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Restaurant · Wake County, NC

The Lemon Tree Cafe

415 Brooks Street

Last inspected Jul 28, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Score 97.5

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

8 inspections

1 - Inspection

Jul 28, 2026

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

minorCode —Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Certified food protection manager was not present. 2-102.12 (A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

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 issues
notedCode Observation: Quiche was cooling on counter topFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Quiche was cooling on counter top; quiche was at 124F. An active method of cooling should be taking place; such as items placed in cooler; freezer; or ice bath. 3-501.15 Cooling Methods (Pf) CDI: Quiche was placed in cooler with lid cracked opened;

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 temperature
notedCode —Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector’s notes

Observation: The pipe below the three compartment sink is leaking. 5-205.15 (B) Leak pipe etc. not imminent threat

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jul 28, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Apr 20, 2026

Score 95.5

Official score: 95.5 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

notedCode —Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Certified food protection manager was not present. 2-102.12 (A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

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 issues
notedCode Observation: Pasta had date mark of 4/10/26Food source and labeling

Official wording

Proper date marking & disposition

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Pasta had date mark of 4/10/26; squash and zucchini had date mark of 4/12/26. Both items are past time/temperature window and are considered expired. 3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired; if it is not been labeled; or if the label is incorrect. -P CDI: Both items were discarded.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode Observation: Utensils were stored in a container that has dust and food debris build up. 3-304.12 (E) In-use utensilsEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-use utensils: properly stored

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Utensils were stored in a container that has dust and food debris build up. 3-304.12 (E) In-use utensils; such as ice scoops or utensils for non-TCS food; must be stored in a clean and protected location.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Apr 20, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jan 9, 2026

Score 94

Official score: 94 · Understand this area’s scale

8 recorded violations

minorCode —Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Ansi approved manager was not present. 2-102.12 (A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

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 issues
notedCode Observation: Date mark stickers were left on dishes after being washedCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Date mark stickers were left on dishes after being washed; rinsed; and sanitized. 4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf. CDI: Stickers were removed.

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 problems
notedCode —Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Soup being held hot on the stove was holding at 113F. 3-501.16(A)(1) Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. -P CDI: Reheated.

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 temperature
notedCode Observation: Pasta salad and cut veggies were in a container were pulled out of the cooler for lunch rush and on the counter top holding at 62FFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Pasta salad and cut veggies were in a container were pulled out of the cooler for lunch rush and on the counter top holding at 62F; all cold hold foods should be held at 41F or below. 3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P CDI: Items were placed in the cooler to cool.

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 temperature
notedCode Observation: Several single service quiche packages expired 1-7-26 and were still in display case. 3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expiredFood source and labeling

Official wording

Proper date marking & disposition

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Several single service quiche packages expired 1-7-26 and were still in display case. 3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired; if it is not been labeled; or if the label is incorrect. -P CDI: Items were discarded.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
minorCode —Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

Personal cleanliness

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Multiple employees were not using effective hair restraints. 2-402.11 Effectiveness - Hair Restraints (C)

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode —Equipment and utensils

Official wording

In-use utensils: properly stored

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Spoon handles were stored inside containers of food with the handle touching the food product. 3-304.12 (B) In-use utensils for food that is not TCS must be stored with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed. CDI: Spoons were removed.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode —Other

Official wording

Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Hot water is not working at 3 conp sink. Hot water is being used to wash dishes fro another sink. 5-103.12 Provide water under pressure to all fixtures.-Pf

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jan 9, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Sep 25, 2025

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

minorCode —Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Ansi approved mamager was not present. 2-102.12 (A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

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 issues
notedCode Observation: Raw bacon and raw ground meat was stored with ready to eat cheese and sausage in the standing cooler. 3-302.11 Packaged and Unpackaged Food - SeparationOther

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Raw bacon and raw ground meat was stored with ready to eat cheese and sausage in the standing cooler. 3-302.11 Packaged and Unpackaged Food - Separation; Packaging; and Segregation (P) CDI: Ready to eat foods were moved to a shelf above raw meats.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode —Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

Personal cleanliness

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Employees are not using hair restraints. 2-402.11 Effectiveness - Hair Restraints (C)

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode Observation: Multiple containers are cracked and need to be replaced. The three compartment sink is leaking and needs repair. 4-101.11 (A) - (E ) Food contact surfaces shall be (A) Safe PCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Multiple containers are cracked and need to be replaced. The three compartment sink is leaking and needs repair. 4-101.11 (A) - (E ) Food contact surfaces shall be (A) Safe P; (B) Durable; Corrosion-Resistant; (C ) sufficient in weight and thickness to withstand repeated washing (D) Smooth and easily cleanable; and (E) Resistant to damage.

