Georgia › Fulton County › Atlanta
Zion Delight Southern Cuisine
808 MCDONOUGH BLVD , ATLANTA, GA 30315 · Health inspection record from Georgia Department of Public Health
This restaurant failed a health inspection on February 24, 2026, scoring 64/100 (grade U — Unsatisfactory). It has since been re-inspected and currently scores 72. Georgia re-inspects after a failing score, so the most recent number can be only days or weeks old.
Most recent inspection (March 5, 2026): Inspectors recorded 14 violations, 5 of them critical, involving temperature control, cleaning & sanitizing 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.
C72March 5, 202614 violations
Inspectors recorded 14 violations, 5 of them critical, involving temperature control, cleaning & sanitizing and management & training.
Observed potentially hazardous food (pork chops, beef spaghetti, etc.) cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit inside both reach in coolers. 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.
−9 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; cold holding (p)”Observed leaking pipe at plumbing fixture (pipe under 3 compartment sink and at the faucet of the meat prep sink). 511-6-1.06(2)(r) - System Maintained in Good Repair (P, C) (r) System Maintained in Good Repair. A plumbing system shall be repaired according to law; P and maintained in good repair.
−2 points · Cited as “511-6-1.06(2)(r) - system maintained in good repair (p, c)”Hood filters not equipped with a drip tray. 511-6-1.05(1)(a) - Materials, General Requirements (P, C) (1) Materials. (a) General Requirements. Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be made of materials that do not allow the migration of deleterious substances or impart colors, odors, or tastes to food and under normal use conditions, and shall be: P safe P, durable, corrosion-resistant, and nonabsorbent. In addition, materials shall be sufficient in weight and thickness to withstand repeated warewashing and shall be finished to have a smooth, easily cleanable surface. Materials shall be resistant to pitting, chipping, crazing, scratching, scoring, distortion and decomposition. Owner must attach a drip tray to hood.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.05(1)(a) - materials, general requirements (p, c)”Manager lacking proof of Food Manager Certification. 511-6-1.03(3)(a) - Food Safety Manager Certification (Pf) Food service establishments shall have in its employ a Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) as specified in paragraph (b) of this subsection to ensure food safety is being managed within the food service establishment during all hours of operation as specified within paragraph (d) of this subsection.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(3)(a) - food safety manager certification (pf)”Observed no thermometers in cold holding units. I did observe on thermometer inside a cold holding refrigerator. However, it was a hot holding air thermometer. 511-6-1.05(2)(x) - TMD, Located in Refrigerators/ Hot Holding (Pf, C) (x) Temperature Measuring Devices. 1. In a mechanically refrigerated or hot food storage unit, the sensor of a temperature measuring device shall be located to measure the air temperature in the warmest part of a mechanically refrigerated unit and in the coolest part of a hot food storage unit. 2. Except as specified in paragraph 3 of this subsection, cold or hot holding equipment used for time/temperature control for safety food shall be designed to include and shall be equipped with at least one integral or permanently affixed temperature measuring device that is located to allow easy viewing of the device's temperature display. 3. The requirement in paragraph 2 of this subsection does not apply to equipment for which the placement of a temperature measuring device is not a practical means for measuring the ambient air surrounding the food because of the design, type, and use of the equipment such as insulated food transport containers and salad bars. 4. Temperature measuring devices shall be designed to be easily readable. 5. Food temperature measuring devices and water temperature measuring devices on warewashing machines shall have a numerical scale, printed record, or digital readout in increments no greater than 1ºC or 2ºF in the intended rang.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.05(2)(x) - tmd, located in refrigerators/ hot holding (pf, c)”Raw chicken, grits, etc. found stored in reach in cooler on bottom shelf, on cook line uncovered and subject to contamination. 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 COS: Owner covered food items inside the reach in cooler.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv) - packaged & unpackaged food, food stored covered(c)”Observed potentially hazardous foods (raw ground beef and Two buckets of pork chitterlings) thawed at room temperature. Ground beef on sitting on table and two chitterlings buckets still sitting in 3 compartment sink at the end of inspection. 