News Summary
Recent health inspections in Hamilton, Catoosa, and Walker Counties revealed food safety violations in several Chattanooga restaurants. Establishments like Kim Kitchen and Taqueria La Delicia scored poorly due to significant health risks. Higher scores were achieved by others, with some even achieving perfect compliance. The inspections, crucial for public safety, encouraged community members to report any health-related complaints, highlighting the importance of adherence to food safety standards in the dining industry.
Chattanooga – Recent biannual inspections conducted by health departments in Hamilton County, Catoosa County, and Walker County have uncovered food safety issues across several local establishments. The inspections, graded on a 100-point scale, provide a clear indication of each establishment’s compliance with health and safety standards. Establishments that fall short of critical standards may face reinspections to ensure compliance.
The most recent inspection scores, which cover the week ending June 10, revealed that several establishments struggled with significant health violations. Notably, Kim Kitchen received a score of 83, identifying problems such as improper food labeling, raw meat stored alongside ready-to-eat items, inadequate date marking, and poor storage practices. Taqueria La Delicia came in slightly higher with a score of 84, flagged for failings in sanitization practices, temperature control for food storage, and issues related to equipment maintenance.
Fruteria al Dia scored 89 after multiple improperly date-marked food items were found, along with concerns regarding the use of inappropriate materials for food preparation surfaces. Among the establishments that scored better, Lost In Transit achieved a score of 90 and did not have specific violations listed. Bojangles scored 92, Staybridge Suites earned 93, and both Kim Kitchen and Taqueria La Delicia saw their scores impacted by serious violations that necessitate attention.
Scores of 94 were seen in several establishments, including Boathouse Grill, Buffet King, and Taqueria Elizabeth, although specific infractions at these locations were not detailed. Multiple establishments scored 95, among them China Gourmet House and Hampton Inn & Suites, indicating a general compliance with health regulations.
High-performing establishments included Waffle House, Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine, and Randy’s Catering, all of which received scores ranging from 96 to 100. Notably, perfect scores of 100 were achieved by establishments such as 1501 Nutrition, Camp Vesper Point, and Dubs BBQ (Mobile), indicating exemplary adherence to health standards.
It’s important to note that the inspection scores do not consider immediate corrective actions taken during inspections; hence, some establishments may significantly improve their scores in subsequent evaluations. Community members are encouraged to report any health-related complaints to the respective health departments. Complaints can be filed by contacting the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department at 423-209-8110, the Catoosa County Health Department at 706-406-2030, or the Walker County Health Department at 706-639-2574.
These inspections are crucial for maintaining public health and safety in food service establishments. The health departments aim not only to enforce compliance but also to educate food service operators on maintaining high food safety standards. Through rigorous inspections, the health departments play an essential role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
As public awareness around food safety escalates, regular inspections and reporting of violations help to foster a safer dining environment for all. The findings from these inspections should serve as a reminder for dining establishments to prioritize food safety practices and address any deficiencies proactively.
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