Georgia › Fulton County › Atlanta
Harolds Chicken Shack
5495 OLD NATIONAL HWY STE C3 , ATLANTA, GA 30349 · Health inspection record from Georgia Department of Public Health
This restaurant failed a health inspection on May 1, 2025, scoring 67/100 (grade U — Unsatisfactory). It has since been re-inspected and currently scores 70. Georgia re-inspects after a failing score, so the most recent number can be only days or weeks old.
Most recent inspection (June 17, 2025): Inspectors recorded 13 violations, 6 of them critical, involving food source, food storage and management & training.
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.
C70June 17, 202513 violations
Inspectors recorded 13 violations, 6 of them critical, involving food source, food storage and management & training.
Observed an overly fishy odor of fish. Discard any ready-to-eat foods and raw meats that have been in the refrigerator since closure and/or have been stored for more than seven days (one week).
−9 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(1) - safe, unadulterated and honestly presented (p)”Mixed storage of chemical and food / food contact surfaces in dry storage.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.07(6)(c) - storage, separation (p)”Observed43f and 49 f fish with extreme fishy smell in reaching cooler. Observed mixed storage of food, chemicals and cleaning supplies in the dry storage area.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(2)(a)-(n)(p),(q) - responsibility of pic (pf)”CFSM missing. Observed expired Food Manager Certification. Given an additional two weeks to provide proof of enrollment in a class. Must obtain a certified food safety manager within 30 days.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(3)(a) - food safety manager certification (pf)”The PIC could not provide documentation or otherwise satisfactorily demonstrate during the inspection, that all food employees and conditional employees are informed of their responsibility to report to management information about their health and activities as it relates to diseases that are transmissible through food. Inspector will provide sample employee health policy by email. Follow directions on how to set up an employee health policy and keep onsite at all times. See new rules summary also provided.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(4)(a)(b)(c)(e)(f) - responsibility of permit holder, pic, and conditional employees (p), (pf)”Roaches observed. Code: The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to minimize their presence on the premises.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.07(5)(k) - controlling pests (pf, c)”Observed thawed fish in sealed in plastic - code: Poisonous or toxic materials shall be stored so they cannot contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(c) - thawing (c)”Raw fish found above 41F -.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(c) - thawing (c)”Inspection and permit not displayed for public view.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.02(1)(f)(1) - permit, displayed (c)”Observed vaping in kitchen -.
−1 point · Cited as “O.C.G.A. 31-12A-1 to 31-12A-13 - ga smoke free air act of 2005”Build-up of debris observed on bins - change to clean food-grade bins. code: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other 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)”Light shielding observed missing above refrigerator - Code; light bulbs shall be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; or unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.07(2)(i) - light bulbs, protective shielding (c)”Dark section of kitchen was observed, which does not appear to meet code requirements.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.07(3)(f) - lighting intensity, adequate in food prep, storage & service areas (c)”U67May 1, 202518 violations
Inspectors recorded 18 violations, 7 of them critical, involving food source, food storage and handwashing & hygiene.
Raw fish with sweet odor resembling spoilage. Cos: discarded. Ca: rotate food first in and first out to prevent spoilage and monitor food for any sign of spoilage. Fresh fish should have a mild, clean, ocean-like scent, or no noticeable odor at all. It shouldn't smell sour, ammonia-like, or strongly "fishy," as these are signs of spoilage. Code:1) Condition. Food shall be safe, unadulterated, and honestly presented. P.
