McRae-Helena, Telfair County

Southern Star Grill

153 E OAK ST MC RAE, GA 31055

Food
Latest score
91
Jun 9, 2026
City
McRae-Helena
County
Telfair
Inspections
6

Score history

Inspection scores over time for this facility.

Inspection history

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

Jun 9, 2026

Routine

Score: 911 violation

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

TCS foods in the walk-in cooler observed at 47-48F. The PIC was able to provide proof that they had two delivery trucks back to back causing the temperature increase in the last two hours. The walk-in cooler appears to be function properly. CA: 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). COS: PIC dropped the temperature in the walk-in cooler; allowing the food to cool down quickly.

Oct 30, 2025

Routine

Score: 983 violations

14A - in-use utensils: properly stored

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(k) - in-use utensils, between-use storage (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed utensils in the kitchen and drink preparation area stored in water between 70°F and 90°F. Observed utensils stored on top of food in the prep cooler. CA: In-use utensils stored in water must be maintained at 135°F or above, or stored dry, in the food with handles above the top, or under running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates. Improper utensil storage temperatures can allow bacterial growth and contamination of food-contact surfaces.

17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(2)(a) - floor, walls, & ceilings, cleanability (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Walls in the kitchen damaged near the ice machine and the back of the 3-campartment sink. Walls must be smooth and easily cleanable.

17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(4)(b) - designated areas for employee activity, located to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, & single service articles (c)

1 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed vape device stored on box on canola oil. Personal items must be stored in a designated location away from food preparation and storage.

Jun 3, 2025

Routine

Score: 961 violation

5-2 - consumer advisory provided for raw and undercooked foods

Regulation: 511-6-1-.04(7)(e) - consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked

4 ptsCorrected: NoRepeat: No

Observed that menu items offered undercooked or raw (e.g., new york strip, grilled salmon, rib eye, etc.) were not properly asterisked to the consumer advisory located at the bottom of the menu. This does not meet the requirements of the Georgia Food Code [511-6-1-.04(3)(a)] regarding consumer advisories for raw or undercooked animal-derived foods.

Food items that are served raw or undercooked must be clearly marked (e.g., with an asterisk) and linked to a footnote containing an appropriate consumer advisory. Failure to properly disclose and remind customers of the potential health risks constitutes a violation.

Corrective Action: Menu will be updated to ensure all applicable food items are properly asterisked and linked to the consumer advisory statement. Provide verification upon reinspection.

Dec 10, 2024

Routine

Score: 911 violation

4-1A - food separated and protected

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii) - packaged & unpackaged food separation, packaging, and segregation (p, c)

9 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed raw animal food (ground beef) stored over ready-to-eat food (ribs). Raw animal products must be stored in a way to prevent overhead contamination. COS - Ground beef removed at time of inspection.

May 14, 2024

Routine

Score: 843 violations

5-1B - proper reheating procedures for hot holding

Regulation: 511-6-1.04(5)(h) - reheating for hot holding (p)

9 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Reheated food (beef and vegetable soup) for hot holding not reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. COS - Soup discarded and went over reheating procedures with the CFSM.

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: YesRepeat: Yes

Observed prepared container of ready-to-eat potentially hazardous food (coleslaw and ribs) that does not bear a consume/sell by date/label. COS - Person-in-charge was able to prove food was prepared on Friday and labeled the food during the inspection.

17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used

Regulation: 511-6-1.07(4)(b) - designated areas for employee activity, located to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, & single service articles (c)

1 ptsCorrected: YesRepeat: No

Observed personal item (cellphone) stored with food on a food preparation table. COS - Cellphone removed and the table sanitized.

Nov 21, 2023

Routine

Score: 941 violation

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: YesRepeat: Yes

Observed opened/prepared packages of ready-to-eat potentially hazardous food (ham) that does not bear a datemark. COS - Ham dated by the PIC.