Outback Steakhouse, which prides itself on an Australian-themed atmosphere and high standards, recently had a setback at its Canton location during a food service inspection.

Repeat violations – which weigh heavier than new ones – helped to knock its score from a 90 (A) in January to a 74 (C), which is five points from an unsatisfactory score. The restaurant was cited for its dishwashing machine’s final rinse cycle not reaching a proper temperature at the manifold. Until the repair is made, the restaurant implemented a sanitizing measure immediately, the inspector wrote. Meanwhile, other repeat infractions include issues with the bathroom doors and food-contact surfaces.

Joe Kadow, executive vice president of Outback Steakhouse, expressed apologies to customers in a written statement.

“Food safety is our highest priority at Outback Steakhouse. For more than 20 years we have been committed to operating our restaurants with the highest standards,” he wrote.

Kadow emphasized that conditions and procedures at its 3 Reinhardt College Parkway location will rebound to proper levels.

“We have devoted all necessary personnel and resources to re-train all of our staff on our operating and safety procedures. All of the issues were either corrected on site or shortly following the inspection,” he wrote.

Items corrected on site include not handling foods with bare hands, properly storing a blender and ensuring that the wiping cloth sanitizing solution is at the correct strength.

Kadow also wrote: “We are also implementing procedures to ensure that our staff receives training on an ongoing basis. We … will work closely with the Cherokee County Health Department to achieve this goal,” he wrote.

Here are some other metro area restaurant inspections for the week:

Clayton County

• Papa John’s, 2075 Mt. Zion Road, Morrow. 92/A
• Wok Asian Stir Fry, 2079 Mt. Zion Road, Morrow. 92/A

Cobb County

• Marietta Fish Market, 3185 Canton Road, Marietta 93/A
• Star East Chinese Restaurant, 5015 Floyd Road, Suite 610 Mableton. 92/A
• Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, 4475 Roswell Road, Suite 205, Marietta . 96/A
• Ray’s New York Pizza, 600 Chastain Road, Suite 210, Kennesaw. 100/A

Forsyth

• Huddle House, 501 Buford Highway, Cumming. 95/A
• Yogli Mogli Frozen Yogurt, 405 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 120, Cumming. 92/A

Fulton

• Zhaddy’s, 240 North Highland Ave. Suite B-1, Atlanta. 95/A
• Thai Restaurant Sandy Springs, 5975 Roswell St., Sandy Springs. 96/A
• Mellow Mushroom, 6100 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 95/A

Gwinnett

• Motor City Coney Island, 1825 Rockbridge Road, #10b, Stone Mountain. 75/C
• El Molcajete #4, 706 Grayson Highway Suite 206, Lawrenceville. 81/B

— by Lisa Gibson for the Food & More blog

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