Restaurant Inspections Reveal Health Hazards in Chattanooga Area
In a recent series of restaurant inspections conducted by health departments across the Chattanooga area, numerous health code violations were spotted. Various restaurant businesses were put on the line, with critical factors for foodborne diseases among several key elements in focus.
Detailed Reports
The Hamilton County, Catoosa County, and Walker County health departments have discovered various health hazards and have been grading restaurants on a 100-point scale. Scores below 70 require corrective action.
Despite regular inspections twice a year and opportunities for on-the-spot changes which could adjust scores upward, only original scores have been published in the inspection reports. The primary objective of these health inspections is to ensure the safety and health of the general public, by enforcing high standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
Inspections Uncover Troubling Violations
The reports revealed that Little Caesars on Lee Highway was scored 68 due to several serious violations such as a lack of control over foodborne illness risk factors, absence of hand washing observed during the inspection, and dirty surfaces. Similarly, ring alarms was the case of Mariscos Vallarta on Shallowford Village Drive where melting octopuses, unlabeled chemical spray bottles, and knives stored in room temperature water led to an overall score of 83.
The Hardee’s location also on Lee Highway scored 86 due to the presence of undated tomatoes and food stored without lids. The walk-in freezer floor had excessive ice build-up and the area around the fryer was grimy.
Low Scores Raising Concerns
Several other establishments, including Captain D’s on E. 23rd St. and Logan’s Roadhouse on Cummings Highway, scored 87 each. The Kinley Hotel on Market St. and Subway on Ringgold Road scored 88 each while Sawasdee Thai Restaurant on St. Elmo Ave. managed to score 89.
Concerns have been raised due to these low scores as the establishments in question serve a large demographic of people. These establishments are now required to demonstrate significant improvements to mitigate the potential risk of foodborne illnesses.
High Achieving Establishments
Not all news was troubling, however, several establishments managed to score 100 points, showcasing perfect health code compliance. These included The Alley at The Shops of 1910 in Chickamauga, Ga., Bateman Community Living on Derby St., Caboose at Hotel Chalet on Choo Choo Ave., and Clever Alehouse Food Trailer (Mobile) on Dayton Blvd. among others.
To Report a Complaint
For any health-related complaints, health departments across the Chattanooga area can be contacted. The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department can be reached at 423-209-8110, the Catoosa County Health Department at 706-406-2030, and the Walker County Health Department at 706-639-2574.
It is imperative that relevant health departments critically address any health-related concerns reported by the public, to ensure the safe service of food and the maintenance of overall public health.
The ongoing restaurant inspections signify a constant endeavor to maintain food safety standards in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas, and serve as a reminder for all establishments to consistently uphold and maintain their cleanliness.