511-6-1.04(6)(c) - Thawing (C) (c) Thawing. Except as specified in paragraph 4 of this subsection, time/temperature control for safety food shall be thawed: 1. Under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41°F (5°C) or less; PF or 2. Completely submerged under running water: (i) At a water temperature of 70°F (21°C) or below, PF (ii) With sufficient water velocity to agitate and float off loose particles in an overflow PF, and (iii) For a period of time that does not allow thawed portions of ready-to-eat food to rise above 41°F (5°C), or (iv) For a period of time that does not allow thawed portions of a raw animal food requiring cooking to be above 41°F (5°C), for more than 4 hours including: (I) The time the food is exposed to the running water and the time needed for preparation for cooking PF, or (II) The time it takes under refrigeration to lower the food temperature to 41°F (5°C) PF; 3. As part of a cooking process if the food that is frozen is: (i) Cooked as specified under subsections (5)(a)1 or 2 or (5)(b) or 5(e) of this Rule PF, or (ii) Thawed in a microwave oven and immediately transferred to conventional cooking equipment, with no interruption in the process PF; or 4. Using any procedure if a portion of frozen r.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(c) - thawing (c)”Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. 511-6-1.04(4)(m) - Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation (C) (m) Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation. 1. Cloths in-use for wiping food spills from tableware and carry-out containers that occur as food is being served shall be: (i) Maintained dry; and (ii) Used for no other purpose. 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.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(m) - wiping cloths, use limitation (c)”Observed red chitterlings buckets being reused to store leftover foods. 511-6-1.05(10)(f) - Prohibitions; Single Service and Single Use Articles (C) 1. Except as specified in paragraph 2. of this subsection, cleaned and sanitized equipment, utensils, laundered linens, and single-service and single-use articles may not be located:.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.05(10)(f) - prohibitions; single service and single use articles (c)”Observed yellow cutting board grooved/pitted and no longer cleanable. 511-6-1.05(6)(b) - Cutting Surfaces (C) (b) Cutting Surfaces. Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized, or discarded if they cannot be resurfaced.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.05(6)(b) - cutting surfaces (c)”Observed buildup of soiled material on storage rack for large pots, next to hood. 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)”Bathroom not enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. 511-6-1.07(2)(l) - Toilet Rooms, Enclosed (C) (l) Toilet Rooms, Enclosed. Except where a toilet room is located outside a food service establishment and does not open directly into the food service establishment, such as a toilet room that is provided by the management of a shopping mall, a toilet room located on the premises shall be completely enclosed and provided with a tight-fitting and self-closing door.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.07(2)(l) - toilet rooms, enclosed (c)”Observed Wall between front service line and cook line, is not smooth and easily cleanable. 511-6-1.07(1)(a) - Indoor Materials (C) (1) Materials for Construction and Repair. (a) Indoor Materials. Materials for indoor floor, wall, and ceiling surfaces under conditions of normal use shall be: 1. Smooth, durable, and easily cleanable for areas where food service establishment operations are conducted; 2. Closely woven and easily cleanable carpet for carpeted areas; and 3. Nonabsorbent for areas subject to moisture such as food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, warewashing areas, toilet rooms, mobile food service unit servicing areas, and areas subject to flushing or spray cleaning methods.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.07(1)(a) - indoor materials (c)”Observed Ceiling tiles not smooth and easily cleanable. 511-6-1.07(2)(a) - Floor, Walls, & Ceilings, Cleanability (C) (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)”U64February 24, 202611 violations
Inspectors recorded 11 violations, 6 of them critical, involving temperature control, management & training and cleaning & sanitizing.
Observed failure to cold hold cheese at 41 degrees inside the reach in cooler at the main kitchen. TCS foods shall be cold held at 41 degrees or below. Advised PIC to discard food.
−9 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; cold holding (p)”Observed failure to hot hold meat loaf at 135 degrees on the steam table at the front food service area. TCS foods shall be hot held at 135 degrees or above. Advised PIC to reheat food.
