Health inspectors uncovered serious food safety violations at Mami Taco, located at 800 Whitlock Ave in Marietta, during a routine inspection on March 24. The restaurant received a failing score of 65, with multiple critical violations related to food handling, temperature control, and sanitization procedures.
Inspectors observed employees eating in the main kitchen’s food preparation area, blocking access to a hand sink. Raw eggs were stored above uncovered cooked spaghetti and cheese dip, while raw pork was positioned above containers of raw fish in the walk-in cooler, creating cross-contamination risks.
Both the main kitchen and bar dishwashers tested at 0 parts per million (ppm) chlorine, meaning dishes were being washed without proper sanitization. A three-compartment sink being actively used also tested at 0 ppm quaternary ammonium compound (QAC), well below the required 200-400 ppm concentration.
Perhaps most concerning, chicken wings were being improperly reheated. When checked by the health inspector at 1:17 p.m., wings that a food prep worker claimed were “done reheating” measured just 101°F, far below the required 165°F needed to kill harmful bacteria.
The under-grill cooler failed to maintain the required 41°F temperature for several time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods.
What We Don’t Know: The inspection report doesn’t detail how long these violations may have been occurring. We don’t know if any customers reported illness after eating at the establishment or if the restaurant has addressed all violations since the inspection.
By The Numbers:
- Inspection score: 65/100
- Critical violations: 5
- Required sanitizer concentration: 200-400 ppm QAC
- Actual sanitizer concentration: 0 ppm
- Required reheating temperature: 165°F
- Actual chicken wing temperature: 101°F
- Required cold holding temperature: 41°F or below
In Context: The Georgia Department of Public Health considers scores below 70 as unsatisfactory. Restaurants scoring below this threshold typically require follow-up inspections to ensure violations are corrected. Cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods, improper reheating, and inadequate sanitization are among the most common causes of foodborne illness in restaurant settings.
Take Action: Consumers can check restaurant inspection scores before dining by visiting the Georgia Department of Public Health website or calling (770) 435-7815. Anyone who experiences symptoms of foodborne illness after eating at a restaurant should seek medical attention and report the incident to the local health department.
Mami Taco Restaurant Information
| Business Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | MAMI TACO |
| Address | 800 WHITLOCK AVE NW STE 207<br>MARIETTA, GA 30064-4667 |
| Phone Number | (678) 247-1121 |
| Permit Type | Food Service |
| Permit Number | FSP-033-005167 |
| For More Information | (770) 435-7815 |
Latest Inspection
| Inspection Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | March 24, 2025 |
| Purpose | Routine |
| Score | 65 |
| Inspector | MEGAN FERNANDEZ |
Violations Found
| Violation | Description | Points | Corrected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Improper Eating/Drinking | Employees eating in main kitchen food prep area, blocking hand sink | 4 | No |
| Food Protection Issues | Shelled eggs above uncovered cooked spaghetti; raw pork above raw fish | 9 | Yes |
| Sanitization Problems | Dishwashers and 3-compartment sink with inadequate sanitizer levels | 4 | Yes |
| Improper Reheating | Chicken wings not properly reheated to 165°F before service | 9 | Yes |
| Improper Cold Holding | Under-grill cooler holding TCS foods above 41°F | 9 | Yes |
