A99.5
MATTHEWS ELEMENTARY
200 E MCDOWELL ST, Matthews, NC 28105
Public School Lunch · NC permit/State ID 2060110053
Latest gradeA (99.5)
Last inspectedSep 10, 2026
Inspections on record46
On record sinceAug 28, 2013
Score history
Mar 12, 2015Higher is betterSep 10, 2026
Inspections & violations
Sep 10, 2026 A 99.5 · 2 violations
Inspector comments: EHS and PIC observed EHS’ personal CO monitor and the facility’s CO wall monitor alerting PIC and EHS to high CO levels ranging from 35-55PPM during inspection while PIC was running the dish machine. PIC stopped using the dish machine and alerted the facility supervisor and principal of the CMS School. The principal initiated evacuation during the inspection and called the fire department. The fire department arrived for a walk-through and the Fire Marshall indicated to EHS they were receiving 0PPM during their walk-through. It is noted at this time that the fans were running and the dish machine was no longer in use. Fire Marshall allowed the facility to resume operation while EHS was on-site. The facility supervisor indicated they had employees on the roof checking the ventilation leading to the dish machine. It was determined that a belt was broken and replaced, as well as placement of a new wall CO monitor. Facility supervisor indicated they could use the dish machine after the belt had been replaced. EHS and PIC ran dish machine and ensured working ventilation and proper sanitization.
#54 · Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
5-501.111 Keep storage areas and bins for waste in good repair.
Observed one of the two dumpsters missing the door completely and the second dumpsters doors were observed ajar.
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean −0.5
Corrected during inspection
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 ventilation in ware washing area to not be effectively working. EHS personal CO monitor as well as facility’s wall CO monitor alerted EHS and PIC to high levels of CO2 35-55PPM range. PIC immediately stopped running dish machine and CO levels began falling to safe levels. PIC and principal of CMS school facilitated evacuation and called fire department during inspection. See general comment for further explanation. CDI - Facility crew identified and replaced broken belt for ventilation leading to dish machine. Ventilation was observed to be working while EHS was on-site.
Apr 21, 2026 A 99 · 1 violation
#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals −1
6-501.111 Keep the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed a few flying insects in the kitchen near the 3 comp sink and the ware washing area.
Feb 13, 2026 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Sep 18, 2025 A 98.5 · 1 violation
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized −1.5
4-703.11(B) After being cleaned in a mechanical dish machine, equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be sanitized in the dish machine by achieving a utensil surface temperature of 160F as measured by a max/min thermometer.-P. -Observed high temperature dish machine not reaching utensil surface temperature of 160F (observed maximum temperature at 155F). PIC stated facility will utilize 3-compartment sink for wash-rinse-sanitize until dish machine is repaired. Facility only serves single-service utensils. -3 day verification visit required-
For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training video at the following weblink: Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces https://youtu.be/av1Rbh-lh08 .
Mar 13, 2025 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Jan 6, 2025 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Aug 27, 2024 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Mar 19, 2024 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Nov 15, 2023 A 99 · 1 violation
#51 · Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices −1
5-205.15 Maintain a plumbing system in good repair. Observed leaking pipe from hot water booster of dish machine. PIC submitted a service request for repair.
Sep 1, 2023 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Apr 18, 2023 A 98.5 · 1 violation
Inspector comments: Observed hot water at office hand sink reach a maximum of 101F after considerable period of heat rise (several minutes). PIC stated that a work order has been placed for maintenance on the handsink to verify its consistent ability to produce water above 100F.
#21 · Proper hot holding temperatures −1.5
Repeat violation
3-501.16(A)(1) Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. -P Observed sweet potato fries holding effectively in hot cabinet (149F), but tray of sweet potato fries rotated from serving line to cabinet was observed below hot holding temperature (116F). In an additional serving period, sweet potato fries taken from effective hot holding (151F) were observed in effectively hot holding, falling to 133F within 15 minutes. CDI - Both trays of sweet potato fries were reheated to above 165F prior to serving. EHS advises PIC to store sweet potato fries in hot holding cabinets, as opposed to serving line. PIC and EHS discussed potential TPHC procedures for sweet potato fries. REPEAT.
