Koji Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar in Locust Grove climbed to a satisfactory food safety level almost two months after opening, according its Feb. 1 inspection report.

Koji stumbled twice in January, receiving a 45 (U) on its routine exam and scoring a 49 (U) on its first follow-up. Its second follow-up inspection resulted in an 82 (B).

During the two failing exams, the inspector noted that Koji showed “a pattern of non-compliance and obvious failure by the person in charge to ensure employees are complying with the duties listed in the Georgia food code.” The manager declined to comment on retraining or corrective actions.

The restaurant at 4938 Bill Gardner Parkway was also cited for a host of other violations, including “an unsealed opening around the back door,” which falls under good retail practices’ pest and animal control category.

While Koji received a higher grade, it was still cited for several risk factors. According to the report, three of the infractions were repeated a second time; they are:

– No reminder and advisory provided on the menu for undercooked foods.

– Food items are served undercooked without proper menu advisory and reminder during inspection.

– Potentially hazardous foods are not cooling rapidly enough for safety.

Georgia’s food safety regulations set guidelines for restaurants that serve undercooked or raw foods, such as sushi and eggs.

Here are other recent inspection scores from restaurants across the area.

Clayton County

• The Chicken House, 1131 Forest Parkway, Forest Park. 87/B
• Tokyo Express, 1205 Southlake Mall, Morrow. 88/B
• Wendy’s, 11121 Tara Blvd., Hampton. 100/A
• Wings To Go, 7274 Fielder Road, Jonesboro. 97/A

Cobb County

• Great Wall Restaurant, 3315 S. Cobb Drive, Suite 10, Smyrna. 94/A
• Haagen Dazs, 400 Barrett Parkway, Suite K-108, Kennesaw. 91/A

Forsyth County

• Mama Leo’s, 1735 Buford Highway, Cumming. 99/A
• Laredo’s Mexican Bar & Grill, 405 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 165, Cumming. 97/A

Fulton County

• Burger Tap, 1409 N. Highland Ave., Suite D, Atlanta. 91/A
• Cabernet, 5575 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta. 77/C
• Tin Drum Asia Cafe, 84 Peachtree St., Suite A, Atlanta. 99/A
• Village Tavern, 11555 Rainwater Drive, Alpharetta. 74/C
• Wendy’s International, 660 Boulevard NE, Atlanta. 99/A

Henry County

• Burger King, 4912 Bill Gardner Parkway, Locust Grove. 92/A
• Mo-Joe’s, 315 Jonesboro Road, McDonough. 98/A

— by Lisa Gibson for the Food & More blog

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