Mold, pests, unwashed hands: Jefferson County’s worst May 2026 health inspection scores

In May 2026, 16 food establishments across Jefferson County received health inspection scores of 84 or lower. Records from the Jefferson County Health Department indicate that inspectors identified various sanitation challenges, ranging from pest issues and improper chemical storage to lapses in handwashing protocols and temperature regulation.

According to safety guidelines, any restaurant scoring below 85 must undergo a follow-up inspection within 60 days. Establishments that fall to a 60 or lower are required to suspend operations immediately until health risks are successfully mitigated. 205focus.com has compiled the list of the lowest scores from the month of May below, ordered from highest to lowest.

Jefferson County May 2026 Health Inspection Results

Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Cooking (1917 Hoover Ct., Hoover)

Score: 84 (May 13)
Inspectors found improperly dated cooked proteins in the freezer and noted that bean sprouts and cabbage were left out at room temperature. Additionally, duck blood and cooked pork were recorded at unsafe temperatures (45-49 degrees), and the facility floor showed signs of grime and debris.

Subway (643 Pleasant Grove Rd., Pleasant Grove)

Score: 84 (May 20)
This location was cited for gnats throughout the building, food residue on purportedly clean pans, and staff members failing to wash their hands before donning gloves.

Los Arcos VIII (7001 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham)

Score: 83 (May 5)
The restaurant was ordered to clean mold residue from its ice machine. Inspectors also noted that staff were using soiled towels to dry hands and gloves, and diced pork was found held at an unsafe 52 degrees.

Applebee’s (2246 Bessemer Rd., Birmingham)

Score: 82 (May 19)
Health officials observed food debris and black residue in floor drains, stains on walls, and improper storage of lemons and limes under a dirty shelf. Furthermore, staff were seen handling food without gloves while sporting long fingernails.

Vineyard Food Market (1623 2nd Ave. North, Birmingham)

Score: 82 (May 15)
This establishment had multiple instances of toxic items stored near food service areas, including one inside the ice machine. Inspectors also found the hand sink blocked by a bicycle and shelving, and noted the presence of flies.

The Grocery Brew Pub (2823 Central Ave., Birmingham)

Score: 82 (May 14)
Water at the bar and employee restroom hand sinks only reached 71 degrees, failing the 100-degree requirement. The establishment also lacked required food safety training documentation.

Gardens Cafe (2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham)

Score: 82 (May 14)
Employees were observed failing to wash hands after cell phone use, and the dish machine lacked sufficient chlorine sanitizer. Several food items were found past their seven-day discard limit.

Graysville 78 (1435 Bankhead Hwy., Graysville)

Score: 82 (May 12)
The inspector noted residue inside the ice machine and on drink nozzles, as well as a lack of thermometers for food and sanitizer testing. The facility was later re-inspected on May 15 and earned a 96.

The Crab Barrack (7861 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham)

Score: 81 (May 7)
Issues included a damaged backflow prevention device at the mop sink, missing date marks on cooked chicken wings, and a need for improved cleaning of beverage nozzles.

Mt. Olive Grocery (3340 Mt. Olive Rd., Mount Olive)

Score: 81 (May 1)
Chicken wings were measured at an unsafe 83 degrees. The facility also had structural issues, including holes in walls and missing soap at hand sinks. A follow-up inspection on May 15 improved the score to 86.

Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ (220 Oxmoor Rd., Birmingham)

Score: 80 (May 19)
The restaurant was instructed to repair its dish machine and was cited for the presence of gnats and fruit flies. Additionally, food safety training for handlers is required.

Half Shell Oyster House at Trussville (218 Main St., Trussville)

Score: 80 (May 12)
Inspectors found several food items at temperatures between 46 and 54 degrees and observed heavy limescale and black residue buildup on equipment. Shell stock tags were also not being properly maintained.

7 Brew Coffee (5982 Chalkville Rd., Trussville)

Score: 80 (May 8)
Milk was found stored at temperatures up to 52 degrees. The establishment also lacked a verified employee health policy and improperly stored chemical spray bottles.

The Local (633 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia Hills)

Score: 78 (May 12)
Inspectors noted black residue on cooler gaskets, food debris throughout the kitchen and bar, and multiple food items—including chicken and tomatoes—stored at unsafe temperatures.

The Grocery Brew Pub - Mobile Food Unit (2823 Central Ave., Birmingham)

Score: 76 (May 14)
In a significant violation, the unit was operating without pressurized water for handwashing and lacked a sanitary plan for wastewater disposal.

Cajun Steamer Bar & Grill (5071 Pinnacle Sq., Trussville)

Score: 72 (May 5)
Inspectors discovered a clogged drain causing water backup, expired date marks on noodles, and several employees without the required food handler cards.