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 problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Sep 25, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jun 13, 2025

Score 96.5

Official score: 96.5 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

minorCode —Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Ansi approved manager was not present. 2-102.12 (A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

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 issues
notedCode Observation: Numerous redy to eat foods made in establishment are not date marked. Exmples: potato and chicken 3-501.17 Ready-To-Eat Time / Temperature Control for Safety FoodFood source and labeling

Official wording

Proper date marking & disposition

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Numerous redy to eat foods made in establishment are not date marked. Exmples: potato and chicken 3-501.17 Ready-To-Eat Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food; Date Marking (Pf) CDI: Ready to eat foods were date marked.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode Observation: Foods packaged on site are not labeled with ingredients and sub ingredients in descinding order. EXAPMLE: Salads 3-602.11 (B) (1)-(4)Food packaged on premises for customer self service shall include a label with the (1) common name of the foodFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food properly labeled: original container

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Foods packaged on site are not labeled with ingredients and sub ingredients in descinding order. EXAPMLE: Salads 3-602.11 (B) (1)-(4)Food packaged on premises for customer self service shall include a label with the (1) common name of the food; (2) ingredients and sub ingredients in descending order; (3) quantity of contents; (4) name and place of business.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode —Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

Personal cleanliness

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Multiple employees preparing food are not using effective hair restraints. 2-402.11 Effectiveness - Hair Restraints (C)

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode —Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector’s notes

Observation: Drain pipe below three comp sink is leaking. 5-205.15 (B) Leak pipe etc. not imminent threat

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jun 13, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Dec 11, 2024

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

notedCode 2-102.12 (A)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

2-102.12 (A); Core; The person in charge is not certified as a food protection manager. The person in charge shall be certified as a food protection manager through an accredited program. Obtain certification as a food protection manager certification ***REPEAT***

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 issues
notedCode 3-501.15Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15; Priority Foundation; Container of chicken enchilada mix; cream dip in the upright reach in cooler found to be cooling in tightly closed containers. Cooling shall be established by loosely covering or uncovering the container of food. CDI: Products were uncovered to increase cooling time. ***REPEAT***

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 temperature
majorCode Observation: There are baked itemsFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food properly labeled: original container

Inspector’s notes

Observation: There are baked items; salads; pasta prepackaged on site for customer grab and go. These products do not contain labels. Provide labels or a display card with ingredients label information. A follow up for verification of corrective action by 12/21/2024. 3-602.11 Food Labels (Pf) (B) (1)-(4)Food packaged on premises for customer self service shall include a label with the (1) common name of the food; (2) ingredients and sub ingredients in descending order; (3) quantity of contents; (4) name and place of business. (B) (5) Food packaged on premises for customer self service shall include a label with the major food allergens contained in the food -Pf. (Wheat; milk; soy; peanuts; tree nuts; fish; shellfish; sesame; eggs)

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Dec 11, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Apr 30, 2024

Score 99

Official score: 99 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

minorCode 2-102.12 (A)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

2-102.12 (A); Core; The person in charge is not certified as a food protection manager. The person in charge shall be certified as a food protection manager through an accredited program. Obtain certification as a food protection manager certification

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 issues
majorCode 3-501.15Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15; Priority Foundation; Two containers of orzo and potato salad in the small reach in cooler found to be cooling in tightly closed containers. Cooling shall be established by loosely covering or uncovering the container of food. Facility had several other containers cooling and these were the only ones not vented.

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 temperature

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Apr 30, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Nov 28, 2023

Score 99.5

Official score: 99.5 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

minorCode 2-102.12 (A)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

2-102.12 (A); Core; The person in charge is not certified as a food protection manager. The person in charge shall be certified as a food protection manager through an accredited program. Obtain certification as a food protection manager by March 8 2024.

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 issues
minorCode 4-601.11(B) and (C)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; The insides of the ovens have a buildup of brown/black residue. Non-food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned as often as necessary to prevent a buildup of soil residues. Clean the inside of the ovens.

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 problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Nov 28, 2023 · Original Source

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