NICKO REPORT
CitiesExplore

Read the findings

How to read a Georgia restaurant inspection report

The score is the starting point. The report’s date, inspection purpose, checkboxes and written notes explain what the inspector recorded.

NickO Report · Sources reviewed

Start with the header

Check the establishment, address, inspection date, purpose and current score. The purpose identifies the kind of visit; previous scores have their own dates. DPH’s marking instructions explain these fields on page 1.

In our lookup, the date beside a score is the inspection date. A “source checked” date tells you when our update succeeded. It does not make an older inspection a new one.

Decode the markers

Common markers on the Georgia inspection form
MarkerHow to read it
INIn compliance.
OUTNot in compliance.
N.O.Not observed during that inspection.
N.A.Not applicable to that facility.
COSAll violations under that item were corrected and verified before the inspection ended.
RThe same code provision was cited at the previous routine inspection.

Source: DPH marking instructions, pages 1–2. Read the marked status; do not treat a blank as a finding.

Read the written notes

Match each item to its “Observations and Corrective Actions” entry. DPH directs inspectors to describe the violation and the action taken or needed. See the marking instructions, page 2.

On our dated reports, follow a finding to its original source. If a correction or repeat marker is unavailable, leave that question open. A higher total score alone does not tell you how a specific earlier finding was resolved.

Look for later records

A formal follow-up receives a new score. An informal follow-up may document corrections in an addendum while keeping the earlier routine grade. Georgia rule 511-6-1-.10(2)(n)–(o) describes the distinction.

Return to the location history in our Fulton County lookup to check for newer results. We retain dated reports, do not infer an order for multiple results on the same day, and may not have a complete history. Our lookup guide also shows where to find the official search.