartment sink was observed without paper towels. CA: 511-6-1.07(3)(b) - Hand Drying Provision (Pf) (b) Hand Drying Provision. Each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with:

  1. Individual, disposable towels; Pf COS: Paper towels were restocked.

4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(6)(o) - manual warewashing equipment, chemical sanitization using detergent sanitizers(c)

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed employee cleaning counter top sanitizer buckets with no measurable amount of Cl. CA: 511-6-1.05(6)(o) - Manual Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization using Detergent Sanitizers(C) (o) Manual Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization Using Detergent-Sanitizers. If a detergent-sanitizer is used to sanitize in a cleaning and sanitizing procedure where there is no distinct water rinse between the washing and sanitizing steps, the agent applied in the sanitizing step shall be the same detergent-sanitizer that is used in the washing step. COS:

10D - food properly labeled; original container

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(7)(c) - food labels (pf, c)

3 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed multiple bottle stored at prep top without common name labels. Observed spray bottle stored under prep top without labels.

CA:511-6-1.04(7)(c) - Food Labels (Pf, C) (c) Food Labels.

  1. Food packaged in a food service establishment, that is not provided by a foodservice employee upon consumer request, shall be labeled as specified in law, including 21 CFR 101- Food labeling, and 9 CFR 317 Labeling, marking devices, and containers.

  2. Label information shall include:

(i) The common name of the food, or if there is no common name, an adequately descriptive identity statement;

(ii) If made from two or more ingredients, a list of ingredients and sub-ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight, including a declaration of artificial color or flavors and chemical preservatives, if contained in the food;

(iii) An accurate declaration of the net quantity of contents;

(iv) The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; and

(v) The name of the food source for each major food allergen contained in the food unless the food source is already part of the common or usual name of the respective ingredient. Pf

(vi) Except as exempted in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act § 403(Q)(3) - (5), nutrition labeling as specified in 21 CFR 101 - Food Labeling and 9 CFR 317 Subpart B Nutrition Labeling.

(vii) For any salmonid fish containing canthaxanthin or astaxanthin as a color additive, the labeling of the bulk fish container, including a list of ingredients, displayed on the retail container or by other written means, such as a counter card, that discloses the use of canthaxanthin or astaxanthin.

  1. Bulk food that is available for consumer self-dispensing shall be prominently labeled with the following information in plain view of the consumer:

(i) The manufacturer's or processor's label that was provided with the food; or

(ii) A card, sign, or other method of notification that includes the information specified under paragraphs 2(i), (ii), (v) and (vi) of this subsection.

  1. Bulk, unpackaged foods such as bakery products and unpackaged foods that are portioned to consumer specification need not be labeled if:

(i) A health, nutrient content, or other claim is not made;

(ii) There are no state or local laws requiring labeling; and

(iii) The food is manufactured or prepared on the premises of the food service establishment or at another food service establishment or a food processing plant that is owned by the same person and is regulated by the food regulatory agency that has jurisdiction.

11A - proper cooling methods used: adequate equipment for temperature control

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(6)(e) - cooling methods (pf, c)

3 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed cooked beef, chicken, stored in cooler drawer to cool wrapped with plastic wrap to cool with condensation form on top of closed plastic wrap. CA: 511-6-1.04(6)(e) - Cooling Methods (Pf, C) (e) Cooling Methods.

  1. Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(d) by using one or more of the following methods depending on the type of food being cooled:

(i) Placing the food in shallow pans; Pf

(ii) Separating the food into smaller or thinner portions; Pf

(iii) Using rapid cooling equipment; Pf

(iv) Stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath; Pf

(v) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; Pf

(vi) Adding ice as an ingredient; Pf or

(vii) Other effective methods. Pf

  1. When placed in cooling or cold holding equipment, food containers in which food is being cooled shall be:

(i) Arranged in the equipment to provide maximum heat transfer through the container walls; and

(ii) Loosely covered, or uncovered if protected from overhead contamination during the cooling period to facilitate heat transfer from the surface of the food. Advised to unwrap cakes and use proper cooling methods.

Sep 19, 2025

Initial

Score: 1000 violations
No violations recorded for this inspection.