Cedartown, Polk County

Highland Rivers Center RTU

180 WATEROAK DR CEDARTOWN, GA 30125

Food
Latest score
97
Apr 2, 2026
City
Cedartown
County
Polk
Inspections
7

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 2, 2026

Followup

Score: 973 violations

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 inspection report not posted.

CA: 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.

Health dept. to check back by date indicated.

*4/17/26 UPDATE: The most recent inspection was posted upon visit.

14C - single-use/single-service articles: properly stored, used

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(10)(e)1&3 - single-service/single-use items stored 6" off floor in clean, dry location (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed single service articles (to-go boxes) not stored protected until steam table.

CA: Single-service and single-use articles shall be kept in the original protective package or stored by using other means that afford protection from contamination until used where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination.

Health dept. to check back by date indicated.

*4/17/26 UPDATE: PIC has single service articles stored on top of stem table away from splash and dust. Other single service articles stored in protective plastic or kept in box until in use.

15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(7)(d) - nonfood-contact surfaces (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed nonfood contact surfaces of storage room by canned goods and in main kitchen by sauces with accumulated grease and food debris.

CA: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.

Health dept to check back by correct by date indicated.

*4/17/26 UPDATE: PIC cleaned areas with debris. PIC stated she planned to refinish surfaces to allow them to be easily cleanable.

Mar 25, 2026

Routine

Score: 5814 violations

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: NoRepeat: No

Observed raw ground beef beside RTE foods (butter, sour cream) and above eggs.

CA: Food shall be protected from cross contamination by separating by cook temperature.

COS: PIC moved tubs of ground beef into a container and placed on the bottom shelf.

1-2A - pic present, demonstrates knowledge, performs duties

Regulation: 511-6-1.03(1)(a)-(c)1,4,5,6-14,15, 16 - demonstration of knowledge (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed PIC not able to demonstrate knowledge of the risk factors as noted in top section of inspection.

CA: During inspections and upon request, the PIC shall demonstrate to the Health Authority knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, application of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point principles, and the requirements of this Chapter.

1-2B - certified food protection manager

Regulation: 511-6-1-.03(3)(d) - certified food safety manager responsibility

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed PIC not trained by CFSM on the safety of food preparation and service.

CA: CFSM shall have a training program for all food service employees to satisfy employee proficiency in their job responsibilities for food safety.

2-2D - adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: Yes

Observed no paper towels at handwash sink.

CA: Each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with individual, disposable towels.

COS: PIC refilled paper towels.

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: NoRepeat: Yes

Observed the microwave and ice machine with an accumulation of debris.

CA: Equipment such as ice makers shall be cleaned at a frequency specified by the manufacturer, or absent instructions, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold.

COS: PIC will have microwave and ice machine cleaned by correct by date indicated. Health dept. to check back.

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: NoRepeat: No

Observed the dish machine with no sanitizer, and no sanitizer available in the kitchen.

CA: Warewashing equipment shall reach concentration of sanitizer specified by manufacturer.

Health to check back once dish machine is serviced and not to be used until so. PIC found chlorine in the facility and three compartment sink was set up to be used with it in the mean time.

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: Yes

Observed multiple food items (deli meats and cheese slices) stored in WIC with no datemark.

CA: TCS foods held in a facility for more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be used or discarded.

COS: PIC discarded the food items.

8-2B - toxic substances properly identified, stored, used

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(6)(c) - storage, separation (p)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed chemical spray bottles stored beside single use articles under counter in main kitchen.

CA: Separating the poisonous or toxic materials by spacing or partitioning locating them in an area that is not above food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service or single-use articles.

COS: PIC relocated chemicals.

8-2B - toxic substances properly identified, stored, used

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(6)(l) - restricted use pesticide (p)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed pesticides stored under dish machine in main kitchen.

CA: Pesticides shall not be stored in the facility.

COS: PIC discarded pesticide.

12B - personal cleanliness

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

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed employee wearing bracelet on wrist.

CA: Food employees may not wear jewelry including medical information jewelry on their arms and hands except for a plain ring such as a wedding band while preparing food.

COS: Employee removed bracelet.

18 - insects, rodents, and animals not present

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(2)(m) - outer openings protected (c)

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed back door left cracked open in main kitchen.

CA: Outer openings of a food service establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors.

COS: PIC closed the door.

12B - personal cleanliness

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed employee with no hair restraint.

CA: Employees preparing or handling food shall use effective and clean, disposable or easily cleanable nets or other hair restraints (ex: hats or visors) and have hair past shoulder length pulled back.

COS: Employee acquired hair restraint.

17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(2)(n) - exhaust ventilation hood systems, designed to prevent grease or condensation from dripping on food/equipment (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed hood vent system with an accumulation of dust and grease in main kitchen.

