Georgia › Franklin County › Lavonia
BellaBella Mozzarella LLC
203 WEST MAIN STREET , LAVONIA, GA 30553 · Health inspection record from Georgia Department of Public Health
Most recent inspection (April 24, 2026): Inspectors recorded 8 violations, 4 of them critical, involving cleaning & sanitizing, handwashing & hygiene and chemical safety. This restaurant scored as low as 51 on October 11, 2024 — see the full history below.
Inspection history
Every recorded inspection, newest first. Open one to see what the inspector found that day — a past failure matters even when the current score looks fine.
B86April 24, 20268 violations
Inspectors recorded 8 violations, 4 of them critical, involving cleaning & sanitizing, handwashing & hygiene and chemical safety.
Observed a build up debris on the pizza dough machine. PIC states that pizza dough contains a TCS ingredient, milk. The Food contact surface needs to be cleaned at any time during the operation when contamination may have occurred. PIC to clean pizza dough machine by end of day.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.05(7)(b) - food contact surfaces and utensils - cleaning frequency (p, c)”Observed no hand towels at the hand sink near the ice machine. PIC placed paper towels at hand sink to COS.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.07(3)(b) - hand drying provision (pf)”Observed a brillo pad in the sink. PIC removed pad and was informed that hand sinks should only be used for handwashing to COS.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.06(2)(o) - using a handwashing sink- operation & maintenance (pf)”Observed multiple in use, working containers that were not labeled. PIC to work on labeling all in use, working containers by end of day.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.07(6)(b) - working containers, common name (pf)”Observed employee drinking from open top coffee cup on prep table. employees must drink, eat, and smoke in designated areas. employee discarded beverage to COS.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(5)(k)1&2 - eating, drinking, or using tobacco (c)”Observed the sides of the grills/flat top and broiler to have a build up of debris. Observed the inside of the RIC & RIF to have an accumulation of food debris built up on the bottom and gaskets. Advised PIC to follow their cleaning schedule to prevent buildup of debris.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3 - equipment, food/nonfood-contact surfaces, and utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations (c)”Observed outside areas of waste oil receptacle with accumulation of grease and debris.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.06(5)(q) - cleaning receptacles, in manner to prevent contamination and build-up (c)”Observed floors in need of repair throughout facility. Floors were sinking and tiles were chipped.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - good repair, physical facilities maintained; cleaning, frequency & restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (c)”C76April 16, 20266 violations
Inspectors recorded 6 violations, 2 of them critical, involving food storage, cleaning & sanitizing and temperature control.
Observed flu medicine stored next to RTE foods in the reach in cooler. PIC immediately removed the item and placed in designated area.
−9 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii) - packaged & unpackaged food separation, packaging, and segregation (p, c)”Observed black residue build up on the ice machine. Advised PIC that the ice machine would need to be drained and properly cleaned. Rule:511-6-1.05(7)(a)1 - Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces,& Utensils (Pf) (7) Cleaning of Equipment and Utensils. (a) Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. 1. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Pf.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.05(7)(a)1 - equipment, food-contact surfaces,& utensils (pf)”Observed vegetables & raw meats in the RIC uncovered. PIC placed lids on all of the specified items. Rule: 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv) - Packaged & Unpackaged Food, food stored covered(C) (iv) Except as specified under paragraph 2. of this subsection and when cooling as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(e)2.(ii), storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination;.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv) - packaged & unpackaged food, food stored covered(c)”Observed employees in kitchen wearing watches while preparing food. PIC had employees remove the specified items. Rule: 511-6-1.03(5)(g) - Jewelry (C) (g) Jewelry. Except for a plain ring such as a wedding band food employees may not wear jewelry including medical information jewelry on their arms and hands while preparing food.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(5)(g) - jewelry (c)”Observed bowl without handle planted inside/ being used as a scoop for noodles. PIC removed the bowl for wash, rinse and sanitize.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(k) - in-use utensils, between-use storage (c)”Observed heavy buildup of food debris on the inside of the microwave. Observed the inside of the RIC & RIF to have an accumulation of food debris built up on the bottom and gaskets. Advised PIC to follow their cleaning schedule to prevent buildup of debris. Rule: 511-6-1.05(7)(d) - Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C) (d) Nonfood-Contact Surfaces. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.05(7)(d) - nonfood-contact surfaces (c)”B85October 9, 20256 violations
Inspectors recorded 6 violations, 2 of them critical, involving food storage and cleaning & sanitizing.
Observed raw shrimp and eggs on same shelf and directly next to raw chicken. PIC moved shrimp and eggs to be on the opposite side of fridge. PIC to also cook eggs and shrimp to a temp of 165F to COS.
