Chattanooga TN, July 30, 2025
News Summary
The latest health inspection report for Chattanooga reveals alarming food safety violations at several local restaurants while highlighting those that achieved perfect scores. Notably, Sitar Indian Restaurant and Parkway Pourhouse received low scores due to unsanitary conditions and pest issues. In contrast, multiple establishments, including Abuelitas Seasons and Wendys, achieved perfect scores, demonstrating a commitment to food safety. The report emphasizes the importance of compliance with health regulations, urging consumers to be aware of inspection results before dining out.
Chattanooga Health Inspection Report Highlights Food Safety Violations and Perfect Scores
The latest health inspection report from the Chattanooga area reveals significant food safety violations across several local restaurants, while also shining a light on establishments that received perfect scores. The Hamilton County, Catoosa County, and Walker County health departments conduct inspections twice a year on food service establishments, assessing compliance with health regulations on a 100-point scale. A score below 70 indicates critical health standards have not been met, prompting immediate rein inspections.
Several restaurants received alarming scores for the week ending July 29. The Sitar Indian Restaurant located at 200A Market St. scored 71, facing multiple violations, including issues with bare-hand contact with food, unsanitary kitchen conditions, and evidence of rodent droppings. Parkway Pourhouse at 801 Riverfront Parkway wasn’t far behind with a score of 76, citing poor management of food safety and significant pest issues such as flies.
Other establishments with low scores included Farm to Fork in Ringgold, Georgia, which scored 83 due to improper food holding temperatures and equipment repairs needed. El Metate in Soddy Daisy narrowly avoided failure with a score of 75, also highlighting inadequate handwashing procedures and plumbing problems.
Conversely, numerous restaurants excelled during this inspection period. Multiple eateries, including Abuelitas Seasons and Wendys, received perfect scores of 100. Additionally, Oaks Coffee House, Tropical Sno, and Snapfinger Scoops celebrated perfect scores during this inspection period, showcasing their commitment to maintaining food safety standards. Chain restaurants like Burger King and Krystal also garnered high marks of 97 and 96, respectively.
The health inspection process is a vital part of ensuring food safety and public health. Inspectors look for a range of issues, from improper food storage to cleanliness in food preparation areas. Restaurants must prioritize these standards for customer safety, as patrons are encouraged to be aware of inspection scores before dining out. Health departments urge anyone with health-related complaints regarding local establishments to contact them directly for further action.
Scores from various establishments during the recent inspection period highlight the ongoing need for vigilance in food safety practices. The full list of scores revealed that while many restaurants performed well, several others displayed significant violations that require immediate attention.
Contact Information for Health Departments
To file health-related complaints, residents can reach the following health departments:
- Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department: 423-209-8110
- Catoosa County Health Department: 706-406-2030
- Walker County Health Department: 706-639-2574
Summary of Scores for the Week Ending July 29
- 71 – Sitar Indian Restaurant
- 76 – Parkway Pourhouse
- 83 – Farm to Fork
- 85 – The Homeplate Bar & Grill
- 88 – New China Buffet & Grill
- 95 – Multiple Restaurants including McDonald’s
- 100 – Abuelitas Seasons, among others
Importance of Food Safety Standards
Maintaining robust food safety standards is essential for protecting public health. The information shared in food inspection reports can serve as a helpful guide for consumers when selecting where to dine. As some establishments highlight the best practices in the industry, others can learn from their peers to avoid violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are food safety inspection scores based on?
Food safety inspection scores are based on compliance with health regulations, evaluated on a scale of 0 to 100 points. Scores reflect various factors including cleanliness, food storage, and equipment maintenance.
How often are restaurants inspected?
Restaurants are inspected twice a year by health department officials as part of maintaining food safety standards.
What should a consumer do if they have concerns about a restaurant?
Consumers are encouraged to contact the relevant health department to report any health-related complaints regarding a restaurant.
Key Features of Health Inspection Report
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Inspection Frequency | Twice a year |
| Scoring Range | 0-100 points |
| Critical Failure Score | Below 70 |
| Contact Numbers | Health Departments for complaints |
| Recent Pronounced Scores | Scores ranged from 71 to 100 in the latest inspections |
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Additional Resources
- WISH TV: Hamilton Co Restaurants Inspection Tool
- Local 3 News: Broken Sink Causes Mexican Restaurant Issues
- Times Free Press: Cockroach Issues in Local Restaurant
- McCall: Lehigh Valley Food Safety Report
- Indianapolis Monthly: Restaurant Inspections Report
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Google Search: Food Inspection Reports
- Google Scholar: Food Safety Standards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Safety
- Google News: Restaurant Inspections
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
