Roaches were discovered on meals at a Charlotte restaurant, prompting its closure. Latest inspections

Soma Bistro Curry N Cake (2015 E. Arbors Dr., Charlotte) earned a rare “C” grade (71%) on Feb. 11, leading to an immediate shutdown. Inspectors found roaches crawling on clean pans, under a microwave, in light fixtures, and on walls—plus issues like dirty knives, unlabeled spices, food on floors, and improper employee handling of raw eggs. This dropped from their 81.5% score just a week earlier on Feb. 4. It’s unclear if they’ve reopened, but NC law revokes permits below 70%.

Other Recent B-Grade Restaurants

During late Jan.-early Feb., most spots scored A’s (90%+), but six hit B’s (80-89.9%). Quick rundown:

• Luisas Brick Oven Pizzeria (1730 Abbey Pl.): 85% on Feb. 12 (16 violations, e.g., no hair restraints, rusty surfaces). Prior: 86.5%.
• Yakiko (710 W. Trade St.): 86.5% on Feb. 11 (12 violations, e.g., unattended raw beef, floor-stored food). Prior: 89.5%.
• Baku (4515 Sharon Rd.): 85% on Feb. 10 (11 violations, e.g., bare-hand sushi prep, rusty shelves). Prior: 91%.
• Char Bar No. 7 (3118 Fincher Farm Rd.): 88% on Feb. 10 (10 violations, e.g., raw tuna over ready-to-eat food). Prior: 92.5%.
• New Century Oriental Deli (4500 N. Tryon St.): 87.5% on Feb. 10 (11 violations, e.g., dead bugs, jewelry on staff). Prior: 86.5%.
• Los Reyes Deli and Meat Market (4416 Central Ave.): 89% on Feb. 9 (12 violations, e.g., floor-stored filling, no hair restraints). Prior: 87%.

Most B violations got fixed on-site.

Common Violations and Prevention Tips

Local expert Adam Dietrich highlights repeat offenders:

• Handwashing skips: Wash 20 seconds after raw handling to block norovirus/Salmonella.
• Glove misuse: Change between tasks; gloves aren’t a handwash substitute.
• Temp control: Keep cold foods ≤41°F (${41}^{\circ }\text{F}$41∘F) to halt bacterial growth.
• Cross-contamination: Store raw meats below ready-to-eat items.
• No training: Staff need certs in hygiene/allergens.

How to Check Scores Yourself

Search Mecklenburg inspections at public.cdpehs.com. Grades (A: 90%+, B: 80-89.9%, C: <80%) reflect foodborne illness risks—post the card visibly per NC rules.

Planning a visit to Charlotte eateries or tracking local health news? Let me know how else I can help, like pulling scores for specific spots.

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