−9 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii) - packaged & unpackaged food separation, packaging, and segregation (p, c)”Observed the pizza dough mixer, ice machine, and can opener not cleaned at a frequency to prevent accumulation. For Ice machine, PIC to break down and wash, rinse, and sanitize @ end of business. And clean at a frequency to prevent accumulation. For pizza dough mixer, PIC to break down and wash, rinse, and sanitize @ end of business. And clean at a frequency to prevent accumulation of flour and food debris. For can opener, wash, rinse, and sanitize to COS.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.05(7)(b) - food contact surfaces and utensils - cleaning frequency (p, c)”Observed 2-3 buckets of chicken in RIC below prep top to be uncovered. PIC placed lids on chicken buckets to COS.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv) - packaged & unpackaged food, food stored covered(c)”Observed a plastic tub without a handle being used as a scoop for marinara sauce. PIC to discard tub and replace scoop with one that has a handle to COS.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(k) - in-use utensils, between-use storage (c)”Observed plates and bowls to be stored right side up. PIC to wash, rinse, and sanitize plates and store them "face down" to prevent from contamination.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.05(10)(e)1,2,4 - equipment, utensil, linens, stored 6" off floor in clean, dry location (c)”Observed inside of RIC to have an accumulation of food debris built up on bottom and gaskets. PIC to clean inside of RIC at a frequency to prevent build up of debris.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3 - equipment, food/nonfood-contact surfaces, and utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations (c)”B88May 1, 20254 violations
Inspectors recorded 4 violations, 2 of them critical, involving handwashing & hygiene, temperature control and cleaning & sanitizing.
Observed both hand sinks to be blocked. One hand sink was blocked by trash can and the other hand sink was blocked by carbonation tanks. PIC to move items so that hand sinks are accessible at all times.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.06(2)(o) - using a handwashing sink- operation & maintenance (pf)”Observed no ambient thermometers in 3 RIC. PIC to place ambient thermometers in reach cold holding unit to monitor air temps.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.05(2)(x) - tmd, located in refrigerators/ hot holding (pf, c)”Observed dry soiled cloths in use. PIC COS by removing cloths that were soiled and placed new ones submerged in sanitizer.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(m) - wiping cloths, use limitation (c)”Observed accumulation of debris on multiple non-food contact surfaces throughout establishment, including floors, walls, shields, shelves, and frequency and intensity. except as specified under subsection 7(e), surfaces and equipment contacting food that is not contacting TCS food shall be cleaned @ a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.05(7)(d) - nonfood-contact surfaces (c)”B89October 30, 20244 violations
Inspectors recorded 4 violations, 1 of them critical, involving cleaning & sanitizing and handwashing & hygiene.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)1 - Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces,& Utensils (Pf) (7) Cleaning of Equipment and Utensils. (a) Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. 1. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Pf. NOTE: Observed dough mixer and dough hook and dough roller to be covered in dried flour paste and flour. To COS PIC should clean food contact surfaces to sight and touch. Observed accumulation of food on prep tables that were being wiped with a soiled dry wash cloth. PIC to also clean and sanitize food contact surfaces that were touched by soiled wash cloths that were not submerged in sanitizer with a fresh clean soapy cloth/rinse then and a clean sanitizer rinsed cloth.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.05(7)(a)1 - equipment, food-contact surfaces,& utensils (pf)”511-6-1.04(4)(m) - Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation (C) (m) Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation. 2. Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces shall be: (i) Held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution at a concentration specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(6)(n); and (ii) Laundered daily. 3. Cloths in-use for wiping surfaces in contact with raw animal foods shall be kept separate from cloths used for other purposes. 4. Dry wiping cloths and the chemical sanitizing solutions in which wet wiping cloths are held between uses shall be free of food debris and visible soil. 5. Containers of chemical sanitizing solutions in which wet wiping cloths are held between uses shall be stored off the floor and used in a manner that prevents contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. 6. Single-use disposable sanitizer wipes shall be used in accordance with EPA-approved manufacturer’s label use instructions. NOTE: observed soiled dry clothes in use. PIC COS by removing hand towels that were soiled and using new ones that are submerged in sanitizer.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(m) - wiping cloths, use limitation (c)”511-6-1.02(1)(d) - Displaying of the Inspection Report (C)1. The most current inspection report shall be prominently displayed in public view at all times, within fifteen feet of the front or primary public door and between five feet and seven feet from the floor and in an area where it can be read at a distance of one foot away. NOTE: The most current inspection report is not prominently displayed in public view, within 15 feet of the front or primary public door and between five feet and seven feet from the floor or in an area where it can be read at a distance of one foot away. NOTE: Observed that the permit was not posted in the restaurant. PIC to COS by posting permit.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.02(1)(d) - displaying of the inspection report (c)”511-6-1.04(4)(k) - In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage (C) (k)Storage of In-Use Utensils. During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored: 1.Except as specified under paragraph 2 of this subsection, in the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container; 2.In food that is not time/temperature control for safety food with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon; 3.On a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment only if the in-use utensil and the food-contact surface of the food preparation table or cooking equipment are cleaned and sanitized at a frequency specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(7)(b) and (8)(a); 4.In running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain, if used with moist food such as ice cream or mashed potatoes; 5. In a clean, protected location if the utensils, such as ice scoops, are used only with a food that is not time/temperature control for safety food; or 6. In a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135°F (57°C) and the container is cleaned at a frequency specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(7)(b)3(vi). NOTE: Observed in RIC and on sandwich prep table scoops without handles in food used to scoop. PIC corrected on-site by removing scoops and replacing with new utensils that have a handle that do not touch t.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(k) - in-use utensils, between-use storage (c)”U51October 11, 202410 violations
Inspectors recorded 10 violations, 8 of them critical, involving handwashing & hygiene, temperature control and cleaning & sanitizing.
511-6-1.03(5)(c) - When to Wash (P) (c) When to Wash. 1. Food employees shall clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles P and: (i) After touching bare human body parts other than clean hands and clean, exposed arms; P (ii) After using the toilet room; P (iii) After caring for or handling service animals or aquatic animals; P (iv) After coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating, or drinking, except for drinking from a closed beverage container and the container is handled to prevent contamination of the hands; P (v) After handling soiled equipment or utensils; P (vi) During food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks; P (vii) When switching between working with raw food and working with ready-to-eat food; P (viii) Before donning gloves to initiate a task that involves working with food; P and (ix) After engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands. P 2. All employees shall wash hands before leaving the restroom. All food employees leaving the restroom shall wash their hands again upon re-entering the food preparation area. P NOTE: Observed employee check chicken for cooking completion by tearing open chicken and seeing it was not completely cooked, handing chicken a.
−9 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(5)(c) - when to wash (p)”511-6-1.04(5)(a) - Raw Animal Foods (P, Pf) (5) Pathogen Destruction. (a) Raw Animal Foods. 1. Except as specified under paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of this subsection, raw animal foods such as eggs, fish, meat, poultry, and foods containing these raw animal foods, shall be cooked to heat all parts of the food to a temperature and for a time that complies with one of the following methods based on the food that is being cooked: (i) 145°F (63°C) or above for 15 seconds for: P (I) Raw eggs that are broken and prepared in response to a consumer's order and for immediate service, P and (II) Except as specified under paragraphs 1(ii) and (iii), 2, and 3 of this subsection, fish and meat including game animals commercially raised for food or under a voluntary inspection program; P (ii) 155°F (68°C) for 15 seconds or the temperature specified in the following chart that corresponds to the holding time for ratites, mechanically tenderized, and injected meats; the following if they are comminuted: fish, meat, game animals raised for food, and commercially game animals or under a voluntary inspection program; and raw eggs that are not prepared to a consumer’s order and for immediate service P ; or Minimum Temperature Time °F (°C) 145 (63) 3 minutes 150 (66) 1 minute 158 (70) < 1 second (instantaneous) (iii) 165°F (74°C) or above for 15 seconds for poultry, baluts, wild game animals, stuffed fish, stuffed meat, stuffed pasta, stuffed poultry, stuffed ratites, or stuffing containing fish, meat.
−9 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(5)(a) - raw animal foods (p, pf)”511-6-1.04(6)(f) - Time/Temperature Control for Safety; Cold Holding (P) (f) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot and Cold Holding. Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control, time/temperature control for safety food shall be maintained at 41°F (5°C) or below or 135°F (57°C) or above, except that roasts cooked to a temperature and for a time specified in subsection (5)(a)2 of this Rule and reheated using the same temperature and time conditions as cooking may be held at a temperature of 130°F (54°C) or above. P NOTE: Observed multiple TCS Foods held greater than 41F. foods included were cut tomatoes, cut leafy greens, and diced tomatoes. PIC discarded salads. Except during prep, or when TPHC is used, TCS foods shall be maintained at 41F or below. Tomatoes, and leafy greens to be discarded at 5pm (prepped at 11am).
