Augusta Cafe Faces Health Rating Drop Over Spoiled Milk and Thawing Shrimp

November 2, 2026 - 16:08

A downtown Augusta restaurant saw its health inspection score fall to 77 after inspectors found several food safety violations, including out-of-date milk and improper shrimp thawing practices.

The cafe, located in the city's central district, was cited for multiple issues during a routine inspection. According to the report, inspectors discovered milk that had passed its expiration date stored alongside fresh products, creating a risk of cross-contamination. The thawing method used for shrimp also drew scrutiny, as staff were reportedly leaving the seafood to defrost at room temperature rather than following approved procedures.

Additional concerns included improper storage temperatures and inadequate date labeling on several food items. These findings contributed to the lower score, which falls below the threshold typically considered satisfactory for food service establishments.

Health officials note that proper thawing techniques are critical to preventing bacterial growth. Shrimp and other raw seafood should be thawed under refrigeration, in cold running water, or as part of the cooking process, never on countertops.

The restaurant will likely face a follow-up inspection to confirm that the violations have been corrected. Establishments scoring below 80 often receive increased scrutiny until they demonstrate compliance with food safety regulations. No illnesses connected to the cafe have been reported.