−9 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; hot holding (p)”Observed failure to provide food safety manager certificate despite previous advisory. Food service manager shall possess a food safety certificate. Issued a legal notice to obtain the certificate within 14 days.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(3)(a) - food safety manager certification (pf)”Observe3d heavy slimy build up on the cutting boards in the kitchen. Food contact surfaces shall be cleaned and sanitized. Advised PIC to clean the cutting boards and replace old ones.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.05(7)(a)1 - equipment, food-contact surfaces,& utensils (pf)”Observed failure to date mark several onsite prepped food items. All food items prepped onsite for storage shall be date marked not to exceed 7 days. Advised PIC to discard food.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(g) - ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, date marking (pf)”Observed cooked food being cooled at room temperature. Hot food shall be cooled by approved methods. Explained the cooling process to the PIC.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(e) - cooling methods (pf, c)”Observed failure to cover food in storage. All food items shall be covered to prevent environmental contamination. Advised PIC to cover food.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv) - packaged & unpackaged food, food stored covered(c)”Observed personal cell phone store on a prep top cooler at the main kitchen. Contamination shall be prevented during food preparation. Advised PIC to remove the cell phone.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(t) - food preparation (c)”Observed failure to store wet towel inside sanitizer solution.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.05(1)(f) - sponges, use limitation (c)”Observed failure to post food service ice permit.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.02(1)(f)(1) - permit, displayed (c)”Observed several food service unrelated items in the facility. Food service facility shall be free of unnecessary items. Advised PIC to remove all unwanted items.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.07(5)(n) - maintaining premises, free of unnecessary items/litter (c)”B85February 5, 20255 violations
Inspectors recorded 5 violations, 2 of them critical, involving management & training, temperature control and handwashing & hygiene.
Observed no servsafe posted in public view.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(3)(c) - certification documentation (pf)”Observed several containers of cooked food cooling at room temperature. COS: PIC placed containers of food in ice bath. 511-6-1.04(6)(e) - Cooling Methods (Pf, C) (e) Cooling Methods. 1. Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(d) by using one or more of the following methods depending on the type of food being cooled: (i) Placing the food in shallow pans; Pf (ii) Separating the food into smaller or thinner portions; Pf (iii) Using rapid cooling equipment; Pf (iv) Stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath; Pf (v) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; Pf (vi) Adding ice as an ingredient; Pf or (vii) Other effective methods. Pf 2. When placed in cooling or cold holding equipment, food containers in which food is being cooled shall be: (i) Arranged in the equipment to provide maximum heat transfer through the container walls; and (ii) Loosely covered, or uncovered if protected from overhead contamination during the cooling period to facilitate heat transfer from the surface of the food.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(e) - cooling methods (pf, c)”Observed bundles of collard greens stored in food container on top of the RIC without a lid. COS: PIC covered collard greens. 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 no food permit posted in public view.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.02(1)(f)(1) - permit, displayed (c)”Observed ceiling tiles in the back of the main kitchen over the RIC and three-compartment sink with holes and water damage.
−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)”B88May 7, 20245 violations
Inspectors recorded 5 violations, 2 of them critical, involving management & training, temperature control and food storage.
