Americus, Sumter County

CHINA BELL

1103 MLK BLVD AMERICUS, GA 31709

Food
Latest score
87
Feb 20, 2026
City
Americus
County
Sumter
Inspections
5

Score history

Inspection scores over time for this facility.

Inspection history

Georgia inspection history is score-based, with violations grouped under each recorded inspection.

Feb 20, 2026

Routine

Score: 872 violations

6-1A - proper cold holding temperatures

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; cold holding (p)

9 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed TCS items (Broccoli and Cabbage) sitting on the counter top with no cold holding measures in place. PIC discarded the vegetables upon request. 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

6-2 - proper date marking and disposition

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(6)(g) - ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, date marking (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed items designated as Time as a Public Health control by the PIC with no observable date marking on the food item containers. PIC was reminded that for items under time as a public health control, prep date and time, along with discard time must be marked on the item. Ready-to-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking

  1. Except when packaging food using a reduced oxygen packaging method, and except as specified in paragraphs 5 and 6 of this subsection, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and held in a food establishment for more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded, when held at a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days. The day of preparation shall be counted as Day 1. Pf

  2. Except as specified in paragraphs 5 through 7 of this subsection, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and packaged by a food processing plant shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened in a food service establishment and if the food is held for more than 24 hours, to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded, when held at a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days after the original container is opened. The day the original container is opened in the food service establishment shall be counted as Day 1, except, the day or date marked by the food service establishment may not exceed a manufacturer’s use by date if the manufacturer determined the use-by date based on food safety; Pf

  3. A refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food ingredient or a portion of a refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is subsequently combined with additional ingredients or portions of food shall retain the date marking of the earliest-prepared or first-prepared ingredient. Pf

  4. A date marking system that meets the criteria stated in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection may include:

(i) Using a method approved by the Health Authority for refrigerated, ready-to-eat time / temperature control for safety food that is frequently rewrapped, such as lunchmeat or a roast, or for which date marking is impractical, such as soft serve mix or milk in a dispensing machine;

(ii) Marking the date or day of preparation, with a procedure to discard the food on or before the last date or day by which the food must be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded;

(iii) Marking the date or day the original container is opened in a food service establishment, with a procedure to discard the food on or before the last date or day by which the food must be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded; or

(iv) Using calendar dates, days of the week, color-coded marks, or other effective marking methods, provided that the marking system is disclosed to the Health Authority upon request.

  1. The requirements in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection do not apply to individual meal portions served or repackaged for sale from a bulk container upon a consumer’s request.

  2. The requirements in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection do not apply to shellstock.

  3. The requirement in paragraph 2 of this subsection does not apply to the following foods prepared and packaged by a food processing plant inspected by a Health Authority:

(i) Deli salads, such as ham salad, seafood salad, chicken salad, egg salad, pasta salad, potato salad, and macaroni salad, manufactured in accordance with 21 CFR 117 Current good manufacturing practice in manufacturing, packing, or holding human food;

(ii) Hard cheeses containing not more than 39% moisture as defined in 21 CFR 133 Cheeses and related cheese products, such as cheddar, gruyere, parmesan and reggiano, and romano;

(iii) Semi-soft cheeses containing more than 39% moisture, but not more than 50% moisture, as defined in 21 CFR 133 Cheeses and related cheese products, such as blue, edam, gorgonzola, gouda, and monterey jack;

(iv) Cultured dairy products as defined in 21 CFR 131 Milk and cream, such as yogurt, sour cream, and buttermilk;

(v) Preserved fish products, such as pickled herring and dried or salted cod, and other acidified fish products defined in 21 CFR 114 Acidified foods;

(vi) Shelf stable, dry fermented sausages, such as pepperoni and Genoa salami; and

(vii) Shelf stable salt-cured products, such as prosciutto and Parma ham.

Aug 7, 2025

Routine

Score: 922 violations

2-2D - adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

Regulation: 511-6-1.06(2)(o) - using a handwashing sink- operation & maintenance (pf)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed dishes placed in the handwashing sink at the time of inspection. Instructed PIC that handwashing sinks may not be used as dish sinks. 511-6-1.06(2)(o) - Using a Handwashing Sink- Operation & maintenance (Pf) (o) Using a Handwashing Sink.

