Ding Tea, a Charlotte boba shop, walked out of its Tuesday health inspection with a B after officials flagged pests, plumbing problems and a mysterious pink residue on cups used to make drinks. Inspectors scored the shop at 87.5% and cited multiple violations tied to handwashing, uncovered containers and equipment maintenance.
According to the Charlotte Observer, inspectors documented pink residue on plastic cups used to make boba, two small pests on the floor and a drip under the three‑compartment sink. The Observer also reported that milk, whipping cream and liquid yogurt stored in the lowboy cooler had no date marks and that employees were handling food without head coverings.
Data from the Mecklenburg County inspection database shows the numerical score and full list of violations tied to the March 31 visit. The county record also indicates Ding Tea previously received a B grade in October.
What the grade means
Mecklenburg uses a 100‑point system for restaurant inspections, with an A at 90 and above, a B roughly 80–89.5 and a C between 70–79.5, the Charlotte Observer explains. The Observer also notes that state rules allow a permit to be revoked for scores under 70, although most local restaurants earn A grades and severe enforcement is uncommon.
Other inspections and context
The Mecklenburg County inspection database shows several other local businesses drew B grades the same week, including Harris Food Mart and Soul Central UNCC, which were cited for multiple sanitation lapses. Those entries were among more than 100 inspections logged from March 27 through April 2, underscoring that public health officials are routinely checking scores and violations.
For diners who want the full story behind a letter in the window, the county posts inspection reports online and local coverage links directly to those records. Customers worried about a particular shop can pull up the latest report or keep an eye out for a reinspection as restaurants work through their violation lists.
