A routine health inspection at Rajni South Indian Cuisine in Suwanee has raised concerns after inspectors documented improper food handling and storage practices, including fish being thawed beneath a handwashing sink and food items stored directly on the floor, conditions that can increase the risk of contamination.
The inspection, conducted on January 20, 2026, resulted in a score of 71, reflecting multiple priority and repeat violations related to food safety, hygiene, and operational controls .
Improper Thawing and Food Storage Among Key Findings
According to the inspection report, an inspector observed fish thawing in a bucket of cold water underneath a handwashing sink near dry storage. Health regulations require frozen foods to be thawed under refrigeration, under controlled running water, or as part of the cooking process. Thawing food in this manner presents cross-contamination and temperature-control risks, particularly due to its proximity to a handwashing area. The fish was relocated to a walk-in cooler during the inspection.
Inspectors also noted multiple food items stored directly on the floor in the dry storage area. Food safety rules require all food to be stored at least six inches off the floor to prevent exposure to contamination from cleaning activities, pests, or debris. The items were moved during the inspection.
Temperature Control Violations Observed
The report further documented serious temperature control issues, including:
- Multiple time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods cold-holding above 41°F
- Hot foods held below the required 135°F
- Foods cooling overnight in large, deep, covered containers but still above safe temperatures the following day
Several items were discarded on site to reduce immediate risk.
Repeat Hygiene and Sanitation Issues
Inspectors cited repeat violations involving handwashing stations, including a hose attached to a hand sink and missing paper towels at another sink. Handwashing sinks are required to remain unobstructed, fully supplied, and used only for handwashing.
The facility also lacked written procedures for responding to vomiting or diarrheal incidents, a requirement intended to limit the spread of norovirus and similar pathogens in food service environments.
Additional Concerns Noted
Other violations included:
- Food containers not labeled with common names in English
- No visible written allergen notification for consumers
- In-use utensils stored improperly inside food containers
- Employee meals stored alongside customer food items
A Broader Pattern Emerging
This inspection does not exist in isolation.
Other Indian restaurants in the Alpharetta, Suwanee, Cumming region have recently received unsatisfactory inspection results, including:
When similar violations appear repeatedly across different establishments, it points to a broader quality-control problem that the industry can no longer afford to dismiss.
Inspection History Shows Decline
Inspection records show the restaurant received a score of 86 in February 2025, and a perfect score of 100 during its initial inspection in October 2023. Health officials note that the most recent inspection indicates declining compliance, particularly in core food handling and sanitation practices
