News Summary
The latest health inspections in Hamilton, Catoosa, and Walker Counties reveal mixed scores for local restaurants. While some establishments excelled with high scores, others like Pupuseria Marelyn and Lillie Mae’s Place struggled, facing significant health violations. The report emphasizes the importance of maintaining food safety standards and encourages diners to report any health concerns. Stay informed to ensure a safe dining experience.
Health Violations Report: Local Restaurants Receive Mixed Grades in Health Inspections
The week ending January 28, 2025, has brought us some mixed news when it comes to the health scores of food service establishments in Hamilton County, Catoosa County, and Walker County. It’s that time of year again when our favorite local spots get checked out by health departments, and this round of inspections has painted a rather colorful picture.
How the Scores Work
Every restaurant is rated on a 100-point scale and is inspected twice a year. If they don’t hit the critical health marks, they get reinspected to ensure they’re serving food that’s safe to eat. It’s important to note that the scores reported are the original ones and don’t necessarily reflect any immediate corrections made afterward.
Not-So-Good Scores
Some local eateries are facing challenges this year. Pupuseria Marelyn located at 3992 Ringgold Road, Suite 106, received a score of 73. Major violations included the person-in-charge not being present during the inspection, low sanitizer levels, and improper date-marking. Additionally, there were cleaning products stored near food and poor repairs around stoppers and sinks. Yikes!
Next up, we have Lillie Mae’s Place on 4712 Dayton Blvd, landing a score of 75. Issues arose from a lack of active managerial control, potential cross-contamination with raw eggs, and finding multiple food items older than seven days. The situation took a turn for the worse when inspectors spotted both live and dead cockroaches and noted poor kitchen cleanliness. Definitely not what you want to see while enjoying a meal!
House of Teriyaki at 3805 Cummings Highway also faced criticism, scoring 82. Their worries included employees being unaware of an illness policy, improper date-marking practices, and thawing raw chicken at room temperature. Unlabeled bulk food containers were another red flag raised by inspectors.
Better Luck Elsewhere
Now, let’s not put a damper on the spirit entirely. Many restaurants actually scored above 80, which earns them a nod of approval! For instance, IHOP at 5113 Highway 153 earned a score of 83, while Adelle’s Creperie on 400 E. Main St., Suite 120, received a respectable 84. A high point was Stir, located at 1444 Market St., which got an impressive 86. Puckett’s, at 2 W. Aquarium Way, earned a score of 87.
On the top tier, we have the Chatter Box (Mobile) at 1108 W. 33rd St. and Cracker Barrel at 1460 N. Mack Smith Road, each scoring a solid 90. The shining stars, though, include Chipotle at 20 Cherokee Blvd., Unit 112, which scored an astounding 99, and multiple establishments, including Arby’s and Subway, achieving a perfect score of 100.
Overall Takeaway
It looks like there’s a little bit of work needed in some of our local favorites, especially those with scores dipping below 80. One particularly concerning entry is Yoki Buffet on Paul Huff Parkway, which scored 70 due to raw food contamination and improper food handling practices. This should remind us all to keep our eyes (and taste buds) peeled when dining out.
Health departments really encourage diners to voice any health concerns they may have regarding their local restaurants. Remember, if you spot something suspicious, you can 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
Dining out is all about having a great experience, and staying informed about these inspections could help make sure that the food you enjoy is both delicious and safe!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Numerous Live and Dead Cockroaches Found in Chattanooga Area
- Local 3 News: Cleveland Restaurant Almost Fails Inspection
- Times Free Press: Live Roach and Raw Meat Juices in Chattanooga Area
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Safety
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