The Coweta Board of Environmental Health inspects all Coweta restaurants, schools and businesses that serve food several times each year. Food inspections can be conducted during any hours of operation (as noted on the food service application) or whenever food is being prepped in the permitted establishment. Inspections are made at varying times to ensure that the food service rules and regulations are being followed when when food is being prepped and served.

Some establishments have hours after 5 p.m., therefore inspections will be conducted when risk factors can be observed for compliance. Inspectors wear hair nets during checks to protect the food, which is also a requirement for those working around open food.

Using a 41-category checklist, an environmental health specialist checks compliance in safe handling of food, proper disposal of garbage, and other areas. A 100 is a perfect score. The Environmental Health Department issues a gold star food safety rating to establishments that earn a score of 95 or higher during an unscheduled inspection. Current and previous scores of establishments are listed here.

Inspection Report Published 7/30/2008

* Casa Maria, 6454 Hwy. 29 South, Grantville, was inspected July 24. Score upon re-inspection, 97, A. Previous score, 69, U. Inspector's comments: Keep scoop handles up out of spices. Clean bulk containers outside, and reach-in cooler. Repair floors in dry storage. Clean up around exterior of building. Clean vent hood. Looks good! READ MORE

Inspection Report Published 7/29/2008

* China Express, 50 Bullsboro Drive, Suite 44-H, Newnan, was inspected July 3. Current score, 77, C. Previous score, 91, A. Inspector's comments: Store employee drinks away from food prep areas. Use hand wash sinks for hand washing only. Keep foods in reach-in and walk-in coolers covered. Clean mold at ice machine. Date-mark all foods out of original container with date prepared if it will be kept for more than 24 hours. Label all foods out of original container with common name. Do not store food in in cans once opened. Thaw meat in meat prep sink, not in dish sink. Store all foods six inches off the floor. Use dish sinks for dish washing only. Store wiping cloths in sanitizer between uses. Store scoops with handles up. Air-dry dishes. Use scoops with handles -- no bowls. Store personal items out of food area -- medications, newspapers, etc. READ MORE

Inspection Report Published 7/15/2008

* Days Inn Café, 1344 Hwy. 29 South, Newnan, was inspected June 19. Current score, 67, U. Previous score, 92, A. Inspector's comments: Wash hands between tasks in kitchen and serving. Talking on cell phone in kitchen while cooking and never washed hands. Employee cups must have lids and straws and must be stored away from food. Must provide soap and paper towels at all hand-wash sinks. Use hand-wash sinks for hand-washing only. Hot hold temperatures must maintain 135ûF or above. Grave held at 113ûF discarded. Label all foods out of original container with common name. Provide thermometers in all cooling units. Store wiping cloths in sanitizer between uses. Clean insides and outsides of equipment. Repair wall in dish area. Store personal items out of food area. READ MORE

Inspection Report Published 7/14/2008

* Country Inn & Suites, 1125 Newnan Crossing Blvd. East, Newnan, was inspected June 20. Current score, 99, A. Previous score, 98, A. Inspector's comments: Juice cups not stored in plastic sleeve. READ MORE

Inspection Report Published 6/24/2008

* Dunkin Donuts, 1010 A Highway 34 East, Newnan, was inspected on June 12. Score upon first inspection, 90, A. Inspector's comments: Store donuts in back covered. Keep sleeves up on to-go cup. Removed old equipment from back. Repair cover to ice machine. Clean shelves in back, outside, and lids of containers, etc. Air dry dishes prior to storage. Replace any broken tile in back area. Repair weather-strip at back door. Address fly issue. READ MORE