Mold, Eel Tank Get Gwinnett Restaurant Shut Down

DULUTH, GA — Multiple problems, including a moldy ice maker and a tank of live eels, led health inspectors to shut down a Gwinnett County restaurant this week.

Korean Country Buffet, at 2645 North Berkeley Lake Rd. in Duluth, scored a 55/U on its inspection Tuesday. According to the inspection report, it was the second consecutive time the restaurant had failed a routine inspection, leading inspectors to revoke its license at least temporarily.

One of the most unusual problems cited was a tank full of live eels outside the restaurant. Inspectors said it was being used to raise eels to sell. Managers were instructed to remove the tank.

Inspectors also found mold inside an ice maker and found baggies of dried mushrooms that employees could not verify came from an approved vendor. Raw eggs were being stored above vegetables and raw chicken was stored above cabbage and beef.

Also, raw chicken had been removed from its packaging and was being stored next to cooked meatballs.

Several prepared food items were found that were more than 24 hours hold but had no date marking on them. Containers of food were being stored on the floor and containers of reusable silverware were put out on tables but not wrapped in any way, leaving the silverware susceptible to contamination between customers.

According to the report, inspectors planned to inspect the restaurant again by Thursday. If it fails inspection again, it could be shut down permanently.

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