Observed still no CFSM certificate. CA- owner showed me where he has paid and signed up for the test on April 29th and will take the test on Tuesday. 511-6-1.03(3)(a) - Food Safety Manager Certification (Pf) Food service establishments shall have in its employ a Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) as specified in paragraph (b) of this subsection to ensure food safety is being managed within the food service establishment during all hours of operation as specified within paragraph (d) of this subsection. Pf.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(3)(a) - food safety manager certification (pf)”Observed multiple containers of cooked food cooling at room temperature. COS- containers were moved to the cooler. PIC has been given information on proper cooling before. 511-6-1.04(6)(e) - Cooling Methods (Pf, C) (e) Cooling Methods. 1. Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(d) by using one or more of the following methods depending on the type of food being cooled: (i) Placing the food in shallow pans; Pf (ii) Separating the food into smaller or thinner portions; Pf (iii) Using rapid cooling equipment; Pf (iv) Stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath; Pf (v) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; Pf (vi) Adding ice as an ingredient; Pf or (vii) Other effective methods. Pf 2. When placed in cooling or cold holding equipment, food containers in which food is being cooled shall be: (i) Arranged in the equipment to provide maximum heat transfer through the container walls; and (ii) Loosely covered, or uncovered if protected from overhead contamination during the cooling period to facilitate heat transfer from the surface of the food.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(e) - cooling methods (pf, c)”Observed raw chicken sitting on counter. COS- PIC was told about the proper thawing methods and approved method was used. 511-6-1.04(6)(c) - Thawing (C) (c) Thawing. Except as specified in paragraph 4 of this subsection, time/temperature control for safety food shall be thawed: 1. Under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41°F (5°C) or less; or 2. Completely submerged under running water: (i) At a water temperature of 70°F (21°C) or below, (ii) With sufficient water velocity to agitate and float off loose particles in an overflow, and (iii) For a period of time that does not allow thawed portions of ready-to-eat food to rise above 41°F (5°C), or (iv) For a period of time that does not allow thawed portions of a raw animal food requiring cooking to be above 41°F (5°C), for more than 4 hours including: (I) The time the food is exposed to the running water and the time needed for preparation for cooking, or (II) The time it takes under refrigeration to lower the food temperature to 41°F (5°C); 3. As part of a cooking process if the food that is frozen is: (i) Cooked as specified under subsections (5)(a)1 or 2 or (5)(b) of this Rule, or (ii) Thawed in a microwave oven and immediately transferred to conventional cooking equipment, with no interruption in the process; or 4. Using any procedure if a portion of frozen ready-to-eat food is thawed and prepared for immediate service in response to an individual consumer's order. 5. Reduced oxygen packaged fish that bear.
−3 points · Cited as “511-6-1.04(6)(c) - thawing (c)”Observed nonfood contact surfaces of equipment unclean. in between equipment, insides the coolers and the outside of storage containers. CA- all nonfood contact surfaces shall be kept clean and free of debris. 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) 2. The food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. 3. 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)”Observed the ceiling tile in the back over the RIC with a hole and water damage. Observed dusty ceiling vents. COS- physical facilities shall be in good repair and clean. 511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - Good Repair, physical facilities maintained; Cleaning, Frequency & Restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (C) (5) Maintenance and Operation. (a) Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.
−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)”B85November 22, 20236 violations
Inspectors recorded 6 violations, 3 of them critical, involving cleaning & sanitizing, management & training and temperature control.
Observed the sanitizer concentration in a sanitizer bucket that was in use at 0ppm. COS- bucket was remade to 50 ppm chlorine. 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).
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.05(6)(n) - manual and mechanical warewashing equipment, chemical sanitization-temperature, ph, concentration, hardness (p,pf)”Observed no CFSM for the facility. CA- a legal notice was left for the facility to obtain a CFSM. 511-6-1.03(3)(a) - Food Safety Manager Certification (Pf) Food service establishments shall have in its employ a Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) as specified in paragraph (b) of this subsection to ensure food safety is being managed within the food service establishment during all hours of operation as specified within paragraph (d) of this subsection. Pf.
−4 points · Cited as “511-6-1.03(3)(a) - food safety manager certification (pf)”Observed the prep top cutting board heavily stained and observed another cutting board stained and with gashes. Observed dishes stored clean with debris. CA- all food contact surfaces of equipment and utensils shall be kept clean to sight and touch. 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 sausages stored uncovered in a RIC. COS- item was covered. 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 knives stored in the crevice of the prep top cooler. COS- knives were moved. 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.
−1 point · Cited as “511-6-1.04(4)(k) - in-use utensils, between-use storage (c)”Observed nonfood contact surfaces of equipment unclean. in between equipment, insides the coolers. CA- all nonfood contact surfaces shall be kept clean and free of debris. 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) 2. The food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. 3. 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)”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-060-010898. Verify this record at ga.healthinspections.us. Georgia’s inspection records are published by county health district, not from a single statewide portal.
