News Summary
Zafran Kabab Palace in Charlotte has received a ‘B’ grade from the Mecklenburg County Health Department, marking a significant drop in its health score. Factors leading to this grade include improper cooking temperatures and poor kitchen hygiene. The owner aims to address these violations moving forward. Local diners express concern while the health department urges public awareness through inspection scores.
Charlotte’s Zafran Kabab Palace Earns “B” Grade from Health Department
In an unexpected twist, Zafran Kabab Palace, located at 230 E W.T. Harris Blvd. in the vibrant city of Charlotte, has received a “B” grade from the Mecklenburg County Health Department. The inspection, conducted on the 10th of April, has left many local foodies curious and concerned about the restaurant’s food safety practices.
A Closer Look at the Inspection
During the inspection, Zafran Kabab Palace scored 88%, making it the restaurant’s first time scoring below the coveted “A” grade. The inspection revealed several violations that raised eyebrows. Among these, chicken leg quarters were found cooked to only 155 degrees Fahrenheit, which is below the required temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This oversight can be critical as it poses risks associated with foodborne illnesses.
Further investigation into the restaurant’s kitchen practices uncovered that various items like tofu, curry chicken, and boneless chicken were being held in a prep cooler at temperatures above the safety threshold of 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper temperature control is essential for keeping perishable items safe for consumption.
Additionally, inspectors noted some less-than-ideal conditions, such as bags of onions stored directly on the floor, which is a standard violation of food safety guidelines. The inspection also pointed out a stained and damaged cutting board at the meat prep cooler, along with a concerning buildup of debris on the exterior of kitchen equipment, including burners, grills, fryers, and shelving. All these factors contributed to the restaurant’s less-than-stellar grade.
The Bigger Picture
Interestingly, the inspection of Zafran Kabab Palace was just one of at least 125 restaurant inspections completed across Mecklenburg County between April 4-10. Most eateries maintained their high standards, with the majority scoring an “A” grade — which means they achieved at least a 90% in their assessments. However, three restaurants, including Zafran Kabab Palace, didn’t make the cut for an “A” this time.
In this round of inspections, Mariscos Nayarit at 6023 Albemarle Rd. in Charlotte received a score of 85.5% with ten violations, including the concerning practice of storing raw chicken above cooked octopus. Meanwhile, Thomas Street Tavern at 1218 Thomas Ave. landed an 88.5%, slightly above Zafran Kabab Palace, demonstrating varying degrees of compliance with health regulations.
Understanding the Health Grades
In North Carolina, health departments use sanitation scores and corresponding letter grades to assess restaurants’ compliance with health and safety standards. This grading system is essential to prevent food-borne illnesses and to keep diners safe. It is important to note that state law dictates that permits will be revoked immediately if a restaurant scores below 70%.
For those who frequently enjoy dining out, the Mecklenburg County Health Department provides a public portal where anyone can easily search and view all restaurant inspections. Curious diners can access this information at public.cdpehs.com, ensuring they’re informed about the restaurants they choose to support.
What’s Next for Zafran Kabab Palace?
With the restaurant facing its first “B” grade, it remains to be seen how Zafran Kabab Palace will address the highlighted issues. The team at the restaurant will certainly be looking to make improvements and aim for the top scores in future inspections, as patrons and the community alike will surely be watching closely. After all, when it comes to enjoying a delicious meal, we all want confidence in the kitchen practices behind it!
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Zafran Kabab Palace Inspection News
- Google Search: restaurant health grades North Carolina
- Herald Online: North Carolina Health Reports
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Charlotte Observer: Local Food News
- Google Scholar: food safety inspections
- Charlotte Observer: Recent Restaurant Grades
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Foodborne Illness
- Charlotte Observer: Dining Safety News
- Google News: restaurant inspections Charlotte
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
