Complaint
Jun 25, 2026
In compliance
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Detroit Health Department, Jun 25, 2026 · Original Source
Food Service Establishment · Detroit, MI
Southern Smokehouse
14340 W Mcnichols Rd
Last inspected Jun 25, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
In compliance
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
7 inspectionsRoutine Inspection
Feb 24, 2026
In compliance
5 recorded violations
minorCode 4-903.12Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaned and SANITIZED EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, laundered LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES shall be stored only in approved locations.
Inspector’s notes
Stored
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsmajorCode 3-501.17Food temperature
Official wording
(A) READY-TO-EAT, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) prepared and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall be clearly marked at the time of preparation to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed. (Pf) (B) A container of refrigerated, commercially prepared READY-TO-EAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed. (Pf) A date marking system that does not exceed 7 days, including date of preparation, or opening is to be used. (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Without date of consumption marking
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturemajorCode 5-205.11Handwashing
Official wording
(A) A HANDWASHING SINK shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for EMPLOYEE use and used for no other purpose. (Pf) (B) An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Not easily accessible
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsminorCode 6-501.12Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(A) PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except spill cleanup, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing.
Inspector’s notes
Not clean
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode 6-501.11Facility maintenance
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be maintained in good repair.
Inspector’s notes
In poor repair
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesOfficial record from Detroit Health Department, Feb 24, 2026 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Jul 25, 2025
In compliance
4 recorded violations
minorCode 6-202.13Pests
Official wording
Insect control devices that are used to electrocute or stun flying insects shall be designed to retain the insect within the device, shall not be located over a FOOD preparation area, and prevent contamination of exposed FOOD; clean EQUIPMENT,UTENSILS, and LINENS; and unwrapped SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES.
Inspector’s notes
Located over preparation area
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsminorCode 4-903.12Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaned and SANITIZED EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, laundered LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES shall be stored only in approved locations.
Inspector’s notes
Stored
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode 6-501.11Facility maintenance
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be maintained in good repair.
Inspector’s notes
In poor repair
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesminorCode 6-501.12Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(A) PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except spill cleanup, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing.
Inspector’s notes
Not clean
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Detroit Health Department, Jul 25, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
Jan 23, 2025
In compliance
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Detroit Health Department, Jan 23, 2025 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Dec 11, 2024
In compliance
5 recorded violations
criticalCode 7-202.12Pests
Official wording
POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS shall be: (A) Used according to: (1) LAW and this Code, (2) Manufacturer's use directions included in labeling, and, for a pesticide, manufacturer's label instructions that state that use is allowed in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, (P) (3) The conditions of certification, if certification is required, for use of the pest control materials, (P) and (4) Additional conditions that may be established by the REGULATORY AUTHORITY; and (B) Applied so that: (1) A HAZARD to EMPLOYEES or other PERSONS is not constituted, (P) and (2) Contamination including toxic residues due to drip, drain, fog, splash or spray on FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES is prevented, and for a RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE, this is achieved by: (P) (a) Removing the items, (P) (b) Covering the items with impermeable covers, (P) or (c) Taking other appropriate preventive actions, (P) and (d) Cleaning and SANITIZING EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS after the application. (P) (C) A RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE shall be applied only by an applicator certified as defined in 7 USC 136 Definitions, (e) Certified Applicator, of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or a PERSON under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Not used according to manufacturer's label instructions
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsminorCode 6-501.12Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(A) PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except spill cleanup, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing.
Inspector’s notes
Not clean
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode 4-602.13Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.
Inspector’s notes
Soiled
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode 6-501.11Facility maintenance
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be maintained in good repair.
Inspector’s notes
In poor repair
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesminorCode MFL289.4119Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
Sec. 4119. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2), a person licensed as a food establishment under this chapter shall keep a copy of the current license or temporary license furnished by the department posted and exposed in a conspicuous place for public inspection. A conspicuous place is the principal place where food business is transacted. (2) In the case of vending machines, the name and address and telephone number of the current vending machine location operator shall be conspicuously displayed on each vending machine.