  1. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. Pf

  2. A handwashing facility may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. Pf

  3. An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Pf

4-2A - food stored covered

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv) - packaged & unpackaged food, food stored covered(c)

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed multiple items stored uncovered in the reach in cooler. 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.

Nov 22, 2024

Followup

Score: 972 violations

14C - single-use/single-service articles: properly stored, used

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(6)(r) - single-service/single-use articles, use limitations (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed single use container being improperly reused as a scoop. Single-Service and Single-Use Articles, Use Limitation.

  1. Single-service and single-use articles may not be reused.

  2. The bulk milk container dispensing tube shall be cut on the diagonal leaving no more than one inch protruding from the chilled dispensing head.

17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: Yes

Observed the facility in need of overall general cleaning. Maintenance and Operation. Maintenance and Operation.

(a) Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.

(b) Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions.

  1. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and by methods that prevent contamination of food products.

  2. Except for cleaning that is necessary due to a spill or other accident, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed, such as after closing.

  3. If present, playground equipment and associated areas shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. In addition, a cleaning and sanitizing plan along with cleaning and sanitizing records for playground equipment and associated areas shall be maintained within the food service establishment for review upon request by the Health Authority. Further, such cleaning and sanitizing plan for employees to follow in the event of encountering vomitus or fecal matter shall be included and submitted at the time of permit application as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.02(1)(c). Pf

(a) Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.

(b) Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions.

  1. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and by methods that prevent contamination of food products.

  2. Except for cleaning that is necessary due to a spill or other accident, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed, such as after closing.

  3. If present, playground equipment and associated areas shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. In addition, a cleaning and sanitizing plan along with cleaning and sanitizing records for playground equipment and associated areas shall be maintained within the food service establishment for review upon request by the Health Authority. Further, such cleaning and sanitizing plan for employees to follow in the event of encountering vomitus or fecal matter shall be included and submitted at the time of permit application as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.02(1)(c). Pf Corrective action: Increase frequency of general cleaning.

Oct 25, 2024

Routine

Score: 738 violations

6-1A - proper cold holding temperatures

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(6)(f) - time/temperature control for safety; cold holding (p)

9 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed items in prep top, reach in cooler, and in walk in cooler at temperatures above 41°F. Items were discarded by the PIC. (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.

2-2E - response procedures for vomiting & diarrheal events

Regulation: 511-6-1.03(6) - clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events(pf)

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed no written procedure for responding to vomit and fecal events. Responding To Contamination Events. A food establishment shall have procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events that involve the discharge of vomitus or fecal matter onto surfaces in the food service establishment. The procedures shall address the specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread of contamination and the exposure of employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter. Corrective action: Obtain an approved response procedure for responding to a vomit or fecal event.

4-2A - food stored covered

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv) - packaged & unpackaged food, food stored covered(c)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed multiple items stored uncovered in the refrigerator and reach in cooler. 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.

4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(7)(b) - food contact surfaces and utensils - cleaning frequency (p, c)

4 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed PIC not sanitizing thermometer between uses on raw and cooked animal foods. Items were discarded due to contamination (b) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils.

  1. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned:

(i) Before each use with a different type of raw animal food such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, or poultry. It does not apply if the food-contact surface or utensil is in contact with a succession of different types of raw meat and raw poultry each requiring a higher cooking temperature as specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1.04(5)(a) than the previous type such as preparing raw pork followed by cutting raw poultry on the same cutting board; P

(ii) Each time there is a change from working with raw foods to working with ready-to-eat foods; P

(iii) Between uses with raw fruits and vegetables and with Time/Temperature Control for safety food; P

(iv) Before using or storing a food temperature measuring device; P and

(v) At any time during the operation when contamination may have occurred

10D - food properly labeled; original container

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(d) - food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)

3 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed multiple items not in the original container that was unlabeled Food Storage Containers, Identified with Common Name of Food. Except for containers holding food that can be readily and unmistakably recognized, such as dry pasta, working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages for use in the food establishment, such as cooking oils, flour, herbs, potato flakes, salt, spices, and sugar shall be clearly and legibly identified, in English, with the common name of the food. Corrective action: Label containers with the proper names of the food items.

