A health department investigation at Subway in Atlanta, Georgia revealed cold cuts being stored at temperatures that increase Listeria risk, prompting cited for critical cold holding violations that created Listeria contamination risk.
A Subway franchise in downtown Atlanta was cited for critical violations after Fulton County inspectors found that cold cut sandwich meats were being stored at temperatures above the required 41°F maximum for an extended period. Deli meats are among the highest-risk foods for Listeria monocytogenes because the bacterium can grow at refrigerator temperatures.
The CDC estimates that restaurants are the most common setting for foodborne illness outbreaks, accounting for over 60% of reported cases. Common culprits include Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Norovirus, and Listeria — organisms that thrive when food temperatures, handling, and sanitation aren't controlled.
The official inspection records state that sliced turkey and ham in the sandwich display case were measured at 48°F to 52°F throughout the location. Atlanta Journal-Constitution coverage confirmed that Listeria monocytogenes can multiply in deli meats at temperatures above 34°F, making temperature control critical, while inspectors separately flagged that the sandwich case refrigeration unit had been showing intermittent temperature alerts that staff had not escalated.
According to public records, this was not the first time this location had received citations. Prior inspection records showed previous violations had been documented, raising questions about whether corrective actions had been implemented and sustained over time.
Food safety experts recommend that diners check public health inspection records before visiting a restaurant. Most states publish inspection reports online within 48 hours of the visit. Scores below 80 — or the presence of any critical violation — warrant extra caution.
Concerned about the restaurants you frequent? You can look up health inspection scores for any restaurant in the United States at InspectorEats.com. Stay informed and dine with confidence.
The case highlights the importance of regular health inspections in protecting public health. Subway replaced the failing sandwich case refrigeration unit and the location passed reinspection.