Updated: Repeat Health Violations Suspends Permit for Local Applebee's

UPDATED: 8:55 p.m.

The which had its permit suspended earlier today, was reopened Friday evening an employee said, after health inspectors closed the restaurant during a routine inspection on April 15. 

A report from the East Metro Public Health indicates that the restaurant's permit had been suspended because of repeat violations, and that a compliance meeting would be held on April 18.

"This facility's permit is suspended due to repeat violations on same code section for three consecutive routine inspections," the report read.

Take a look at the recent inspection report here.

No other report had been made public as of 9 p.m. to indicate that the earlier ruling was reversed. Health inspectors were at the location from 1:30 p.m. until 4:10 p.m.

Inspectors from East Metro Public Health conducted the routine visit to T.J. Applebee's, at 1925 Scenic Highway, and officials noted repeat violations related to dirty food contact surfaces. The report indicated that a compliance conference was scheduled with Carolyn Simonton, of the Gwinnett County Environmental Health Department, on April 18 at 8:30 a.m.

Other violations noted on April 15 were: cold-temperature food kept too warm, and an employee was seen doing food preparation while wearing a watch. On the report, officials noted that "only a plain wedding band should be worn while doing food prep to prevent possible contamination."

The repeat violations occurred this month and in November and September of 2010, when the restaurant was cited for dirty food surfaces. The repeat violations noted were:

• April 15: A can opener blade was found with visible buildup of old food debris. The blade was cleaned, and then the can opener was discarded. Health inspectors noted that "all food contact surfaces should be cleaned to sight and touch to prevent possible contamination of the food."
• November 2010: Inspectors observed a dicer stored as a cleaned instrument, but food debris was still present. In addition, knives were stored on magnetic strips throughout kitchen with food debris still present.
• September 2010: Officials observed sanitizing solution not dispensing from dishwasher, which had been in use. In addition, there was a dirty slicer stored with old food debris. Dirty and moldy tea urns were also discovered.

In each of those three visits, the Applebee's was give a score of 82/B, 92/A and 77/C, respectively.

To see more inspections, visit East Metro’s searchable website.