Atlanta, Fulton County

Sonic Drive In #5884

1465 MORELAND AVE SE ATLANTA, GA 30361

Food
Latest score
94
Mar 12, 2026
City
Atlanta
County
Fulton
Inspections
5

Score history

Inspection scores over time for this facility.

Inspection history

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

Mar 12, 2026

Routine

Score: 944 violations

4-2A - food stored covered

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv) - packaged & unpackaged food, food stored covered(c)

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed failure to maintain food protected from overhead contamination. Observed several food items in reach in stored uncovered. Except as specified under paragraph 2. of this subsection and when cooling as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(e)2.(ii), storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination PIC shall cover items

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

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(7)(a)1 - equipment, food-contact surfaces,& utensils (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed failure to maintain food contact surfaces clean to sight and touch. Observed pinkish blackish buildup within the ice machine in main kitchen. PIC shall discard ice and deep clean machine.

13A - posted: permit/inspection/choking poster/handwashing

Regulation: 511-6-1.02(1)(d) - displaying of the inspection report (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed failure to post most up to date inspection report in drive thru window Food service establishments with drive-thru windows will post the current inspection report, and also have the inspection report posted so that a minimum of the top one-third of a copy of the current inspection report is visible through each window allowing customers to easily read the score, date of inspection and establishment information

14B - utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried, handled

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(10)(a) - equipment & utensils, air-drying required (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed failure to allow equipment sufficient time to air dry prior to being stacked. a) Equipment and Utensils, Air-Drying Required. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils:

  1. Shall be air-dried or used after adequate draining before contact with food PIC shall unstack to facilitate drying.

Jul 17, 2025

Routine

Score: 961 violation

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

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(6)(n) - manual and mechanical warewashing equipment, chemical sanitization-temperature, ph, concentration, hardness (p,pf)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed Quat sanitizer concentration at 150 ppm. COS: PIC remade the sanitizer solution to 200ppm. 511-6-1.05(6)(n) - Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization-Temperature, pH, Concentration, Hardness (P,Pf) (n) Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization - Temperature, pH, Concentration, and Hardness. A chemical sanitizer used in a sanitizing solution for a manual or mechanical operation at contact times specified under subsection (8)(b)3 of this Rule shall meet the requirements specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.07(6)(g), shall be used in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered label use instructions P, and shall be used as follows:

  1. A chlorine solution shall have a minimum temperature based on the concentration and pH of the solution as listed in the following chart; P

Concentration Range Minimum Temperature

MG/L PH 10 or less oF (oC) PH 8 or less oF (oC)

25-49 120 (49) 120 (49)

50-99 100 (38) 75 (24)

100 55 (13) 55 (13)

  1. An iodine solution shall have a minimum temperature of 68°F (20°C)P minimum concentration between 12.5 ppm and 25 ppm, P and pH of 5.0 or less or a pH no higher than the level for which the manufacturer specifies for the solution to be effective; P

  2. A quaternary ammonium compound solution shall have a minimum temperature of 75ºF (24ºC), P have a concentration as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.07(6)(g) and as indicated by the manufacturer’s use directions included in the labeling, P and be used only in water with 500 ppm hardness or less or in water having a hardness no greater than specified by the EPA-registered label use instructions; P

  3. If another solution of a chemical specified under paragraphs 1 through 3 of this subsection is used, the permit holder shall demonstrate to the Health Authority that the solution achieves sanitization and the use of the solution shall be approved; P

  4. If a chemical sanitizer other than chlorine, iodine, or a quaternary ammonium compound is used, it shall be applied in accordance with the EPA-registered label use instructions ;P and

  5. If a chemical sanitizer is generated by a device located on-site at the food service establishment, it shall be used as specified in 1-5 of this subsection and shall be produced by a device that:

(i) complies with law as specified in sections 2(q)(1) and 12 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), P

(ii) complies with 40 CFR 152.500 Requirement for Devices and 40 CFR 156.10 Labeling Requirements, P

(iii) displays the EPA device manufacturing facility registration number on the device, Pf and

(iv) is operated and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Pf.

  1. On-site chemical sanitizer generating equipment with active ingredients, such as copper, must be registered as pesticides. The active ingredient may be part of the equipment or separately added.

Nov 5, 2024

Routine

Score: 932 violations

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

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(7)(b) - food contact surfaces and utensils - cleaning frequency (p, c)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: Yes

Observed mold-like substance inside ice machine. COS: Employee dumped Ice and cleaned and sanitized the inside of the ice machine. 511-6-1.05(7)(b) - Food Contact Surfaces and Utensils - Cleaning Frequency (P, C) (b) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils.

  1. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned:

(i) Before each use with a different type of raw animal food such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, or poultry. It does not apply if the food-contact surface or utensil is in contact with a succession of different types of raw meat and raw poultry each requiring a higher cooking temperature as specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1.04(5)(a) than the previous type such as preparing raw pork followed by cutting raw poultry on the same cutting board; P

(ii) Each time there is a change from working with raw foods to working with ready-to-eat foods; P

(iii) Between uses with raw fruits and vegetables and with Time/Temperature Control for safety food; P

(iv) Before using or storing a food temperature measuring device; P and

(v) At any time during the operation when contamination may have occurred. P

  1. Except as specified in paragraph 3 of this subsection, if used with time/temperature control for safety food, equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned at least every 4 hours throughout the day. P

  2. Surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting time/temperature control for safety food may be cleaned less frequently than every 4 hours if:

(i) In storage, containers of time/temperature control for safety food and their contents are maintained at temperatures specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04 and the containers are cleaned when they are empty;

(ii) Utensils and equipment are used to prepare food in a refrigerated room or area that is maintained at one of the temperatures in the following chart and:

(I) The utensils and equipment are cleaned at the frequency in the following chart that corresponds to the temperature:

Temperature Cleaning Frequency

41ºF (5.0ºC) or less 24 hours

41ºF - 45ºF (>5.0ºC - 7.2ºC) 20 hours

45ºF - 50ºF (>7.2ºC - 10.0ºC) 16 hours

50ºF - 55ºF (>10.0ºC - 12.8ºC) 10 hours

and

(II) The cleaning frequency based on the ambient temperature of the refrigerated room or area is documented in the food service establishment.

(iii) Temperature measuring devices are maintained in contact with food, such as when left in a container of deli food or in a roast, held at temperatures specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1- .04;

(iv) Equipment is used for storage of packaged or unpackaged food, such as a reach-in refrigerator, and the equipment is cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues;

(v) The cleaning schedule is approved based on consideration of:

(I) Characteristics of the equipment and its use,

(II) The type of food involved,

(III) The amount of food residue accumulation, and

(IV) The temperature at which the food is maintained during the operation and the potential for the rapid and progressive multiplication of pathogenic or toxigenic microorganisms that are capable of causing foodborne disease; or

(vi) In-use utensils are intermittently stored in a container of water in which the water is maintained at 135ºF (57ºC) or more and the utensils and container are cleaned at least every 24 hours or at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.

  1. Dining counters and table-tops shall be cleaned and sanitized routinely after removing all soiled tableware and food trays shall be cleaned and sanitized after each use by one of the following methods:

(i) A two step method in which one cloth, rinsed in sanitizing solution is used to clean food debris from the surface and a second cloth in separate sanitizing solution is used to rinse;

(ii) Sanitizing solution is sprayed onto the surface and the surface is then wiped clean with a disposable towel;

(iii) If used for cleaning and sanitizing, single-use disposable sanitizer wipes shall be used in accordance with EPA-registered label use instructions; or

(iv) Other methods approved by the Health Authority.

(v) Food trays may be cleaned and sanitized the same as table ware.

  1. Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under subsection (7)(e) of this Rule, surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature control for safety food shall be cleaned:

(i) At any time when contamination may have occurred;

(ii) At least every 24 hours for iced tea dispensers including nozzles and consumer self-service utensils such as tongs, scoops, or ladles;

(iii) Before restocking consumer self-service equipment and utensils such as condiment dispensers and display containers; and

(iv) In equipment such as ice bins and beverage dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, beverage and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending equipment:

(I) At a frequency specified by the manufacturer; or

(II) Absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold.

