In the past two weeks, three South Mississippi kitchens have failed restaurant inspections, two for bug, rodent or animal infestations.
The Mississippi State Department of Health has not said whether inspectors found any animals, such as insects, rodents or pets, in the kitchen.
Mississippi is following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's 2022 Food Code, which instructs inspectors to look for signs of insects and rodents throughout the food preparation process and in unexpected places like can openers in vending machines and recycling bins.
The rules also require restaurant owners to regularly inspect their premises for signs of pests, test incoming food and supplies, and take measures to trap or eliminate pests.
Kitchens cited since June 17th include:
Crossroads Panda Palace Buffet15200 Crossroad Parkway, Gulfport, was inspected for permit renewal on July 1. Issues noted include:
▪ Public health controls, procedures, and time as records
The following were corrected during the inspection:
▪ Insects, rodents and animals are present
▪ Separate and protect food
▪ Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces
This was the first C, dating back to June 2023.
Dixie Depot6241 Mississippi 613, Lucedale, had a routine inspection on June 27. The reason for the inspection was:
▪ Insects, rodents and animals are present
This is the third C, dating back to 2016. The last C occurred in 2020.
Circle K803 U.S. 90, Waveland, had a routine inspection conducted on June 24. The reason for the inspection was as follows:
▪ Food contact surfaces not cleaned or sanitized
▪ Insects, rodents and animals are present
The following were corrected during the inspection:
▪ Adequate hand-washing facilities are provided and easily accessible.
This is his second C since 2020.
Mississippi restaurants and kitchens are rated an “A” if they pass a health department inspection, a “B” if all violations are corrected during the inspection, and a “C” if the violations are severe.
The hygiene inspection grade must be displayed in the kitchens of all restaurants, school canteens, nurseries and cafes and bars that sell food.
Most restaurants, kitchens and food trucks in South Mississippi's 9th District had no violations during June. The health department gave 269 kitchens an A rating and 60 kitchens a B rating. Twelve restaurants and kitchens, or 4.5 percent of the restaurants inspected in June, received a C rating.
