Food Safety Scores Examined: Insights for Chattanooga Diners

Food Safety Scores Released for Chattanooga and Surrounding Areas

Chattanooga, TN – The excitement of dining out in Chattanooga can come with many flavors, but it’s essential to know what’s cooking behind the scenes! Each week, local health departments inspect food service establishments to ensure they meet safety standards. Recently released scores from the Hamilton, Catoosa, and Walker County health departments indicate how various restaurants and eateries are keeping it clean, safe, and tasty for customers.

How it Works

Every food service establishment is inspected not once, but twice a year, and are given a score on a 100-point scale. Inspections check for critical safety standards, and if a place doesn’t meet the requirements, they are subject to a reinspection. It’s important to note that these scores reflect original assessments made during the inspections, and don’t include any on-the-spot fixes that may improve a score before the inspector leaves.

Noteworthy Scores

So, what do the scores look like? Here’s a glimpse at some highlights from the week ending December 10, 2024:

• 79 – American Wings, 4011 Brainerd Road

This establishment had some eye-opening violations, including an employee not washing their hands properly, and raw bacon stored on top of ready-to-eat deli items. Yikes! They also had raw chicken wings sitting at room temperature, which is a major no-no for food safety! They received the lowest score this week, so it might be worth checking back later to see if they improve.

• 80 – Monkey Town Brewing, 724 Ashland Terrace

This local brewery had a cheesecake with a side of mold. It also wasn’t a good sign to find raw shrimp in the rinse compartment next to clean equipment. They need to pay better attention to labeling and separating food items!

• 85 – River Drifters, 1925 Suck Creek Road

This popular spot fell short regarding food separation. Let’s hope they can get their safety practices back on track!

Top Performers

Not all establishments struggled, though! Here are some of the star performers:

• 100 – Alleia, 25 E. Main St.
• 100 – The Bakery, 9408 Apison Pike, Suite 162
• 97 – Lickin Good Donuts, 10043 Dayton Pike

These eateries have something to celebrate. Scores in the 90s and above indicate a strong commitment to food safety, and they’re obviously doing something right.

What to Do if You Have Concerns

If you’ve dined at a restaurant and have concerns about health and safety standards, you can voice your worries. To file a complaint, just reach out to your local health department:

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

Be Informed and Stay Safe!

Being aware of food safety scores allows you to make informed choices about where to eat. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, support the establishments that take health regulations to heart. With a little bit of caution and knowledge, every meal can be a delightful and, more importantly, a safe experience. So, happy eating, Chattanooga!