−9 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; cold holding (p)”511-6-1.03(2) - PIC present (Pf) There must be a person in charge on the premises of the food service establishment at all times. The person in charge shall ensure compliance with the following: NOTE: PIC is failing to monitor handwashing, ensure proper cooking, proper sanitizing, and reporting of verifiable agreements of their employee's responsibility. Educated PIC on all issues with establishment. Distributed guidance on mulitple public health topics.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(2) - pic present (pf)”511-6-1.07(3)(b) - Hand Drying Provision (Pf) (b) Hand Drying Provision. Each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with: 1. Individual, disposable towels; Pf 2. A continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel; Pf 3. A heated-air hand drying device; Pf or 4. A hand drying device that employs an air-knife system that delivers high velocity, pressurized air at ambient temperatures.Pf NOTE: Upon entering establishment, EHS found no paper towels or other approved method available to dry hands. each handwashing sink shall be provided with an approved method to dry hands following washing. PIC brought roll of paper towels to handwashing area to COS.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.07(3)(b) - hand drying provision (pf)”511-6-1.05(6)(n) - Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization-Temperature, pH, Concentration, Hardness (P,Pf) (n) Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization - Temperature, pH, Concentration, and Hardness. A chemical sanitizer used in a sanitizing solution for a manual or mechanical operation at contact times specified under subsection (8)(b)3 of this Rule shall meet the requirements specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.07(6)(g), shall be used in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered label use instructions P, and shall be used as follows: 1. A chlorine solution shall have a minimum temperature based on the concentration and pH of the solution as listed in the following chart; P Concentration Range Minimum Temperature MG/L PH 10 or less oF (oC) PH 8 or less oF (oC) 25-49 120 (49) 120 (49) 50-99 100 (38) 75 (24) 100 55 (13) 55 (13) 2. An iodine solution shall have a minimum temperature of 68°F (20°C)P minimum concentration between 12.5 ppm and 25 ppm, P and pH of 5.0 or less or a pH no higher than the level for which the manufacturer specifies for the solution to be effective; P 3. A quaternary ammonium compound solution shall have a minimum temperature of 75ºF (24ºC), P have a concentration as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.07(6)(g) and as indicated by the manufacturer’s use directions included in the labeling, P and be used only in water with 500 ppm hardness or less or in water having a hardness no great.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.05(7)(a)1 - equipment, food-contact surfaces,& utensils (pf)”511-6-1.04(6)(g) - Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking (Pf) (g) Ready-to-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking 1. Except when packaging food using a reduced oxygen packaging method, and except as specified in paragraphs 4 and 5 of this subsection, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and held in a food establishment for more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded, when held at a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days. The day of preparation shall be counted as Day 1. Pf 2. Except as specified in paragraphs 4 through 6 of this subsection, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and packaged by a food processing plant shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened in a food service establishment and if the food is held for more than 24 hours, to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded, when held at a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days after the original container is opened. The day the original container is opened in the food service establishment shall be counted as Day 1, except, the day or date marked by the food service establishment may not exceed a manufacturer’s use by date if the manufacturer determined the use-by date ba.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(g) - ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, date marking (pf)”511-6-1.05(3)(g) - Food TMD, Provided and Accessible; Appropriate TMD for Measuring Thin Foods (Pf) (g) Food Temperature Measuring Devices. 1. Food temperature measuring devices shall be provided and readily accessible for use in ensuring attainment and maintenance of food temperatures as specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04. Pf 2. A temperature measuring device with a suitable small-diameter probe that is designed to measure the temperature of thin masses shall be provided and readily accessible to accurately measure the temperature in thin foods such as meat patties and fish filets. Pf NOTE: No thermometers available for taking and maintaining temps. Food thermometers shall be provided and readily accessible for use in ensuring attainment and Maintenace of food temps as specified under 511-6-1-.04. PIC obtained thermometer.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.05(3)(g) - food tmd, provided and accessible; appropriate tmd for measuring thin foods (pf)”511-6-1.03(5)(j)1&2 - Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco (C) (j) Hygienic Practices. 1. Employees shall not use tobacco in any form, or electronic devices that simulate tobacco smoking, while engaged in food preparation or service, nor while in areas used for equipment or utensil washing and storage, food preparation or food storage. Employees shall only use tobacco products or electronic devices that simulate tobacco smoking in approved designated areas. 2. Employees shall consume food only in approved designated areas separate from food preparation and serving areas, equipment or utensil areas and food storage areas. However, drinking from a single service beverage cup with a secure lid and straw that is handled to prevent contamination of the employee’s hands, the container, exposed food, clean equipment, utensils and linens, unwrapped single-service and single-use articles will be allowed. NOTE: Observed employee drinking from open top coffee cup on prep table. employees must drink, eat, and smoke in designated areas. employee discarded beverage to COS.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(5)(k)1&2 - eating, drinking, or using tobacco (c)”511-6-1.05(7)(d) - Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C) (d) Nonfood-Contact Surfaces. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. NOTE: Observed accumulation of soil on multiple non-food contact surfaces throughout establishment, including floors, walls, shields, shelves, and frequency and intensity. except as specified under subsection 7(e), surfaces and equipment contacting food that is not contacting TCS food shall be cleaned @ a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.05(7)(d) - nonfood-contact surfaces (c)”Georgia scores on a 100-point scale: A 90–100, B 80–89, C 70–79, U below 70.
Source
Published by the Georgia Department of Public Health · permit FSP-059-000037. Verify this record at ga.healthinspections.us. Georgia’s inspection records are published by county health district, not from a single statewide portal.
