DESOTO COUNTY, MS (abc24.com) - If you're looking for a good place to eat in DeSoto County, the health department recently flagged five restaurants.
A "C" is the worst rating a business can get without being shut down. It means there are violations not corrected during the inspector's visit that could lead to food contamination or a health risk.
The businesses receiving C's in this latest inspection range from fast food joints to a gas station and even a grocery store.
"Just a terrible day in general," says Joe Raffanti. "Everything seemed to be falling apart."
Raffanti manages the new Dixie Queen off Pepperchase Drive in Southaven. It's been open a month and received a "C" in its second health inspection.
"The building's old. It's been sitting here and when she came in it just so happened the roof was leaking," he tells abc24.com. "Then the walk in cooler just so happened to go out all at once when she was here. We had to get the "C" cause she had to come back."
Four other businesses in Southaven got a "C" since November 21st.
Another Dixie Queen, this one off Goodman Road in Horn Lake, was cited for not having adequate hand washing areas and not keeping surfaces sanitized. It's the business' fourth C in two years.
Mangers say the problems had to do with a rag left on the counter and some standing water in one of the sinks.
The Taco Bell just down the road in Horn Lake also got a "C" for problems with its food temperature and employee hand washing.
"I don't pay attention much to the stickers. I just pay attention to their service," says Gary Laird, a Taco Bell customer.
Kroger shoppers at the store off Interstate Drive were surprised at its Deli and Bakery's first "C" rating.
"I buy groceries here all the time," says Ernie Bradley. "I've never seen any problems with it."
The store's citations sound serious. Insects, rodents and animals were present and sewage waste water wasn't properly disposed. Workers say one of the freezers was leaking and they had fruit flies that day.
"I hate they got the bad inspection, but I'm sure those things will be taken care of," says Sherry Green. "And I don't have anything to do with Kroger."
The Norma Market in the BP Gas Station off Stateline Road in Southaven was cited for operating without the proper permit. Managers say that paperwork is being cleared up right now.
Health inspectors perform a follow up visit within 10 days of a "C" rating to make sure the problems are fixed. All of the business have been upgraded to at least a "B".
The health department does these inspections at least twice a year.
