Chattanooga Food Safety Inspections Reveal Mixed Results and High Achievers

Inspecting Food Safety: Local Health Grades Released

Chattanooga and its neighboring counties are shining a light on food safety with their latest health inspection reports, and there’s plenty to talk about! Each food service establishment receives a grade on a 100-point scale twice a year, aimed at ensuring that our dining experiences are safe and enjoyable. The reports for the week ending October 22, 2024, are in, and it looks like we have a mixed bag of results.

Choo Choo BBQ Smokehouse: A Cause for Concern

First up, we have Choo Choo BBQ Smokehouse located on Highway 58, which unfortunately did not fare well this time, receiving a score of 71. Inspectors noted some serious red flags, including a lack of control over critical food safety practices. A strong odor greeted inspectors in the food prep area, and there were multiple flies buzzing around dirty dishes. Even more alarming, various meats and side dishes were found sitting at unsafe temperatures, with whole smoked brisket and pulled pork left at room temperature for more than an hour. Additionally, the kitchen was found to be cluttered with food stored improperly, cutting boards in disrepair, and significant areas that required cleaning. It’s clear that some improvements need to be made at this establishment.

Super 8: Room for Improvement

Next on the list, Super 8 in Ringgold scored a 81. While this score is better than Choo Choo BBQ, there were still concerning issues. Inspectors found no soap at the hand sink in the dishwashing area, and unmarked milk that had been in the fridge for over 24 hours. It seems like some basic food safety habits need a refresh here, as well as clearer separation of personal items from food service items.

Amigo’s: A Mixed Bag

Then we have Amigo’s on Ringgold Road, which received a score of 82. Similar to the previous inspections, this establishment had issues with food storage. Tortilla shells were not in good condition, and raw foods were not stored correctly according to cooking temperatures. Perhaps most concerning were rodenticides found too close to food products in storage. This highlights the importance of keeping food areas and pest control measures well separated!

Top Scorers: A Glimpse of Excellence

On a brighter note, several establishments absolutely shined in their inspections this week. Earning a perfect 100 were:

• 1885 Grill Ooltewah
• City Cafe Diner (both the main diner and bar)
• Drury Plaza Hotel (both dining areas)
• Mean Jeen’s (both restaurant and bar)
• Sonic
• Taqueria Tikal

These establishments set the bar high, demonstrating exemplary food safety practices. It’s fantastic to see such dedication to maintaining a clean and safe dining atmosphere for customers. Their commitment truly pays off!

Getting Involved: Reporting Concerns

If you’ve visited a restaurant and have concerns about hygiene or food safety, don’t hesitate to speak up! Each county has a hotline available:

• Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department: 423-209-8110
• Catoosa County Health Department: 706-406-2030
• Walker County Health Department: 706-639-2574

All in all, the latest health inspection scores provide a valuable insight into the restaurant scene around Chattanooga and its surrounding counties. As consumers, we should support the establishments that prioritize our health and safety while encouraging those with lower scores to step up their game. Let’s keep eating safely—bon appétit!