Rio Grande

1501 E First St, Vidalia, GA 30474
Mexican / Latin
License: Food Service
Last inspected: Apr 13, 2026
82
Score
Low Risk

Inspectors have visited Rio Grande nine times, with records going back to 2024. On Apr 13, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near three violations each time.

“Food stored covered” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.

By comparison, the average Vidalia facility scores 87, putting Rio Grande on the weaker side. The record reflects steady performance over time.

9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 13, 2026
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
12A - contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display
Inspector notes: Observed coffee pot stored in front of handwashing sink where it is exposed to splash from sink. CA: Except as specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this subsection, food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food: (i) In a clean, dry location where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and at least 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor. PIC will move coffee maker and pot or install a splash guard.
511-6-1.04(4)(q)
13A - posted: permit/inspection/choking poster/handwashing
Inspector notes: Observed no inspection report posted in public view. CA: The most current inspection report shall be prominently displayed in public view at all times, within fifteen feet of the front or primary public door and between five feet and seven feet from the floor and in an area where it can be read at a distance of one foot away. PIC will post the most current inspection report.
511-6-1.02(1)(d)
15B - warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, used; test strips
Inspector notes: bserved interior of dishwasher with an accumulation of debris. CA: A warewashing machine; the compartments of sinks, basins, or other receptacles used for washing and rinsing equipment, utensils, or raw foods, or laundering wiping cloths; and drainboards or other equipment used to substitute for drainboards shall be cleaned before use; throughout the day at a frequency necessary to prevent recontamination of equipment and utensils and to ensure that the equipment performs its intended function; and if used, at least every 24 hours. PIC will have the dishwasher cleaned.
511-6-1.05(6)(d)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Observed the interior of the cabinets not free from an accumulation of food debris. CA: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. PIC will have the cabinets cleaned.
511-6-1.05(7)(d)
82
Dec 22, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
12A - contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display
Inspector notes: Observed coffee pot stored in front of handwashing sink where it is exposed to splash from sink. CA: Except as specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this subsection, food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food: (i) In a clean, dry location where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and at least 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor. PIC will move coffee maker and pot or install a splash guard.
511-6-1.04(4)(q)
13A - posted: permit/inspection/choking poster/handwashing
Inspector notes: Observed no inspection report posted in public view. CA: The most current inspection report shall be prominently displayed in public view at all times, within fifteen feet of the front or primary public door and between five feet and seven feet from the floor and in an area where it can be read at a distance of one foot away. PIC will post the most current inspection report.
511-6-1.02(1)(d)
15B - warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, used; test strips
Inspector notes: bserved interior of dishwasher with an accumulation of debris. CA: A warewashing machine; the compartments of sinks, basins, or other receptacles used for washing and rinsing equipment, utensils, or raw foods, or laundering wiping cloths; and drainboards or other equipment used to substitute for drainboards shall be cleaned before use; throughout the day at a frequency necessary to prevent recontamination of equipment and utensils and to ensure that the equipment performs its intended function; and if used, at least every 24 hours. PIC will have the dishwasher cleaned.
511-6-1.05(6)(d)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Observed the interior of the cabinets not free from an accumulation of food debris. CA: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. PIC will have the cabinets cleaned.
511-6-1.05(7)(d)
82
Oct 16, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
2-2D - adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed bowl being stored in handwash sink. COS: Person in charge removed bowl from sink.
511-6-1.06(2)(o)
4-2A - food stored covered (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed uncovered salsa in bottom cooler of prep top cooler, and open bags of chicken tenders and fries in reach in freezer. COS: Person in charge covered salsa and closed bags of chicken tenders and fries.
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
86
Jun 20, 2025
Routine
4 major violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
2-2E - response procedures for vomiting & diarrheal events (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed no vomit/fecal cleanup procedure for the facility. CA: A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow and an EPA registered disinfectant effective against Norovirus available on-site at the food service establishment when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events that involve the discharge of vomitus or fecal matter onto surfaces in the food service establishment. The procedures shall address the specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread of contamination and the exposure of employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter. PIC was provided with a copy of the cleanup procedure.
