Mimi's Cafe, Near Mall of Georgia, Fails Health Inspection

BUFORD, GA — A popular restaurant near the Mall of Georgia failed its health inspection on Monday.

Mimi's Cafe, at 1880 Mall of Georgia Blvd. in Buford, scored a 56/U on the inspection.

That's a steep drop from the 92/A the French-inspired restaurant earned during its last inspection in August.

Improper food storage was a main reason the restaurant scored so low, though there were other problems as well.

According to the inspection report, raw chicken was being stored behind salmon and shrimp and above hamburger meat in the restaurant's cooler.

Washed tomatoes were being stored with other, dirty vegetables on top of them, raw salmon was being stored above bread and cantaloupe, sliced boiled eggs and pancake mix all were found being stored at temperatures that were higher than they should be. (The limit is 41 degrees)

A can of whipped cream used for customer drinks was being stored inside a bin of ice also used for drinks. Several wiping cloths were found on counter tops or being stored near food. And water from a hand sink was backed up, flowing onto the floor from underneath the sink.

In a written statement, a spokesperson for the restaurant said staff is fully cooperating with the health department and took immediate action to correct all violations.

"Food safety is our top priority and we will continue to be proactive to ensure this does not happen again," the statement said.

"While by law a re-inspection must be unannounced, we welcome it with confidence. Internally, we have provided food safety training to the entire management team and all team members. In addition, we have retained a highly respected third party to provide additional training as well as the health department itself."

According to state law, the restaurant will receive another inspection in the next 10 days, at which time it could face penalties if the problems aren't fixed.

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