A92.5
APPETITE EUROPEAN MARKET & CATERING
1544 MATTHEWS-MINT HILL RD, STE F, Matthews, NC 28105
Restaurant · NC permit/State ID 20600111335
Latest gradeA (92.5)
Last inspectedOct 12, 2026
Inspections on record5
On record sinceJun 5, 2025
Score history
Jun 5, 2025Higher is betterOct 12, 2026
Inspections & violations
Oct 12, 2026 A 92.5 · 10 violations
#8 · Hands clean & properly washed −2
Corrected during inspection
2-301.14 Wash hands before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single service and single use articles. -P. Observed employee used EarPods, went directly to food prep without Eagan’s hands. CDI. Education was provided on when to wash. Employee rewashed hands.
#15 · Food separated & protected −3
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
3-302.11 (A)(2) Separate types of raw animal foods from each other such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, and poultry during storage, preparation, holding, and display. -P. Observed raw beef stored directly in the same place as raw chicken. CDI. PIC separated the food items. Store food items to avoid contamination.
repeat.
For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized −1.5
Follow-up verification required
4-501.114 Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize. -P. Observed sanitizer at 3 comp sink to be at 0ppm. Dishes sanitized earlier will be rewashed and sanitized. Facility will manually add sanitizer until unit is repaired.
Will be back in 3 days to check on the unit.
For more information please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg and How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P. Observed mushroom in WI from last 3 days at 51F. CDI. PIC voluntarily discarded.
*** facility has improved on temperature controls.
For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals −1
6-501.111 Keep the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed live roaches and multiple fruit flies, flying around in the kitchen and lighting on food context services.
Visit will be done. To check on treatment.
6-202.15 Protect outer openings of establishment from insect or rodent entry. Observed back door net damaged during inspection. Needs to be fixed.
#39 · Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
3-305.11 Store food in a clean, dry location, not exposed to contamination. Keep at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed food items stored on shelves that are less than 6 inches above. The floor.
#45 · Single-use & single-service articles: properly stored & used
4-903.11(A)(C) Store single-use and single-service articles in a clean, dry location; where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed single use cups and dishes stored directly on the floor.
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
4-501.11 Maintain equipment in good repair. Observed leaks on the floor from cooler infront by the entrance to the kitchen.
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
6-501.12 Floors, walls, ceilings including the attachments such as soap, towel dispensers; light fixtures; and heat/ac vent covers shall be clean. Caution should be used to minimize food exposure. Observed cleaning needed on floors under equipments.
#56 · Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used
6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions. Observed multiple employee items stored by customer food.
Jun 24, 2026 A 96.5 · 5 violations
#2 · Certified Food Protection Manager −1
Repeat violation
2-102.12 (A) PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. Observed no CFPM in the facility during inspection. Repeat
For more information on becoming a certified food protection manager please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety
#15 · Food separated & protected −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-302.11 (A)(4) Except when the food is being cooled, store food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings. Observed multiple food items in the WI without covers, after cooling process has been completed.
3-302.11 (A)(2) Separate types of raw animal foods from each other such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, and poultry during storage, preparation, holding, and display. -P. Observed raw beef stored directly in the same place as raw chicken. CDI. PIC separated the food items. Store food items to avoid contamination.
For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
#28 · Toxic substances properly identified stored & used −1
Corrected during inspection
7-201.11 Store toxic materials to avoid contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service/use items. -P observed hand soap stored on food preparation table instead of that hand wash sink. CDI removed.
#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals
6-501.111 Keep the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed multiple flies, flying around in the kitchen and lighting on food context services.
#40 · Personal cleanliness
2-303.11 Remove jewelry on hands and arms while preparing food. A plain ring, such as a wedding band, is allowed. Observed employees wearing wrist jewelry while working with food.
2-402.11 Use head coverings, beard guards and clothing to restrain body hair from contacting exposed food, equipment, and utensils. Observed employees working with food without hair covers.
Feb 23, 2026 A 95.5 · 5 violations
#2 · Certified Food Protection Manager −1
Repeat violation
2-102.12 (A) PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. Observed no CFPM in the facility during inspection. Repeat
For more information on becoming a certified food protection manager please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety
#15 · Food separated & protected
3-302.11 (A)(4) Except when the food is being cooled, store food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings. Observed multiple food items in the WI without covers, after cooling process has been completed.
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −3
Repeat violationFollow-up verification required
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P. Observed all the items in the display case at temperatures above 41F. PIC indicated that the food items were taken out an hour ago. PIC agreed to hold the food on time for the remaining 3 hours. Unit is placed out of service.
Will be back tomorrow to check on the unit.
For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used −0.5
Repeat violation
4-501.11 Maintain equipment in good repair. Observed display case unable to hold temperatures. Repeat
#56 · Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used
6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions. Observed multiple employee items stored by customer food.
Oct 1, 2025 A 96 · 5 violations
#2 · Certified Food Protection Manager
2-102.12 (A) PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. Observed no CFPM in the facility during inspection.