511-6-1.03(6)
16A - hot and cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: Observed no hot water at the employee handwashing sink. CA: Hot water generation and distribution systems shall be sufficient to meet the peak hot water demands throughout the food service establishment. Someone from maintenance fixed the hot water issue.
511-6-1.06(1)(g)
1-2B - certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed the certified food safety manager certificate posted has expired. CA: A CFSM certificate which has expired, been revoked or suspended shall not be posted in the food service establishment. PIC will obtain a serve safe certificate.
511-6-1.03(3)(c)
2-2A - management knowledge, responsibilities, reporting
Inspector notes: Observed no signed employee health policy. CA: Food employees and conditional employees are informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibility to report in accordance with the Chapter, to the person in charge, information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food. PIC was provided with a copy of the health policy.
511-6-1.03(2)(o)
67
Apr 24, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
4-2A - food stored covered
Inspector notes: Observed uncovered sauce in prep top cooler bottom and container of salsa uncovered in another prep top cooler bottom.
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Observed personal drink in prep top cooler bottom.
511-6-1.07(4)(b)
90
Oct 10, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
4-2A - food stored covered
Inspector notes: Observed queso uncovered in the walk in cooler
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
10D - food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Observed seasonings stored on a shelf unlabeled.
511-6-1.04(4)(d)
17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Observed employee monster drink stored in the walk in cooler and employee drinks stored in prep areas of the kitchen
511-6-1.07(4)(b)
86
Sep 24, 2024
Routine
4 major violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
1-2B - certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed the certified food safety manager certificate posted has expired. CA: A CFSM certificate which has expired, been revoked or suspended shall not be posted in the food service establishment. PIC will obtain a serve safe certificate.
511-6-1.03(3)(c)
2-2A - management knowledge, responsibilities, reporting
Inspector notes: Observed no signed employee health policy. CA: Food employees and conditional employees are informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibility to report in accordance with the Chapter, to the person in charge, information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food. PIC was provided with a copy of the health policy.
511-6-1.03(2)(o)
2-2E - response procedures for vomiting & diarrheal events (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed no vomit/fecal cleanup procedure for the facility. CA: A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow and an EPA registered disinfectant effective against Norovirus available on-site at the food service establishment when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events that involve the discharge of vomitus or fecal matter onto surfaces in the food service establishment. The procedures shall address the specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread of contamination and the exposure of employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter. PIC was provided with a copy of the cleanup procedure.
511-6-1.03(6)
16A - hot and cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: Observed no hot water at the employee handwashing sink. CA: Hot water generation and distribution systems shall be sufficient to meet the peak hot water demands throughout the food service establishment. Someone from maintenance fixed the hot water issue.
511-6-1.06(1)(g)
67
Mar 26, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Observed build-up on the ice machine baffle. CA: Clean often to avoid build-up.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
15B - warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, used; test strips
Inspector notes: Observed the facility with expired testing strips for dish washer dated 08.23.
511-6-1.05(3)(h)
4-2A - food stored covered (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a container of lettuce & a block of cheese being stored uncovered. COS: PIC discarded cheese.
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
18 - insects, rodents, and animals not present
Inspector notes: Observed light pest activity in kitchen area. CA: PIC states the facility has an active plan to eliminate pest activity. PIC provided receipts for recent pest control visit & states they will pest control visit more often.
511-6-1.07(5)(k)
74
Mar 18, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Rio Grande last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Rio Grande on file is from Apr 13, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Rio Grande?

Across the inspection record, “food stored covered” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Rio Grande.

How does Rio Grande compare to other restaurants in Vidalia?

Rio Grande most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Vidalia average of 87.

Has Rio Grande's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Rio Grande have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Rio Grande is inspected around four times per year on average.