Note: No escalation in point deduction; observed fewer items failing to hot hold than previous inspection, under shorter time constraints (point of service as opposed to long term hot holding).
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 .
Jan 18, 2023 A 98.5 · 2 violations
#10 · Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible
5-202.12 Provide at least 100F water at handsinks. Observed fluctuating temperatures at office handsink, with the highest recorded at approximately 97F. All other handsinks and hot water fixtures were observed at proper temperatures.
#21 · Proper hot holding temperatures −1.5
3-501.16(A)(1) Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. -P 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 . Observed two trays of burgers in hot cabinet 1 at 117F and 118F, respectively. CDI - PIC voluntarily discarded first tray of burgers, and effectively reheated tray 2 to above 165F. All other items within hot cabinet 1 were observed at proper hot holding temperature.
Oct 21, 2022 A 100 · 0 violations
Inspector comments: At inspection of dumpster, EHS observed minor crack in cardboard dumpster drain plug. Drain plug is firmly in place and dumpsters are else wise in good repair.
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Sep 2, 2022 A 99.5 · 4 violations
#38 · Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals
Corrected during inspection
6-202.15 Protect outer openings of establishment from insect or rodent entry. Observed minor damage to door sweep and insect screen on rear door to dumpster area. Repair as needed to protect opening to kitchen area.
#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 in use wiping cloth in sanitizer bucket. When tested, both with EHS and PIC test kits, no concentration was detected. CDI - Sanitizer buckets were remade and wiping cloths were placed in properly concentrated sanitizer.
#53 · Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied & cleaned
5-501.17 Provide a covered waste bin in female restrooms. Observed no covered waste receptacle in female restroom.
#54 · Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
5-501.16 (C )Provide waste bins in required areas including at handwash sinks. Observed no readily waste bin at handwash sink adjacent to the 3 compartment sink.
5-501.113(B) Keep dumpster, outside waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors. Observed dumpster door open at time of inspection. CDI - Door was closed prior to returning to interior premises.
May 19, 2022 A 99 · 4 violations
#8 · Hands clean & properly washed
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 Observed food employee prepping food items, changing gloves, and moving to serve line without first washing hands. CDI - EHS discussed hand washing with PIC. Hands washed. - 0 -
#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 sanitizer container stored on prep table with food prep taking place. CDI - Sanitizer container was moved to bottom shelf. - 0 -
#40 · Personal cleanliness −0.5
Corrected during inspection
2-402.11 Use head coverings, beard guards and clothing to restrain body hair from contacting exposed food, equipment, and utensils. Observed teacher enter kitchen to fill cup with ice without hair restraint. CDI - Teacher removed. - 0.5 -
#56 · Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used −0.5
Corrected during inspection
6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions. Observed employee speaker stored above grab n go cooler. CDI - Speaker moved to bottom shelf. - 0.5 -
Mar 29, 2022 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Dec 14, 2021 A 99.5 · 2 violations
#39 · Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Corrected during inspection
6-404.11 Designate a separate area for items that are not for use and are being held for credit, such as dented cans or recalled products. -Pf Observed dented can stored commingled with facility food items. CDI - Can was voluntarily discarded. - 0 -
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean −0.5
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 flooring damage to underside of ice machine. Repair as needed. - 0.5 -
Sep 27, 2021 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Sep 14, 2021 A 99 · 2 violations
#46 · Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained and used; test strips −0.5
4-204.113 Warewashing Machine, Data Plate Operation Specifications - C - Observed high temperature dish machine reaching required temperature for sanitizing as dish machine plate simulator tested 162 degrees F but rinse cycle gauge only went up to 147 degrees F after several attempts and did not reach required temperature as shown on data plate.
#52 · Garbage and refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained −0.5
5-501.113(B) Keep dumpster, outside waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors. Observed outdoor dumpster door left open.
Apr 19, 2021 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Feb 26, 2021 A 100 · 0 violations
No violations were recorded for this inspection.
Nov 10, 2020 A 98.5 · 3 violations
#19 · 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 chicken nuggets holding below 135F (see chart). CDI- Placed on TPHC (cooked at 8:45, will be served by 12:00).