−9 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(1) - safe, unadulterated and honestly presented (p)”Observed toxic item stored in food preparation area. PC relocated the spray bottles from one food storage area to another.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.07(6)(c) - storage, separation (p)”Person in charge not performing duties; employee hand washing was not being monitored. PC has only employee was cooking washing dishes, and otherwise working without hot water, soap and paper towels at the hand sinks. Ca: PIC is expected to monitor and enforce handwashing to meet code.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(2)(a)-(n)(p),(q) - responsibility of pic (pf)”Observed chemicals and foods stored in the same area even after inspector requested the infraction to be corrected on site. Ca: it is imperative to monitor and ensure proper storage and separation of food and toxic materials from delivery through preparation and service of the food.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(2)(a)-(n)(p),(q) - responsibility of pic (pf)”Observed no employee health policy in place. When asked, PIC stated Flu and Covid and did not respond with any of the major food-borne illnesses. The PIC is not aware of the signs, symptoms, nor the main six diseases most often transmitted through food. Ca: PIC must become aware of his responsibility to inform food employees and conditional employees of their responsibility to report information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food (i.e., certain symptoms and diagnosis) to the person in charge and for the PIC to report to the regulatory authority. COS: inspector emailing education and agreements for PIC to use.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(4)(a)(b)(c)(e)(f) - responsibility of permit holder, pic, and conditional employees (p), (pf)”No soap at one hand sink and no paper towels at the other hand wash sink. COS: supplies placed at hand sink. Codes: 511-6-1.07(3)(a) - Handwashing Cleanser, Availability (Pf) (3) Numbers and Capacities.(a) Handwashing Cleanser, Availability. Each handwashing sink or group of two adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap. 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.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.07(3)(b) - hand drying provision (pf)”Hand sink is not equipped to provide tempered water at a temperature of at least 85ºF through a mixing valve or combination faucet. COS: inspector turned on hot water using the valve underneath the sink.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.06(2)(c) - handwashing sinks, installation (pf, c)”Observed expired Food Manager Certification. Given two business week (10 days) to provide proof of enrollment in a class. Must obtain a certified food safety manager within 30 days.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1-.03(3)(d) - certified food safety manager responsibility”Food items (flour, meal, etc.)in storage containers were not identified with the common name of the food item. Observed two large gray bins dry storage cans of what appeared to be flour and meal without labeling. Cos: bins labeled.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(d) - food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)”Missing beard guard. Ca: provide proper hair restraint for beard. Code requires: Employees preparing or handling food shall use effective and clean, disposable or easily cleanable nets or other hair restraints approved by the Health Authority, worn properly to restrain loose hair including beards and mustaches longer than one half inch.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(5)(j) - hair restraints (c)”Observed both front and back doors open. Keep doors closed during operation.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.07(2)(m) - outer openings protected (c)”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. Person in charge dose not know were the inspection report is located.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.02(1)(d) - displaying of the inspection report (c)”Food service permit not properly displayed. Facility is severely past due on annual fees to obtain current permit. Post previous years permit where it is in clear view of patrons until current permit is obtained. Owner/PIC has agreed to a payment plan.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.02(1)(f)(1) - permit, displayed (c)”Observed, soiled exterior of food, bins, and condiment shakers. Observed grease buildup on shelving.
−1 point · Cited as “null”Bathroom toilet dirty.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.07(5)(h) - cleaning plumbing fixtures- handsinks, urinals & toilets (c)”Holes observed, along with distress walls, and kitchen.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.07(2)(a) - floor, walls, & ceilings, cleanability (c)”Not working.
−1 point · Cited as “null”Observed mixture of employee items and activities in the kitchen.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.07(4)(b) - designated areas for employee activity, located to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, & single service articles (c)”U55April 25, 202422 violations
Inspectors recorded 22 violations, 10 of them critical, involving temperature control, management & training and cleaning & sanitizing.
Observed potentially hazardous food (cold slaw) cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit (held at 45 inside reach in cooler behind front service counter.
