Shelby County’s May food scores are in: How did your favorite restaurant fare?

If you are a regular diner or shopper in Shelby County, it is time to take a look at the latest health inspection results. The Alabama Department of Public Health has released its data for May, providing a clear picture of how local restaurants, grocery stores, schools, and even rehabilitation facilities are holding up.

How Shelby County Stacked Up

May saw more than 100 establishments evaluated across the county. You can view the full list of inspections through the state's official food safety database. Out of the 117 scores recorded throughout the month, 16 businesses achieved a perfect score of 100, while the most frequent score reported was 99, earned by 23 different locations.

Examining the Scores

For a detailed breakdown of the recent results, you can review the data here. Most establishments maintained satisfactory compliance, which applies to scores between 85 and 100. However, two businesses fell below that mark in May. Little Caesars in Helena recorded an 86, while New York Pizza and Pasta in Alabaster received the lowest score of the month with an 80.

What the Numbers Mean

According to health department standards, any score between 70 and 84 triggers a mandatory follow-up inspection within 60 days, while a score falling below 60 would result in an immediate closure. These evaluations focus on critical food safety measures, including employee hygiene, proper food handling and storage, pest control, and general facility cleanliness.

Navigating the Data

While other regions, such as Jefferson County, provide a publicly accessible breakdown of specific infractions, Shelby County’s individual violation details are not currently available online. The current statewide database tracks 925 food-related establishments ranging from April 2025 to May 2026.

It is important to remember that if your favorite local spot isn't listed, it could be due to a recent change in ownership, facility renovations, or a lack of a recent inspection. For more information on how these inspections are handled by the Division of Food, Milk, and Lodging, you can visit the Alabama Department of Public Health website. Stay tuned to 205focus.com for continued coverage of our local community news.