14A - in-use utensils: properly stored

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(k) - in-use utensils, between-use storage (c)

1 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed in-use utensils not being stored in hot water in between uses. COS: PIC placed in-use utensils in hot water temping at least 135 F. 511-6-1.04(4)(k) - In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage (C) (k)Storage of In-Use Utensils. During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored:

1.Except as specified under paragraph 2 of this subsection, in the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container;

2.In food that is not time/temperature control for safety food with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon;

3.On a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment only if the in-use utensil and the food-contact surface of the food preparation table or cooking equipment are cleaned and sanitized at a frequency specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(7)(b) and (8)(a);

4.In running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain, if used with moist food such as ice cream or mashed potatoes;

  1. In a clean, protected location if the utensils, such as ice scoops, are used only with a food that is not time/temperature control for safety food; or

  2. In a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135°F (57°C) and the container is cleaned at a frequency specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(7)(b)3(vi).

Apr 16, 2024

Routine

Score: 894 violations

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

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(7)(a)1 - equipment, food-contact surfaces,& utensils (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: Yes

Observed the interior flap of the ice machine with pink buildup. Observed the shelves where clean dishes are stored unclean with dust buildup. CA- ice machines, and shelving shall be cleaned. 511-6-1.05(7)(a)1 - Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces,& Utensils (Pf) (7) Cleaning of Equipment and Utensils.

(a) Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils.

  1. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Pf.

13A - posted: permit/inspection/choking poster/handwashing

Regulation: 511-6-1.02(1)(d) - displaying of the inspection report (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed the most recent inspection report not posted. CA- inspection received today shall be posted. 511-6-1.02(1)(d) - Displaying of the Inspection Report (C)

  1. The most current inspection report shall be prominently displayed in public view at all times, within fifteen feet of the front or primary public door and between five feet and seven feet from the floor and in an area where it can be read at a distance of one foot away.

15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3 - equipment, food/nonfood-contact surfaces, and utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: Yes

Observed the insides and outsides of equipment unclean with debris and buildup. Observed the WIC fans unclean with dust. CA- all equipment shall be kept clean. 511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3 - Equipment, Food/Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations (C) 2. The food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations.

  1. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - good repair, physical facilities maintained; cleaning, frequency & restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: Yes

Observed the floors, walls, ceiling tiles and vents unclean in the main kitchen. CA- walls and floors shall be kept clean. 511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - Good Repair, physical facilities maintained; Cleaning, Frequency & Restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (C) (5) Maintenance and Operation.

(a) Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.

Oct 25, 2023

Routine

Score: 856 violations

4-2A - food stored covered

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv) - packaged & unpackaged food, food stored covered(c)

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed multiple items stored uncovered inside two RIF. COS- items were covered. 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv) - Packaged & Unpackaged Food, food stored covered(C) (iv) Except as specified under paragraph 2. of this subsection and when cooling as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(e)2.(ii), storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination;

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

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(7)(a)1 - equipment, food-contact surfaces,& utensils (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed dishes stored as clean with leftover stickers, observed the interior walls and flap of the ice machine unclean with buildup. CA- all food contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept clean. 511-6-1.05(7)(a)1 - Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces,& Utensils (Pf) (7) Cleaning of Equipment and Utensils.

(a) Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils.

  1. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Pf.

10D - food properly labeled; original container

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(d) - food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)

3 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: Yes

Observed sauces in squeeze bottles not labeled with common name. CA- bottles of working containers of food shall be labeled with common name.511-6-1.04(4)(d) - Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C) (d) Food Storage Containers, Identified with Common Name of Food. Except for containers holding food that can be readily and unmistakably recognized, such as dry pasta, working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages for use in the food establishment, such as cooking oils, flour, herbs, potato flakes, salt, spices, and sugar shall be clearly and legibly identified, in English, with the common name of the food.

12B - personal cleanliness

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

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed an employee handling food with a bracelet on. COS- bracelet was removed. 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.

15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3 - equipment, food/nonfood-contact surfaces, and utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: Yes

Observed the equipment unclean with debris and buildup, observed grease buildup on equipment. Observed the holders for the single service items unclean with debris. 511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3 - Equipment, Food/Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations (C) 2. The food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations.

  1. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - good repair, physical facilities maintained; cleaning, frequency & restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: Yes

Observed the floors, walls, ceiling tiles and vents unclean in the main kitchen. CA- walls and floors shall be kept clean. 511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - Good Repair, physical facilities maintained; Cleaning, Frequency & Restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (C) (5) Maintenance and Operation.

(a) Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.