Health Inspectors Find Dead Mice, Ice Machine Violations at Restaurant
In Jefferson County, Alabama, health inspections revealed concerning violations at several food establishments during the week of April 20-24, 2026. Notable findings included dead mice, problematic ice machine conditions, and inadequate employee health policies.
Inspection Highlights
- O’Henry’s Coffee in Hoover had the lowest score of 88. It lost points for failing to provide an employee health policy and for incomplete employee training records.
- Marinos Associated Meat #1, also in Birmingham, received the highest score of 99 during this inspection period.
Key Violations Identified
- Dead Mice: Found at Building Up Community School, which indicated rodent activity behind storage shelves.
- Ice Machine Issues: Several establishments, including Smart Boy Inc and M & A Grocery, were penalized for black residue in their ice machines.
- Temperature Violations: At Hotspot, cooked items stored at incorrect temperatures posed potential health risks.
Inspection Scores of Selected Restaurants
| Restaurant Name | Address | Inspection Date | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marinos Associated Meat #1 | 2415 Avenue E, Birmingham | 04/20/26 | 99 |
| Urban Cookhouse | 1017 Marble Terrace, Hoover | 04/22/26 | 98 |
| O’Henry’s Coffee | 1024 Marble Trace, Hoover | 04/22/26 | 88 |
| Smart Boy Inc | 1801 Avenue V, Birmingham | 04/21/26 | 93 |
Recommendations for Improved Compliance
Establishments are encouraged to:
- Implement comprehensive employee health policies.
- Address all sanitation issues, particularly with ice machines.
- Ensure that food safety training for all employees is up to date.
- Conduct regular inspections for signs of pests and implement preventive measures.
As health standards are critical for public safety, restaurants in Jefferson County must prioritize compliance to maintain customer trust and safety.