CA: Exhaust ventilation hood systems in food preparation and warewashing areas, including components such as hoods, fans, guards, and ducting shall be designed to prevent grease or condensation from draining or dripping onto food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles.

Health dept to check back by correct by date.

17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(4)(b) - designated areas for employee activity, located to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, & single service articles (c)

1 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed employee personal items around the kitchen: personal tumbler, keys and purse on counters in main kitchen.

CA: Areas designated for employees to eat, drink, use tobacco products and electronic devices shall be located so that food, equipment, linens, and single-service and single-use articles are protected from contamination.

COS: Employee relocated items to the office.

Oct 1, 2025

Routine

Score: 856 violations

2-2D - adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

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

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed no paper towels at handwash sink. Maintenance stated dispenser needed to be worked on. CA: Each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with individual, disposable towels or a continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel.

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 multiple food containers storing pasta noodles with an accumulation of debris. CA: Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Health dept to check back by correct by date.

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 microwave and tracks of ice machine lid with an accumulation of debris. CA: Equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency specified by the manufacturer, or absent instructions, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. Health dept. to check back by correct by date.

6-2 - proper date marking and disposition

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(6)(h) - ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, disposition (p)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed multiple food items (pulled pork, sausage, boneless chicken, sausage, boiled eggs & shredded cheese) held in the facility longer than 7 days. CA: A food that requires datemarking shall be discarded if it exceeds 7 days (not including the time that the product is frozen) or is in a container or package that does not bear a date or day. COS: Employee discarded food items.

12B - personal cleanliness

Regulation: 511-6-1.03(5)(j) - hair restraints (c)

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed employee with no hair restraint. CA: Employees preparing or handling food shall use effective and clean, disposable or easily cleanable nets or other hair restraints (ex: hats or visors) and have hair past shoulder length pulled back. COS: Employee acquired hair restraint.

12B - personal cleanliness

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

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed employee wearing bracelets on wrist. CA: Food employees may not wear jewelry including medical information jewelry on their arms and hands except for a plain ring such as a wedding band while preparing food. COS: Employee removed jewelry, washed hands, donned new gloves before working with food.

Jan 16, 2025

Routine

Score: 991 violation

17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used

1 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed hood vent system in main kitchen with dust/grease accumulation build up. CA: PIC to have maintenance and detailed.

Jun 5, 2024

Routine

Score: 971 violation

11C - approved thawing methods used

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed food thawing in sink under hot running water. Corrective Action: PIC changed water to cold water. Discussed importance of using cold over hot water and that it the food will be safer that way.

Nov 8, 2023

Routine

Score: 927 violations

12A - contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(t) - food preparation (c)

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed ham being thawed in the product sink. CA: Proper thawing methods were being used, but educated PIC that produce sink may not be used for meat as well. PIC sanitized the wash compartment and moved that meat to the wash portion of the 3 comp sink to be properly thawed without causing contamination.

16B - plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Regulation: 511-6-1.06(2)(r) - system maintained in good repair (p, c)

2 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed multiple pipes in the kitchen leaking and causing an accumulation of water on the floor, Leaking pipes under the produce sink, 3 comp sink and dish machine. CA: Discussed w/ Mason Hamilton and he will have maintenance come repair or replace the pipes

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 scoops stored in flour, corn meal, and sugar with scoop handle in contact with the food. CA: Advised PIC this is improper storage and contaminating product. Scoops were removed and placed handle up in the bins

15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(6)(a) - good repair & proper adjustment (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed multiple areas of kitchen not in good repair due to a lack of maintenance. Hood vent system not working at all, gaskets on freezer door is broken and falling off, heavy accumulation of grease on dry stock shelving. CA: Discussed w/ Mason Hamilton (manager) on putting in work orders asap and having maintenance team come fix areas of the kitchen then kitchen PIC will have the areas deep cleaned.

15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(1)(g) - wood, use limitation (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed areas of the kitchen built with bare wood. Bare wood was observed with mold like substances growing on it from the humidity and water. CA: Instructed PIC and Mason that all bare wood in the kitchen must be painted/sealed to prevent any absorption.

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: No

Observed multiple areas of the kitchen with heavy grease and food debris accumulation. Areas such as floors and baseboards, ceiling tiles, and under shelf on prep tables. Likely extra grease due to hood vent system failing. CA: PIC will deep clean all areas on the kitchen as soon as the hood vent system is repaired.

17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(2)(n) - exhaust ventilation hood systems, designed to prevent grease or condensation from dripping on food/equipment (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed the hood vent system not operating at all. PIC stated fan had been broken and she reported it multiple times. CA: Spoke w/ Mason and he said they are waiting on a part to repair it. EH will return within 30 days to verify it is fixed and proper cleaning as been done

May 19, 2023

Routine

Score: 1000 violations
No violations recorded for this inspection.