Roaches, rodent poop, ‘black slime mold’: Jefferson County worst restaurant ratings for October - al.com

Jefferson County's lowest rated restaurants for October 2024 included (clockwise, l. to r.) Ocean Seafood & Chicken; Ashley Mac's in Hoover; Wendy's; and Dunkin' Donuts.Howard Koplowitz

Jefferson County’s health inspectors had their work cut out for them in October.

Eight establishments scored 84 or lower last month -- the threshold that triggers a reinspection within 60 days.

Infractions ranged from live roaches in the kitchen to rodent droppings on a shelf to “black slime mold” and “brown residue.”

Other less revolting -- but more serious -- violations included keeping foods at inappropriate temperatures, which put patrons at risk for illness.

Here are those eight restaurants, in descending order:

Southern Kitchen and Bar

2301 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham

Score: 84

Inspection date: Oct. 9

The inspector observed “grime and debris inside the ice machine located at the bar on the second floor.”

“Several flies” were seen throughout the facility.

The Juicy Seafood

5020 Academy Ln., Bessemer

Score: 83

Inspection date: Oct. 7

“Black slime mold” was seen inside the ice machine.

Staff were slicing limes without wearing gloves.

Smart Food Mart

900 20th St. Ensley, Birmingham

Score: 82

Inspection date: Oct. 7

“Grime and debris” were observed in the ice machine and on the floors of the establishment.

Milk was stored in the reach-in cooler at a higher temperature than what is allowed under department regulations.

Wendy’s #1253

9870 Parkway E., Birmingham

Score: 82

Inspection date: Oct. 14

“Grease and grime” was seen in the refuse area.

Food was stored on the floor of the walk-in freezer.

Tomatoes and lettuce were stored at higher than acceptable temperatures.

Ashley Mac’s

4730 Chace Circle, Hoover

Score: 78

Inspection date: Oct. 1

The ice machine had a “large buildup of gray and black slime/mold.”

The blade of a can opener had “heavy black residue.”

Food debris was seen on the grill.

The outer portion of the ice chute on the soda machines had “black residue.”

There was lime buildup on the back hand sink near the three-compartment sink.

Several foods were out of temperature.

Ocean Seafood and Kitchen

611 Bessemer Super Hwy., Midfield

Score: 78

Inspection date: Oct. 17

“Several flies and gnats” were seen in the dry storage area.

Several foods were out of temperature.

Multiple plastic bottles containing chemicals were not labeled.

Utensils were stored in a plastic tray with debris on the shelf.

Dunkin’ Donuts

313 Cane Creek Rd., Warrior

Score: 77

Inspection date: Oct. 14

Three live roaches were found in the kitchen.

Floors throughout the establishment had “an accumulation of food debris and black dried residue.”

Multiple speed racks holding donuts had an “accumulation of food debris.”

“Brown residue” was observed inside of reach-in coolers.

“Dried food debris” was seen on the outside of ovens near the three-compartment sink.

Several containers of dry ingredients were not labeled.

32nd Avenue Foodmart

1720 32nd Ave. N., Birmingham

Score: 72

Inspection date: Oct. 2

Rodent droppings were found on a shelf containing chips near the back drink coolers.

The interior of the ice machine had “black residue.”

Floors throughout the facility had “an accumulation of debris.”

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The hand sink in the restroom was “covered in brown residue.”

The hand sink by the microwave did not have a sign notifying employees to wash their hands.

Air vents throughout the establishment were dusty.

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