Thawing Octopus, Uncovered Foods, and Dirty Environments: Recent Restaurant Inspection Reports in Chattanooga

The Hamilton County, Catoosa County, and Walker County health departments in the Chattanooga area have released outcomes of the latest restaurant inspections. The scrutinies were conducted for the week ending July 23, 2024, and were based on a 100-point scoring system. Results lower than 70 demand immediate enhancements, and restaurants failing to satisfy critical standards are subject to reinspection.

Inspection Results for the Week

In a startling revelation, one restaurant failed the inspection for the week ending July 23, with a lamentable score of 68. Little Caesars on Lee Highway faced several issues, including a neglectful attitude towards foodborne illness risk factors, unclean work areas, insufficient cleaning routines, and unregulated thermometers in numerous cold-holding units, among other infractions.

On a brighter note, some restaurants in the area had their areas of improvement. Mariscos Vallarta was noted for having unlabelled chemical spray bottles and thawing octopus and oysters in stationary water. Hardee’s faced issues such as undated chopped tomatoes and excessive ice-buildup in several reach-in freezers. Despite some minor flaws, some of the inspected restaurants managed to score above 85.

Octopus Thawing and Unlabeled Chemical Spray Bottles

Several infractions discovered during the inspections included unlabelled chemical spray containers and thawing octopus in stationary water in the kitchen of Mariscos Vallarta. This practice is far from the recommended mode of thawing as it can increase the risk of bacterial growth and hence foodborne diseases.

Uncovered Food and Exaggerated Ice Buildup

Hardee’s on Lee Highway faced the accusation of not dating sliced tomatoes with a discard time. Apart from this, cold-stored foods without lids/covers and the presence of heavy ice-buildup in various reach-in refrigerators were concerning issues. Health experts stress the importance of food hygiene and proper handling to prevent spoilage and contamination.

Other Inspection Scores

The inspection scores for other restaurants varied. While establishments like Logan’s Roadhouse, Kinley Hotel, and the Sawasdee Thai Restaurant landed scores within the range of 87 to 89, others like Choo Choo Bar-B-Que and Gaby’s Antojitos made their mark with commendable scores over 90. Restaurants such as Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Lupi’s Pizza Pies, Bojangles, and Panda Express even exceeded the score of 93.

The Prestigious Centurions

There were also exceptional restaurants that managed to receive perfect scores of 100. Among the ecstatic victors were Bateman Community Living, Clever Alehouse Food Trailer, and Discovery Point. These businesses have exhibited stringent adherence to health norms and thereby set high hygiene standards for the Chattanooga restaurant industry.

About Chattanooga Health Inspections

Regular health inspections in Chattanooga help maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Consumers must be aware of these scores to make informed decisions about the eating establishments they choose. Strict vigilance of hygiene practices is necessary to prevent foodborne diseases and ensure public health safety.