#53 · Physical facilities installed, maintained and clean
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.
Vent fan near dish pit inn need of cleaning.
#54 · Meets ventilation and lighting requirements; designated areas used
6-303.11 Intensity-Lighting - C
Light bulb was flickering in and out in reach in cooler. Replace and provide lighting in unit.
Sep 10, 2019 A 99 · 2 violations
#31 · 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
Incorrect cooling for salads - salads cooling with lids fastened on. CDI- Lids propped open.
#52 · Garbage and refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained −0.5
5-501.113(B) Keep dumpster, outside waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors.
Doors to dumpster were open. CDI- Closed.
Jun 7, 2019 A 98.5 · 4 violations
#22 · Time as a Public Health Control: procedures and records −1
Corrected during inspection
3-501.19 Provide and follow written procedures for foods held using Time as a Public Health Control (TPHC). Clearly mark foods with begin and end times. All food not sold by the end of 4 hours shall be discarded. -P/Pf Observed facility holding cheese sticks on TPHC without a recorded start time on the TPHC board. CDI- time was added to the TPHC board for when the cheese sticks were removed from temperature control.
#39 · Wiping cloths: properly used and stored
3-304.14 Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation - C Maintain sanitizer bucket at proper chemical concentrations. Observed one sanitizer bucket at 0ppm QUAT solution.
#43 · Single-use and single-service articles; properly stored and used
4-903.12 Do not store single-use and single-service articles in toilet rooms, garbage rooms, mechanical rooms or under sewer lines. Observed multiple packages of paper towels stored in the employee restroom. PIC indicated these paper towels are used at all dispensers throughout the kitchen.
#53 · Physical facilities installed, maintained and clean −0.5
Repeat violation
6-502.12 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 debris accumulation on the metal sliding window inside the dish washing room.
Mar 15, 2019 A 98.5 · 2 violations
#19 · Proper hot holding temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
3-501.16(A)(1) Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. -P Observed corn dogs in a hot box and baked potatoes on the serving line hot holding below 135F (see chart). CDI- potatoes were discarded; corn dogs were relocated to oven for reheating to 165F or higher.
#53 · Physical facilities installed, maintained and clean
6-502.12 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 debris accumulation on the metal sliding window inside the dish washing room.
Nov 7, 2018 A 99 · 3 violations
#19 · Proper hot holding temperatures
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(1) Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. -P Observed French fries hot holding below 135F in a hot box (see chart). CDI- EHS instructed PIC to reheat product to above 165F.
#49 · Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices −1
5-205.15 Maintain a plumbing system in good repair. Observed water leaking from plumbing connected to the booster heater in the dish washing room.
#53 · Physical facilities installed, maintained and clean
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 paint peeling behind a toilet in the employee restroom.
Apr 25, 2018 A 99.5 · details not yet loaded
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Jan 10, 2018 A 100 · details not yet loaded
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Nov 14, 2017 A 98.5 · details not yet loaded
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Sep 8, 2017 A 99.5 · details not yet loaded
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May 15, 2017 A 99.5 · details not yet loaded
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Jan 18, 2017 A 99 · details not yet loaded
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Nov 2, 2016 A 98 · details not yet loaded
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Sep 2, 2016 A 98.5 · details not yet loaded
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May 11, 2016 A 97.5 · details not yet loaded
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Mar 3, 2016 A 98 · details not yet loaded
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Dec 16, 2015 A 100 · details not yet loaded
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Sep 24, 2015 A 97 · details not yet loaded
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May 28, 2015 A 98.5 · details not yet loaded
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Mar 12, 2015 A 98 · details not yet loaded
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Oct 30, 2014 A 97 · details not yet loaded
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Sep 4, 2014 A 99 · details not yet loaded
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May 7, 2014 A 98 · details not yet loaded
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Jan 15, 2014 A 99 · details not yet loaded
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Oct 30, 2013 A 99 · details not yet loaded
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Aug 28, 2013 A 99.5 · details not yet loaded
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Source: Mecklenburg County Public Health – Environmental Health public inspection portal (search for “MATTHEWS ELEMENTARY” or State ID 2060110053). Inspection type (routine vs. follow-up) is not published in the county's data.