A98.5
INDEPENDENCE HIGH
1967 PATRIOT DR, Charlotte, NC 28227
Public School Lunch · NC permit/State ID 2060110042
Latest gradeA (98.5)
Last inspectedSep 18, 2026
Inspections on record35
On record sinceOct 1, 2013
Score history
Oct 1, 2013Higher is betterSep 18, 2026
Inspections & violations
Sep 18, 2026 A 98.5 · 4 violations
#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 tomato topping container above 41F. -CDI- Tomato was pulled from the RIC 30 mins prior per PIC. Tomato was voluntarily discarded.
Ensure cold holding at 41F or 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 .
#31 · Water and ice from approved source −1
Corrected during inspection
5-102.12 (B) NonDrinking Water shall be used only for nonculinary purposes such as air conditioning, nonFood equipment cooling, and fire protection. -P- Observed food employees placing soiled dishware into the air gap drain of the 3-comp sink on the floor beneath the 3-comp to use the flowing grey water through the air gap piping to pre-rinse dishware. -CDI- PIC educated food employee that this is not an approved pre-rinse method, and food employee moved dishware to 3-comp sink for proper W/R/S.
#41 · Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
3-304.14(B) Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. Observed wet wiping cloths resting in the center compartment of the 3-comp sink with no water or sanitizer in it. Ensure that in use wiping cloths are stored in sanitizer between uses.
#54 · Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained −0.5
Repeat violation
5-501.113(B) Keep dumpster, outside waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors. Observed 2 dumpster doors open when EHS went outside to observe the dumpster area. Ensure that all dumpster doors are closed when not in use.
Mar 23, 2026 A 99 · 3 violations
#33 · Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control −0.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans, large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. -Pf- Observed salads in the process of cooling in the Stand Up RIC’s. Salads were closed with lids on. EHS and PIC opened the stand up RIC, and the PIC gathered food employees and told them that salads should cool in the WIC and be open and vented, rather than closed and lidded in the stand up RIC’s. -CDI- Food employees opened all lids and placed in the WIC to cool.
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 Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU .
#54 · Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
5-501.113(B) Keep dumpster, outside waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors. Observed one dumpster door open when EHS went outside to observe the dumpster area. Ensure that all dumpster doors are closed when not in use.
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean −0.5
6-501.11 Floors, walls, and ceilings including the attachments such as soap and towel dispensers; light fixtures; and heat/ac vents shall be maintained in good repair.
Observed soap dispenser at the hand sink adjacent to the dry storage area completely detached from the wall and resting a top the paper towel dispenser. Ensure that the soap dispenser is properly attached to the wall. PIC stated that a work order has been placed for the soap dispenser.
Dec 4, 2025 A 99 · 2 violations
#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals −1
6-501.112 Remove dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed one floor sticky trap in the dry storage room with a large presence of dead cockroaches and other insects. Observed sticky traps in office with buildup of insects and cockroaches.
6-501.111 Keep the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed one live German Cockroach on floor of facility by the ovens.
Ensure facility is free from all insects and pests. Ensure all trapped insects are removed from the facility as needed.
#54 · Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
5-501.114 Drains in dumpsters and waste containers shall have drain plugs in place. Observed dumpster in the dumpster area that is missing a drain plug. Ensure all dumpsters have a drain plug in place.
Sep 3, 2025 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
May 14, 2025 A 99.5 · 2 violations
#21 · Proper hot holding temperatures
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(1) Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. -P -Observed pork rib sandwiches holding below 135F. -CDI- PIC reheated rib sandwiches to at least 165F within 30 minutes.
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 .
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean −0.5
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 dark buildup on floor behind 3-compartment sink, in need of cleaning.
Feb 18, 2025 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Sep 11, 2024 A 99 · 2 violations
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
4-501.11 Maintain equipment in good repair. Observed trays in dry storage area chipping. Replace trays.
#51 · Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices −1
5-205.15 Maintain a plumbing system in good repair. Observed leak under 3 comp sink. Get fixed.
May 8, 2024 A 98.5 · 2 violations
#21 · Proper hot holding temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(1) Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. -P Observed tacos in steam table 2 and trays of hamburgers/ cheese burgers in hot box 2. CDI- Tacos discarded. All burgers were reheated to 165F.
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 Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#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 wall at handwashing sink near the restroom in need of cleaning.