Inspector’s notes
Not displayed
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesOfficial record from Detroit Health Department, Dec 11, 2024 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
May 20, 2024
In compliance
4 recorded violations
criticalCode 7-202.12Pests
Official wording
POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS shall be: (A) Used according to: (1) LAW and this Code, (2) Manufacturer's use directions included in labeling, and, for a pesticide, manufacturer's label instructions that state that use is allowed in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, (P) (3) The conditions of certification, if certification is required, for use of the pest control materials, (P) and (4) Additional conditions that may be established by the REGULATORY AUTHORITY; and (B) Applied so that: (1) A HAZARD to EMPLOYEES or other PERSONS is not constituted, (P) and (2) Contamination including toxic residues due to drip, drain, fog, splash or spray on FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES is prevented, and for a RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE, this is achieved by: (P) (a) Removing the items, (P) (b) Covering the items with impermeable covers, (P) or (c) Taking other appropriate preventive actions, (P) and (d) Cleaning and SANITIZING EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS after the application. (P) (C) A RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE shall be applied only by an applicator certified as defined in 7 USC 136 Definitions, (e) Certified Applicator, of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or a PERSON under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Not used according to manufacturer's label instructions
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsminorCode 6-501.12Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(A) PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except spill cleanup, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing.
Inspector’s notes
Not clean
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode 4-602.13Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.
Inspector’s notes
Soiled
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode 3-305.11Contamination
Official wording
FOOD shall be protected from contamination by storing the FOOD: (1) In a clean, dry location; (2) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and (3) At least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor, unless otherwise approved.
Inspector’s notes
Stored on floor or less than 6 inches above floor
In plain English
Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.
More about food not protected from contaminationOfficial record from Detroit Health Department, May 20, 2024 · Original Source
Routine Inspection
Nov 28, 2023
In compliance
5 recorded violations
minorCode 6-501.12Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(A) PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except spill cleanup, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing.
Inspector’s notes
With accumulation of debris
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemscriticalCode 7-202.12Pests
Official wording
POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS shall be: (A) Used according to: (1) LAW and this Code, (2) Manufacturer's use directions included in labeling, and, for a pesticide, manufacturer's label instructions that state that use is allowed in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, (P) (3) The conditions of certification, if certification is required, for use of the pest control materials, (P) and (4) Additional conditions that may be established by the REGULATORY AUTHORITY; and (B) Applied so that: (1) A HAZARD to EMPLOYEES or other PERSONS is not constituted, (P) and (2) Contamination including toxic residues due to drip, drain, fog, splash or spray on FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES is prevented, and for a RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE, this is achieved by: (P) (a) Removing the items, (P) (b) Covering the items with impermeable covers, (P) or (c) Taking other appropriate preventive actions, (P) and (d) Cleaning and SANITIZING EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS after the application. (P) (C) A RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE shall be applied only by an applicator certified as defined in 7 USC 136 Definitions, (e) Certified Applicator, of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or a PERSON under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Not used according to manufacturer's label instructions
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsminorCode 6-501.14Contamination
Official wording
(A) Intake and exhaust air ducts shall be cleaned and filters changed so they are not a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials. (B) If vented to the outside, ventilation systems may not create a public health HAZARD or nuisance or unLAWful discharge.
Inspector’s notes
Filter(s) not changed
In plain English
Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.
More about food not protected from contaminationminorCode MFL289.2129Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
Sec. 2129. (1) All food establishments shall employ a minimum of 1 managerial employee as a food safety manager, who must be an individual who is currently certified under a personnel certification program accredited by the American National Standards Institute, utilizing the Conference for Food Protection standards: (2) Beginning January 14, 2017 and every 5 years thereafter, a certified food safety manager who supervises the operations of a food service establishment shall have completed a food safety training program containing an allergen awareness component that has been approved by the department. A food service establishment shall retain records on the site of the food service establishment documenting compliance of its certified food safety managers with this subsection.
Inspector’s notes
Missing
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesminorCode 3-302.12Food temperature
Official wording
Except for containers holding FOOD that can be readily and unmistakably recognized such as dry pasta, working containers holding FOOD or FOOD ingredients that are removed from their original packages for use in the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, such as cooking oils, flour, herbs, potato flakes, salt, spices, and sugar shall be identified with the common name of the FOOD.
Inspector’s notes
Not identified
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperatureOfficial record from Detroit Health Department, Nov 28, 2023 · Original Source