News Summary
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department has published the latest food inspection scores for local restaurants, showing significant compliance variations. The inspections, conducted twice a year on a 100-point scale, reveal that while some establishments excel, others display critical health violations. Noteworthy scores include Clever Alehouse at 99 and Dinner on the Diner with a perfect 100, while 75 Taco Chatt received a low score of 75. The department continues to emphasize transparency and public engagement in food safety.
Chattanooga Health Department Releases Latest Food Inspection Scores
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department has released the latest food inspection scores for local restaurants and food service establishments, revealing significant variations in compliance with health standards. The inspections, conducted twice a year, utilize a 100-point grading scale, with scores ranging from a low of 75 to a perfect 100. The inspection results for the week ending May 27 indicate that while some establishments have scored exceptionally well, others face critical violations that require attention.
Among the notable findings, 75 Taco Chatt received a score of 75, indicating several health violations, including issues around food safety knowledge, improper food storage, leaks, and unsanitized surfaces. Lillie Mae’s Place scored 87, with identified problems in gloveless food handling, improper temperature storage, and unclean kitchen conditions. Saks Wing Shak earned a score of 88, facing cleanliness concerns, lack of thermometers, air gaps, and poor equipment conditions.
In contrast, several establishments received high scores, reflecting compliance with health regulations. Clever Alehouse achieved a score of 99, while Dinner on the Diner received the highest score of 100. Multiple locations of Little Caesars also reported scores between 97 and 100, along with Outback Steakhouse at 97. Newly established mobile food vendors such as Chattanooga Kombucha Co. and Wings Top Tots also garnered scores of 100, demonstrating the growing food safety standards within the community.
Inspection Protocol and Public Access to Scores
The health departments in Hamilton, Catoosa, and Walker counties conduct regular unannounced inspections based on hazard risk assessments, aiming to maintain high standards of food safety. Establishments that fail to meet critical health measures are subject to reinspections, ensuring compliance. However, the inspection scores provided do not account for on-the-spot improvements that may occur, which can sometimes lead to upward adjustments in scores during follow-up inspections.
Residents can easily access information about food inspection results through the newly launched interactive food inspection map on the Hamilton County Health Department’s website. This tool allows users to review food inspection reports for over 1,200 food service establishments in the area, underscoring the department’s commitment to food safety as a top priority.
Community Engagement and Contact Information
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department encourages members of the community to stay informed about food service quality. Individuals can report health-related issues using the following contact numbers: the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department can be reached at 423-209-8110, the Catoosa County Health Department at 706-406-2030, and the Walker County Health Department at 706-639-2574.
Additionally, the health department provides food safety training for restaurants and food establishments as needed, promoting an environment of accountability and improvement. Public access to inspection results and proactive community engagement play crucial roles in ensuring the health and safety of residents dining at local establishments.
Key Takeaways
The recent food inspection scores highlight both the successes and challenges faced by local restaurants and establishments in Chattanooga. While many are achieving high compliance rates with food safety standards, others have room for improvement. As inspections continue and public access to information increases, the community is encouraged to stay informed about the quality and safety of their food service options.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Greywater Leak, Flies in the Kitchen
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Read The Reporter: Health Department Food Inspection Map
- Google Search: Chattanooga Health Department Food Inspections
- Times Free Press: Live Roach, Raw Meat Juices
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Food Safety Chattanooga
- Local 3 News: Downtown Chattanooga Restaurant Inspections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food-Borne Illness
- Times Free Press: Bare-Handed Food Contact
- Google News: Chattanooga Restaurant Violations