12A - contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(t) - food preparation (c)

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed prep items near stove top uncovered at the time of inspection. Food Preparation. PIC covered preparation items During preparation, unpackaged food shall be protected from environmental sources of contamination.

15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(1)(a) - materials, general requirements (p, c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: Yes

Observed multiple containers of food that were in use that were not food grade appropriate.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. Corrective action: replace containers with food grade appropriate containers.

17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - good repair, physical facilities maintained; cleaning, frequency & restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: Yes

Observed the facility in need of overall general cleaning. Maintenance and Operation. Maintenance and Operation.

(a) Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.

(b) Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions.

  1. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and by methods that prevent contamination of food products.

  2. Except for cleaning that is necessary due to a spill or other accident, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed, such as after closing.

  3. If present, playground equipment and associated areas shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. In addition, a cleaning and sanitizing plan along with cleaning and sanitizing records for playground equipment and associated areas shall be maintained within the food service establishment for review upon request by the Health Authority. Further, such cleaning and sanitizing plan for employees to follow in the event of encountering vomitus or fecal matter shall be included and submitted at the time of permit application as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.02(1)(c). Pf

(a) Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.

(b) Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions.

  1. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and by methods that prevent contamination of food products.

  2. Except for cleaning that is necessary due to a spill or other accident, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed, such as after closing.

  3. If present, playground equipment and associated areas shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. In addition, a cleaning and sanitizing plan along with cleaning and sanitizing records for playground equipment and associated areas shall be maintained within the food service establishment for review upon request by the Health Authority. Further, such cleaning and sanitizing plan for employees to follow in the event of encountering vomitus or fecal matter shall be included and submitted at the time of permit application as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.02(1)(c). Pf Corrective action: Increase frequency of general cleaning.

Oct 16, 2023

Routine

Score: 916 violations

12D - washing fruits and vegetables

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(g) - washing fruits & vegetables (pf)

3 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: Yes

Observed vegetable sink filled with dirty dishes and not accessible for use. Raw fruits and vegetables shall be washed in a sink designated for that purpose only. Except as specified in paragraphs g2 and 3 of this subsection and except for whole raw fruits and vegetables that are intended for washing by the consumer before consumption, raw fruits and vegetables shall be thoroughly washed in water in a sink designated for that purpose only.

14C - single-use/single-service articles: properly stored, used

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(10)(e)1&3 - single-service/single-use items stored 6" off floor in clean, dry location (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: Yes

Observed single service to go items not stored in original container or other approved method/material. Single service articles shall be kept in the original protective package or stored by using other means that affords protection from contamination.

15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used

Regulation: 511-6-1.05(6)(a) - good repair & proper adjustment (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed hand washing sink and prep top cooler not in good repair or proper adjustment. Equipment shall be maintained in a state of repair and conditions that meets the requirements specified under subsections (1) and (2) of this Rule.

17A - toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, cleaned

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(5)(i) - closing toilet room doors (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed restroom without self closing device on door. Toilet room doors are to be kept closed except during cleaning and maintenance. Except during cleaning and maintenance operations, toilet room doors specified under subsection (2)(l) of this Rule shall be kept closed.

17B - garbage/refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Regulation: 511-6-1.06(5)(k),(l) - storing refuse, recyclables & receptacles; areas, enclosures, & receptacles, good repair (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: Yes

Observed garbage dumpster lid broken. Receptacles shall be maintained in good repair. Storage areas, enclosures and receptacles for refuse , recyclables and returnables shall be maintained in good repair.

17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - good repair, physical facilities maintained; cleaning, frequency & restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: Yes

Observed floors and walls behind fryers / oven beside fryers/oven not clean from oil and food buildup. Clean as often as necessary to keep physical facilities clean. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and by methods that prevent contamination of food products.