Feb 20, 2024 A 95.5 · 3 violations
#21 · Proper hot holding temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(1) Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135 F or above. - P. Observed trays of cheeseburgers being hot held < 135 F degrees. Refer to temperature observation chart. According to PIC and staff present, the burger meat had been commercially re-heated in the oven, removed to be assembled and then placed into hot cabinet at 8:15 AM. CDI - Products re-heated to greater than 165 degrees F. EHS and PIC discussed about assembling smaller batches and adding cheese to burger meat while in the oven. -1.5-
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 Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ.
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −3
Repeat violation
REPEAT: 3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41 F or less. - P. Observed 2 door reach-in unit holding non-TCS and TCS foods at 45 F. Ambient temperature inside of the unit recorded at 48 F. Staff advised to not utilize unit until repairs are completed. PIC has submitted a request for repairs. VR REQUIRED. -3-
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 Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ.
#33 · Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Corrected during inspection
3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans, large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. - Pf. Observed lettuce prepared today actively cooling and wrapped in plastic in reach-in unit. CDI - Education provided, plastic wrap removed and product transferred to the walk-in cooler to allow for rapid cooling. -0-
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 Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU.
Oct 12, 2023 A 97.5 · 2 violations
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41 F or less. - P. Observed pinwheels at 44 F inside of reach-in unit. Also observed milk cold held between 42-56 F inside of the milk boxes. Milk boxes kept open during lunch services. Several were reading < 41 F at the bottom of the stack. Refer to temperature chart. CDI - Pinwheels were voluntarily discarded and PIC transferred milk products > 41 F to walk-in cooler to cool down towards < 41 F. -1.5-
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 Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ.
#41 · Wiping cloths: properly used & stored −1
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
REPEAT: 3-304.14(B) Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. Observed wiping cloths held inside sanitizer concentration of < 50 ppm quat. CDI - Solution was discarded and refilled to proper concentration of 200 ppm. -1-
May 18, 2023 A 99 · 4 violations
#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals
6-501.111 Keep the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed one live cockroach near the employee bathroom. Facility has pest control that comes monthly and stated that the pest company was was on site 2 weeks prior.
#41 · Wiping cloths: properly used & stored −0.5
Corrected during inspection
3-304.14(B) Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. Observed sanitizer bucket at 50ppm quat. CDI: bucket was refilled to proper concentration.
#44 · Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled −0.5
4-901.11(A) Air dry equipment and utensils after cleaning and sanitizing. Observed a few wet stacked pans stored as clean.
#54 · Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
5-501.115 Discard items and litter stored in the waste areas and enclosures as they are not necessary to operation and maintenance. Observed old school equipment piled up in waste area. PIC stated that this occurs periodically and then items are cleaned up and removed (approximately every 6 weeks). Ensure bulk items that could act as harborage for pests are removed at a frequency to not create such harborage.
Feb 9, 2023 A 96.5 · 6 violations
#10 · Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible
Corrected during inspection
5-205.11 (B) A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing Pf. - Observed ice dumped in hand washing sink. CDI.
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized −1.5
Corrected during inspection
4-501.114 Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize. -P - Observed quart sanitizer testing 100ppm while ware washing at 3 compartment sink. CDI, sanitizer refilled to required concentration.
For more information please visit: http://meck.co/FoodSafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg and How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY
#21 · Proper hot holding temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(1) Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. -P - Obsrved chicken strips hot held at 130 degrees F. CDI, chicken reheated to greater than 165 degrees F. See temperature observation chart.
For more information, please visit: http://meck.co/FoodSafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#35 · Approved thawing methods used
Corrected during inspection
3-501.13 (A), (B), (C ) Use approved thawing methods. Pf - Observed vegetables thawing in hot hold cabinet. CDI, foods transferred to walk in cooler to thaw under refrigeration.
#53 · Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied & cleaned
6-501.18 Maintain handwashing sinks, toilets and urinals clean. Observed 1 toilet flushing mechanism broken not functioning per operator and out of order. Repair flushing mechanism.
#54 · Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained −0.5
5-501.113(B) Keep dumpster, outside waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors. Observed dumpster doors left open.
5-501.114 Drains in dumpsters and waste containers shall have drain plugs in place. Observed several missing drain plugs and broken drain plug on dumpster.
Oct 21, 2022 A 99.5 · 2 violations
#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals
6-501.112 Remove dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, and other pests. - Observed dead insects in multiple traps throughout facility. Change out traps as often as needed to ensure timely remove of pests.
#48 · Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips −0.5
Corrected during inspection
4-501.19 During manual warewashing, maintain the wash solution at a minimum of 110F or as otherwise allowed by the detergent manufacturer label. -Pf - Observed wash solution at 91F during active washing at three compartment sink. Detergent manufacturer label indicates minimum water temperature of 110F. - CDI - PIC emptied wash bay and refilled with water above 110F.
