Panera Bread
Last inspected: Feb 12, 2026
86
Score
The health department has logged five inspections at Panera Bread, the earliest from 2024. The most recent visit was on Feb 12, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean”, which has been cited four times.
The city-wide average for Mcdonough sits at 79, putting Panera Bread on the better side of that line. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 12, 2026
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used
Inspector notes: Observed rust build up on shelves above the handsink. PIC will attempt to clean the shelves. If the shelves cannot be cleaned, PIC will replace the rusted shelves.
511-6-1.05(1)(i)
16B - plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Observed the waste water pipe below the sink next to the coffee maker in bad repair. A bucket was observed being used to catch waste water from the leaking pipe. PIC will have the waste water pipe repaired by 2/25/26.
511-6-1.06(2)(r)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: Observed the metal floor in the walk in freezer in bad repair as a result of a past leak. PIC advised that a work order has been placed for repairs. Also observed rust build up from a ceiling leak on the ceiling near the back door. Water was leaking from the ceiling during the inspection. A trash can was being used to drain leaking water from the ceiling. The ceiling is also buckled above the office door in the kitchen. PIC will email a plan of action to Robert.Lewis1@dph.ga.gov by 2/15/26 to have all leaks and damaged ceilings and floors repaired by 2/25/26.
511-6-1.07(5)(a)
86
Aug 21, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
1-2A - pic present, demonstrates knowledge, performs duties
Inspector notes: Observed the location is using a key drop system for deliveries from US Foods. The invoices were observed without delivery temperatures. PIC will contact US foods to ensure the proper procedures area being followed. Indications of thawed foods from deliveries were observed in the walk in freezer. Several boxes appeared to be wet at one time prior to refreezing.
511-6-1.03(2)(a)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Observed orange build up behind the ice chute. PIC will remove the ice chute and clean/sanitize the area by 8/23/25
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
17B - garbage/refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: Observed the trash bin lids area missing. PIC will contact dumpster company and have the lids replaced by 8/23/25.
511-6-1.06(5)(f)
12B - personal cleanliness
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed employees without proper hair restraints.PIC corrected on site
511-6-1.03(5)(j)
78
Feb 11, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed warewashing machine chlorine sanitizer at 0 ppm. Employee placed new container of sanitizer into machine.
511-6-1.05(6)(n)
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed ice chute door of front drink machine with accumulation. Employees cleaned and sanitized the door.
511-6-1.05(7)(b)
12B - personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: Observed employees without proper hair/beard restraints.
511-6-1.03(5)(j)
17B - garbage/refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: Observed outside dumpster area with trash accumulation and unnecessary items. Please clean area.
511-6-1.06(5)(o)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: Observed vent in disrepair in front of and above warewashing machine and sprinkler in women's restroom in disrepair.
511-6-1.07(5)(a)
70
Aug 12, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
6-1A - proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: Observed TCS foods (Chicken, Steak, and deli meat) observed at a temperature above 41 degrees f in the walk in cooler. PIC discarded cooked chicken and steak observed at 44 degrees. Deli meat was relocated to the freezer and then moved to the walk in bakery cooler. PIC will contact maintainance to have the walk in cooler serviced.
511-6-1.04(6)(f)
4-2A - food stored covered
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a container of lettuce stored in a large container in the walk in cooler with no cover to protect food items from contamination.
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Bread pans (Old pans) contained food build up.
511-6-1.05(7)(c)
12B - personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: Team members observed with sun visors. Team members need proper hair restraints to prevent contamination
511-6-1.03(5)(j)
16B - plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Cabinet leaking below the soda machine. Observed soda lines leaking below the soda dispenser.
511-6-1.06(2)(r)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: Ceiling tile missing in the storage area Rust build up observed on the exterior of the hood Light shield contained bugs
511-6-1.07(5)(a)
67
Feb 7, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
2-2B - proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Employee drinks improperly stored with food
511-6-1.03(5)(k)
12B - personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: Team members observed with sun visors. Team members need proper hair restraints to prevent contamination.
511-6-1.03(5)(j)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Observed dust build up in cabinets located in the dining area.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: Mold build up observed on FRP in the mop sink area Ceiling tile missing in the storage area Dust build up on vents above the bread storage area
511-6-1.07(5)(a)
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Panera Bread last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Panera Bread on file is from Feb 12, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Panera Bread?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Panera Bread.
How does Panera Bread compare to other restaurants in Mcdonough?
Panera Bread most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is higher than the Mcdonough average of 79.
Has Panera Bread's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Panera Bread have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Panera Bread means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Panera Bread inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Panera Bread is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants