Health inspectors flagged a wide range of sanitation, food safety, and temperature violations across Charlotte restaurants last month. While all scored a “B,” several showed repeat violations and escalating risk factors. Like previous months, inspection reports list increasingly serious observations as scores decline.
Below are the 10 lowest scores, ranked from #10 to #1:
#10 – Hunan Express (88.5 – B)
901 N Wendover Rd, Charlotte – Inspectors cited food storage and labeling concerns.
Notable observations:
- “Observed boxes of unwashed produce on a shelf over washed and peeled onions.”
- “Observed raw shell eggs resting on top of a box with employee beverages inside.”
- “Observed several dishes with food debris and residue on the inside.”
- “PIC stated that they had stickers for date marking but did not have datemarks on any TCS foods.”
#9 – Ding Tea (87.5 – B)
7211 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte – Inspectors cited hygiene and sanitation issues.
Notable observations:
- “Observed food employee not use soap… and only wash hands for approximately 5–10 seconds.”
- “Observed facility’s lack of control of food safety measures.”
- “Observed plastic cups… with buildup of pink residue and debris.”
- “Observed milk, whipping cream, and liquid yogurt… with no date marking present.”
- “Observed 2 small pests in the facility.”
#8 – Taqueria Number 1 (87 – B)
3619 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte – Inspectors cited repeated cross-contamination and temperature issues.
Notable observations:
- “Observed raw bacon commingled with RTE ham and hot dogs in prep unit.”
- “Observed unwashed tomatoes… over RTE foods.”
- “Observed sanitizer at 3-comp sink at 10 ppm.”
- “Observed rice prepared prior day at 49F.”
- “Observed items hot holding below 135F.”
- “Observed crema above 41F and eggs at 51F.”
#7 – Lang Van Restaurant (86.5 – B)
3019 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte – Inspectors cited improper storage and cooling violations.
Notable observations:
- “Observed several bulging cans… over ready to eat food.”
- “Observed raw animal proteins with improper storage order.”
- “Observed dishes… with debris, stored as clean.”
- “Observed containers of vegetables… measured from 44F–47F.”
- “Observed several items held longer than 24 hours with no date mark.”
- “Observed sanitizer spray bottle without labeling.”
#6 – Charlotte Pizza (85 – B)
5428 New Fashion Wy., Charlotte – Inspectors cited sanitation and pest-related concerns.
Notable observations:
- “Observed uncovered container of yeast… contaminated by a live roach.”
- “Observed black build up… in blender and ice machine.”
- “Observed spinach and cheese filling above 41F.”
- “Observed sliced tomatoes with no date mark.”
- “Observed spray bottle with no label at hand sink.”
- “Observed improper TPHC logs for food timing.”
#5 – Kwik Stop (83.5 – B)
4000 N Graham St., Charlotte – Inspectors cited cross-contamination and temperature failures.
Notable observations:
- “Observed raw chicken in 3-comp sink along with clean dishes.”
- “Observed potatoes being washed while soiled dishes were present.”
- “Observed can opener heavily soiled with old food debris.”
- “Observed chicken stored above grill holding below 135F.”
- “Observed chicken out on prep table at 60F.”
- “Observed tomatoes, lettuce and cheese above 41F.”
- “Observed multiple deli meats and salsas without date marking.”
#4 – Soul Central UNCC (82.5 – B)
8531 N Tryon St., Charlotte – Inspectors cited major equipment and safety concerns.
Notable observations:
- “Observed carbon monoxide detector… alerting unsafe levels.”
- “Observed multiple cold holding units not properly functioning.”
- “Observed chicken sitting out at ambient air for extended time.”
- “Observed items in WIC reading at or above 41F.”
- “Observed raw eggs stored over shredded cheese.”
- “Observed chlorine sanitizer at 10ppm.”
- “Observed multiple foods above 41F and discarded.”
#3 – Harris Food Mart (82.5 – B)
8400 Old Statesville Rd., Charlotte – Inspectors cited repeated violations and enforcement action.
Notable observations:
- “This is the 6th consecutive time facility has been out on hot holding.”
- “This is the 5th consecutive time facility has been out on date marking.”
- “INTENT TO SUSPEND ISSUED.”
- “Observed slicer heavily soiled with old food debris.”
- “Observed eggs holding at 84F in the hot well.”
- “Observed chicken sandwiches below 135F.”
- “Observed multiple foods holding above 41F.”
#2 – La Michoacana Taqueria y Tortilleria (81.5 – B)
5400 Nevin Rd., Charlotte – Inspectors cited widespread food safety failures.
Notable observations:
- “Observed large pot of barbacoa sitting on the ground.”
- “Observed shredded cheese sitting out during lunch service.”
- “Observed buffet steam table not producing heat while storing hot food.”
- “Observed shrimp ceviche not properly cooked or temperature verified.”
- “Observed raw shrimp over RTE onions and raw beef over fries.”
- “Observed unwashed produce stored over ready-to-eat foods.”
- “Observed 3-comp sink used for raw meat and dishwashing.”
- “Observed items not fully submerged in sanitizer.”
#1 – Chicken King #2 (80.5 – B)
1740 W Trade St., Charlotte – This location recorded the lowest score with multiple critical violations.
Notable observations:
- “Observed PIC fail to ensure food employees are properly washing hands.”
- “Observed PIC plating sandwiches… bare handed.”
- “Observed employees fail to use barrier to turn off faucet.”
- “Observed shredded lettuce and raw ground beef temping above 41F.”
- “Observed reach-in cooler ambient temperature above 41F.”
- “Observed unit temperature rising to 70F when door opened.”
- “Observed multiple TCS items unable to cool properly.”
- “Observed cooked chicken wings without date marking.”
- “Observed no certified food protection manager onsite.”