−9 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; cold holding (p)”Observed toxic item stored by food. Person In Charge relocated the two bottles of stainless steel cleaner from the sugar and flour containers in kitchen.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.07(6)(f) - poisonous or toxic materials containers, prohibition (p)”Hood filters not equipped with a drip tray.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.05(1)(a) - materials, general requirements (p, c)”Person in charge not performing duties; employees not properly trained in food safety, including food allergy awareness, as it relates to their assigned duties.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(1)(a)-(c)1,4,5,6-14,15, 16 - demonstration of knowledge (pf)”Observed expired Food Manager Certification. 10 day Legal notice issued to provide proof of enrollment in a class.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(3)(a) - food safety manager certification (pf)”Observed no employee health policy. The PIC is not aware of his/her responsibility to inform food employees and conditional employees of their responsibility to report information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food (i.e., certain symptoms and diagnosis) to the person in charge and for the PIC to report to the regulatory authority.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(4)(a)(b)(c)(e)(f) - responsibility of permit holder, pic, and conditional employees (p), (pf)”The vomiting or diarrheal response procedures do not address the specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread of contamination and the exposure of employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(6) - clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events(pf)”Observed combined ready-to-eat potentially hazardous food (Cole slaw) held more than 24 hours not date marked according to earliest date of opening/preparation. Person in charge discarded Cole slaw.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(g) - ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, date marking (pf)”Observed rodent activity as evidenced by fresh rodent droppings found inside dry storage area on racks.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.07(5)(k) - controlling pests (pf, c)”No chemical test kit provided when using chemical sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.05(3)(h),(i),(j) - temperature measuring device, manual warewashing; sanitizing solutions, testing device (pf)”Food items (flour, meal, etc.)in storage containers were not identified with the common name of the food item.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(d) - food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)”Observed employees with no hair restraint. Instructed person in charge to provide hair restraints.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(5)(j) - hair restraints (c)”Outer openings not protected and vermin and/or environmental cross-contamination present. Observed large opening at the bottom of rear door. Instructed person in charge to have owner to rat poof facility.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.07(2)(n) - exterior walls and roofs, protective barrier (c)”Observeed faucet and backflow device at the curb sink in rear of building in dis-repaired.
−2 points · Cited as “511-6-1.06(2)(m),(n) - backflow prevention device, location; condition device, location (c)”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. Person in charge dose not know were the inspection report is located.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.02(1)(d) - displaying of the inspection report (c)”The permit is not posted in the food service establishment that is conspicuous to the consumers. Instructed person in charge to obtain the permit and pol in public view at all times. Within fifteen feet of the front door.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.02(1)(f)(1) - permit, displayed (c)”Observed equipment (Large reach in chest freezer)in poor repair (gasket falling off inside door and Door not flesh and being held closed with cinder blocks). Freezer in near rear door.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.05(2)(o) - equipment openings, closures and deflectors (c)”Observed soiled reach-in cooler shelves. Observed the failure to maintain main kitchen clean to sight and touch. Observed food accumulation on food containers, equipment, RIC handles and floors through out kitchen. All food and non-food contact surfaces must be clean to sight and touch. C/A: Advised the PIC to conduct a deep cleaning before the follow up inspection and incorporate the cleaning of non food contact surfaces in their cleaning routines.
−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 soil residue in food storage containers. Person in charge started cleaning food containers.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.05(7)(d) - nonfood-contact surfaces (c)”Bathroom not self-closing doors.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.07(5)(i) - closing toilet room doors (c)”Observed hole in wall. Observed heavily dirty floors (2) Design, Construction, and Installation. (a) Floors, Walls, and Ceilings, Cleanability. Except as specified under subsection (2)(d) of this Rule and except for antislip floor coverings or applications that may be used for safety reasons, floors, floor coverings, walls, wall coverings, and ceilings shall be designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.07(2)(a) - floor, walls, & ceilings, cleanability (c)”Observed missing cove base at wall/floor juncture under hand sink and behind prep table.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.07(2)(c) - floor and wall junctures, coved, & enclosed or sealed, water-flushed floors provided with drains & graded to drain (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-060-005033. Verify this record at ga.healthinspections.us. Georgia’s inspection records are published by county health district, not from a single statewide portal.