For more information on becoming a certified food protection manager please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P. Observed all the items in the display case at temperatures above 41F. CDI. PIC indicated that the food items were taken out an hour ago. PIC agreed to hold the food on time for the remaining 3 hours. PIC have decided to use the unit for non TCS food items and move items to the other display case that was 37F and below.
For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#23 · Proper date marking & disposition −1.5
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
3-501.17 (A) or (B) Date mark/label all TCS foods that are ready-to-eat once opened or prepared and are to be held for more than 24 hours. -Pf. Establish a date marking system consistent with 3-501.17 (A) or (B). Additional date marking system options are found in 3-501.17 (D).
For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs .
3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it has not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. -P The PIC should train and assign staff to monitor date marking to prevent the use of food products that are no longer in compliance with 3-501.17 (A), (B), or (C)
Observed items in the RI coolers without dates. Cdi. Pic dated and indicated that they were opened yesterday.
**** there was improvement on date marking.
For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs .
#40 · Personal cleanliness
2-303.11 Remove jewelry on hands and arms while preparing food. A plain ring, such as a wedding band, is allowed. Observed employees wearing wrist jewelry while working with food.
2-402.11 Use head coverings, beard guards and clothing to restrain body hair from contacting exposed food, equipment, and utensils. Observed employees working with food without hair covers.
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used −1
Repeat violation
4-101.11 (A) - (E ) Food contact surfaces shall be (A) Safe P, (B) Durable, Corrosion-Resistant, (C ) sufficient in weight and thickness to withstand repeated washing (D) Smooth and easily cleanable, and (E) Resistant to damage. Observed facility using multiple utensils that are residential, non-commercial or non-NSF.
4-501.11 Maintain equipment in good repair. Observed one of the display cases in disrepair. Repeat
Jun 5, 2025 A 90 · 11 violations
Inspector comments: SIGNIFICANT LANGUAGE BARRIER. RECOMMEND INCLUDING RUSSIAN TRANSLATOR FOR NEXT INSPECTION.
#8 · Hands clean & properly washed −2
Corrected during inspection
2-301.15 Only wash hands in handwashing sink. -PF observed only food employee wash hands in the food preparation sink where he was cutting potatoes with one glove on CDIEHS coach through translator
#15 · Food separated & protected −1.5
3-302.11(A)(1) Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods and washed/unwashed fruits and vegetables. -P observed raw animal food, minced stored in Ziploc bag over frozen raspberries in reach in freezer. Also observed coffin style freezer with raw and ready to eat foods vr for reorganization.
For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
#23 · Proper date marking & disposition −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.17 Date mark/label all TCS foods that are ready-to-eat once opened or prepared and held more than 24hrs. -Pf observed multiple cooked foods both meat and plant that were cooked before today and not date marked with today’s date. Cdi- EHS coached with help of translator.
For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs .
#28 · Toxic substances properly identified stored & used −1
Corrected during inspection
7-201.11 Store toxic materials to avoid contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service/use items. -P observed hand soap stored on food preparation table instead of that hand wash sink. CDI removed.
#29 · Compliance with variance, specialized process, reduced oxygen packaging criteria or HACCP plan −1
Corrected during inspection
3-502.12 Obtain Health Dept approval for the HACCP plan required for on site reduced oxygen packaging. -P/Pf observed reduced oxygen packaged foods frozen and reach in freezer. PIC admitted through translato that they had vacuum packed the food.cdi-food to be discarded any vacuum packaging equipment to be removed from premises and or make application for reduce oxygen packaging through the Mecklenburg County health department
#37 · Food properly labeled: original container
Corrected during inspection
3-302.12 Label all working containers of food (oils, spices, salts, flour, sugar) except food that is easy to identify such as dry pasta. Observed some unlabeled granular foods
#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals −1
6-501.111 Keep the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed multiple flies, flying around in the kitchen and lighting on food context services.
#39 · Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display −1
3-305.11 Store food in a clean, dry location, not exposed to contamination. Keep at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed multiple food, stored on the floor throughout the kitchen and the walk-in cooler in particular to open pots of food sitting on cardboard on the floor in the walk-in cooler.
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used −0.5
Corrected during inspection
4-101.11 (A) - (E ) Food contact surfaces shall be (A) Safe P, (B) Durable, Corrosion-Resistant, (C ) sufficient in weight and thickness to withstand repeated washing (D) Smooth and easily cleanable, and (E) Resistant to damage. Observed facility using multiple utensils that are residential, non-commercial or non-NSF.
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Corrected during inspection
6-101.11/6-201.11 Floors, walls and ceilings shall be designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Floors shall be non-absorbent in areas subject to moisture. Observed food preparation existing behind front display case and ceiling has acoustic tiles and not washable vinyl tiles PIC to have these replaced or remove food preparation to the kitchen.
#56 · Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used −0.5
6-303.11 Provide required lighting intensity. facility has insufficient, lighting throughout the kitchen and walking cooler.
Source: Mecklenburg County Public Health – Environmental Health public inspection portal (search for “APPETITE EUROPEAN MARKET & CATERING” or State ID 20600111335). Inspection type (routine vs. follow-up) is not published in the county's data.