Apr 29, 2022 A 99 · 3 violations
#15 · Food separated & protected
Corrected during inspection
3-302.11(A)(8) Separate unwashed produce from ready-to-eat foods. For more information on food storage order please visit: http://meck.co/FoodSafety; Observed box of unwashed lettuce stored above covered container of washed lettuce in walk-in cooler. CDI. Box of unwashed lettuce was relocated below washed. Education provided and zero point deduction today.
#33 · Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Corrected during inspection
3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans, large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. -Pf For more information please visit: http://meck.co/FoodSafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU. Observed lettuce prepared today actively cooling and wrapped in plastic in walk-in cooler. CDI. Education provided and plastic wrap removed to allow for rapid cooling. Zero point deduction.
#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals −1
6-202.16 Perimeter walls and roofs shall effectively protect the establishment from the weather and entry of insects or pests. Observed door sweep coming unattached from door to dumpster area. Repair needed.
Feb 7, 2022 A 97.5 · 4 violations
#5 · Procedures for responding to vomiting & diarrheal events
Corrected during inspection
2-501.11 A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. -Pf For more information please visit: http://meck.co/FoodSafety - No vomit and diarrhea clean up plan in place at time of inspection. Due to this being the establishment's first inspection since the adoption of the new food code, no point deduction. CDI - EHS explained need for plan to PIC. EHS provided copies of written procedures and educational poster. Kit will be in place by next inspection.
#8 · Hands clean & properly washed −2
Corrected during inspection
2-301.14 (F) Wash hands during food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination, and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks. -P - Employee observed removing cloth from sanitizer bucket with gloved hands and then moving trays of food from serving line with sanitizer cloth in hand and without washing hands and changing gloves. Gloves must be changed and hands must be washed between sanitizing surfaces and handling food. Do not place sanitizer cloth close to food so that contamination does not occur. CDI - EHS explained issue to PIC. PIC educated employee on when to wash hands. Employee washed hands and changed gloves.
#28 · Toxic substances properly identified stored & used
Corrected during inspection
7-201.11 Store toxic materials to avoid contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service/use items. -P - Observed spray bottle of disinfectant stored on 3 compartment sink drainboard. Do not store chemicals on sink. Also observed sanitizer bucket stored on shelf with clean dish trays. Store chemicals away from food contact surfaces. CDI - PIC moved chemicals.
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean −0.5
6-501.11 Floors, walls, and ceilings including the attachments such as soap and towel dispensers; light fixtures; and heat/ac vents shall be maintained in good repair. - Observed damaged tile at entry of walk in freezer near women's bathroom in kitchen. PIC stated a work order has already been placed to fix the floor damage and that the school is waiting for the floor company to come install the new tile.
Sep 1, 2021 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Feb 23, 2021 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Sep 13, 2019 A 97 · 3 violations
#14 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized −1.5
Corrected during inspection
4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf Observed can opener blade soiled with food accumulation. CDI. Can opener sent to dish area to be cleaned.
#21 · Proper date marking and 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 Tossed salads prepared morning prior to inspection in walk-in cooler lacking proper date marking. CDI. Salads dated.
#39 · Wiping cloths: properly used and stored
3-304.14(E) Store sanitizer containers used for wet wiping cloths off the floor. Observed one bucket of sanitizer containing wet wiping cloths on floor.
May 21, 2019 A 99 · details not yet loaded
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Jan 30, 2019 A 98 · details not yet loaded
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Oct 3, 2018 A 98 · details not yet loaded
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May 1, 2018 A 98 · details not yet loaded
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Feb 23, 2018 A 98.5 · details not yet loaded
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Oct 24, 2017 A 97.5 · details not yet loaded
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May 3, 2017 A 97.5 · details not yet loaded
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Jan 17, 2017 A 97 · details not yet loaded
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Jul 13, 2016 A 97 · details not yet loaded
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May 6, 2016 A 98 · details not yet loaded
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Jan 29, 2016 A 97.5 · details not yet loaded
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Sep 10, 2015 A 96.5 · details not yet loaded
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Jul 16, 2015 A 90.5 · details not yet loaded
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May 5, 2015 A 98.5 · details not yet loaded
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Dec 12, 2014 A 98.5 · details not yet loaded
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Apr 3, 2014 A 96 · details not yet loaded
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Oct 1, 2013 A 99 · details not yet loaded
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Source: Mecklenburg County Public Health – Environmental Health public inspection portal (search for “INDEPENDENCE HIGH” or State ID 2060110042). Inspection type (routine vs. follow-up) is not published in the county's data.