'Do not work with infected wounds': Violations shrink Augusta Waffle House's health score

The Georgia Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, conducts regular restaurant inspections to help keep residents and visitors safe.

The following is a list of restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that have been inspected between Jan. 9 and 22, accompanied by their scores and, in some cases, the health infractions that lowered those scores.

Disclaimer: On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment. A few more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.

Perfect scores

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed recent food-service inspections between Jan. 9 and 22 with scores of 100, without a single health violation:

Cantina Locale, 2803 Wrightsboro Rd., Ste. 20A

Circle K/Blimpie, 3603 Peach Orchard Rd.

Edgar's Grill & Conference Center, 3165 Washington Rd.

Garden Cheng, 2350 Windsor Spring Rd., Ste. E

Hooks & Cooks Fish and Chicken, 1820 Walton Way

Papa John's, 3449 Peach Orchard Rd.

Perfect Eats, 1940 Olive Rd.

Villa Europa, 3044 Deans Bridge Rd.

Villa Wagen, 3044 Deans Bridge Rd.

The latest buzz: Flies in bathroom, holes in ceiling, wall drag restaurant's score near failing

So close

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed recent food-service inspections between Jan. 9 and 22 with scores of 99, posting just one health violation. Inspectors’ comments are included:

Rockin’ Crab, 2807 Washington Rd.

Inspector's comments: "Utensils must be stored with handles up and food contact surfaces down to avoid bar hand contact with food contact surfaces."

Zaxby's, 3680 Wheeler Rd.

Inspector's comments: "Observed wet nesting of clean dishes. Allow dishes to properly air dry before stacking."

Getting warmer

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed with "A" scores in recent food-service inspections between Jan. 9 and 22 followed by their scores:

Lighthouse Care Center of Augusta, 3100 Perimeter Pkwy.: 98

Korean Food Express, 2857 Tobacco Rd., Unit 6, Hephzibah: 98

Oak Restaurant & Lounge, 1505 North Leg, Unit A: 98

Panda Express, 225 Robert C. Daniel Jr. Pkwy., Ste. B: 96

American Legion Post 178, 3219 Richmond Hill Rd.: 96

Tea's Coffee House, 3941 Lakeside Pass, Hephzibah: 96

Krystal, 3116 Washington Rd.: 95

Carolina Ale House, 203 Robert C. Daniel Pkwy.: 94

Maryland Fried Chicken, 12 Broad St.: 92

Taco Madre, 3450 Wrightsboro Rd., Ste. D-225: 91

Not quite done

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that posted the lowest recent food-service inspections between Jan. 9 and 22, followed by their scores and, where available, inspectors’ comments. Scores of 70 and below are considered failing:

Mercado Emanuel, 3009 Peach Orchard Rd.: 87

Inspector's comments: "Observed employee water bottles stored in reach in cooler and prep top table. Store employee items in designated are away from food and food prep."

"Observed no paper towels at hand washing sink. Observed jug in sink. Hand washing sink must be stocked with paper towels. Only use for hand washing. Repeat."

"Observed ice scoop lying in ice bin. Store scoop with handle away from ice."

"Observed box of plates stored on the floor. Observed drink jug stored by hot water heater. Store plates off of floor. Do not store anything by water heater."

"Observed single use containers in dry ingredients being used for scoops. Scoops should have handle."

"Observed chipped/worn wooden paddles. Replace."

"Observed hose connected to three compartment sink without backflow device. Install backflow device."

"Observed no roof present in tortilla room. (construction). Close off area where food is being prepped."

Waffle House, 246 Davis Rd.: 87

Inspector's comments: "Observed an open wound on an employee's wrist who was actively cooking food on the grill. Cover all wounds with a bandage & gloves. Do not work with infected wounds."

"Observed employees actively cooking with jewelry on fingers and wrists. The only approved jewelry is a single band ring."

"Observed wet nesting of clean dishes. Allow clean dishes to properly air dry before stacking."

Dunkin Donuts, 2930 Peach Orchard Rd.: 85

Inspector's comments: "Observed no paper towels at the front two hand sink. Keep paper towels stocked at hand sinks at all times."

"Observed time/temperature control for safety foods in prep top cooler and reach in cooler underneath, being held above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All TCS cold held foods need to be kept at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below."

"Observed mop stored in bottom of mop sink, stored wet. C/A: Store mop where it will air dry properly."

"Observed front hand sink not able to turn off completely. Repair."

Little Caesars, 3697 Windsor Spring Rd., Ste. 102, Hephzibah: 79

Inspector's comments: "Observed handwashing sink missing paper towels. Handwashing sinks need paper towels and soap stocked at all times."

"Observed pizzas not being time controlled properly (missing time sticker). Repeat. Ensure to keep track of time control."

"Observed prep top not draining properly. It was being drained in a bucket and pipes uncovered. Drain prep top cooler properly."

"Observed chipped/missing tiles and coving. Observed holes in walls above sinks. Repeat. Fix/repair."

"Observed roach in reach in cooler. Treat for roaches. Clean."

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Health inspections at Augusta-area restaurants uncover violations