Hamilton County, August 20, 2025
News Summary
School cafeterias in Hamilton, Catoosa, and Walker Counties have demonstrated a strong commitment to food safety, achieving impressive health inspection scores. Recent inspections showed schools like Wallace A. Smith Elementary and Westview Elementary scoring a perfect 100, highlighting effective food safety practices. Despite lower scores from some local restaurants, the dedication of school officials and staff to public health standards is commendable, ensuring students receive safe and nutritious meals.
Hamilton, TN – School cafeterias in Hamilton County, Catoosa County, and Walker County are achieving impressive health inspection scores, reflecting a commitment to food safety and public health standards. The most recent health inspection results for the week ending August 19 revealed multiple schools scoring between 94 and a perfect 100 on a 100-point scale, demonstrating effective food safety management.
Top Scoring Schools
Among the schools inspected, Wallace A. Smith Elementary School, Allen Elementary School, and Westview Elementary School all received perfect scores of 100, indicating excellent adherence to health regulations. Other notable scores include East Ridge High School with a score of 99, Orchard Knob Middle School at 98, and Ooltewah Middle School achieving a score of 96. Hardy Elementary School and Spring Creek Elementary School both received scores of 94.
Health Department Inspections
The health departments of Hamilton County, Catoosa County, and Walker County conduct inspections of food service establishments, including schools, twice a year. Inspections are scored on a 100-point scale, and any establishment that fails to meet the critical health standards is subject to re-inspection. It is important to note that the scores reflect initial inspections and do not account for any on-the-spot corrections that may have been made to improve those scores.
Other Establishments and Violations
While school cafeterias showcased high scores, other food establishments had varying results. Park Place Restaurant received a score of 80, due to a critical violation of storing raw beef over ready-to-eat food items. Mi Casita received a score of 83, missing the mark due to improper handwashing practices. Similarly, Taqueria Adela also scored 83, primarily due to a blocked hand sink access, which is critical for food safety.
Contact Information for Health-Related Inquiries
For any health-related complaints regarding food safety in these counties, residents can contact the respective health departments:
- Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department: 423-209-8110
- Catoosa County Health Department: 706-406-2030
- Walker County Health Department: 706-639-2574
Importance of Food Safety in Schools
The consistently high scores achieved by school cafeterias underscore the vital role of effective food safety management practices in maintaining public health standards. The health and safety of students are paramount, and these inspection results indicate a strong commitment from school officials and kitchen staff to ensuring nutritious meals are served in a safe environment.
Conclusion
Overall, the soaring health inspection scores across school cafeterias in Hamilton, Catoosa, and Walker Counties reflect a positive trend in food safety management. While some restaurants have notable violations that need addressing, the commitment found in schools provides reassurance that they are prioritizing the health of their students.
FAQ Section
What are the health inspection scores for the recent week?
The health inspection scores for the week ending August 19 include high scores for schools such as Allen Elementary School, Westview Elementary School, and Wallace A. Smith Elementary School, all scoring 100. Other notable scores include East Ridge High School with 99, Orchard Knob Middle School with 98, and Ooltewah Middle School with 96.
How often are health inspections conducted in these counties?
The health departments in Hamilton County, Catoosa County, and Walker County conduct inspections of food service establishments, including schools, twice a year.
What should I do if I have a health-related complaint?
For health-related complaints, residents can contact 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.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Inspection Frequency | Twice a year for food service establishments. |
| Scoring System | 100-point scale used for evaluations. |
| High Achieving Schools | Schools like Allen Elementary and Westview Elementary received perfect scores. |
| Other Establishments | Some restaurants had lower scores due to health violations. |
| Contact Information | Numbers provided for health-related complaints. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Unwashed Hands and Improper Storage
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Local 3 News: Restaurant Inspection Scores
- Google Search: Restaurant Health Inspection
- Times Free Press: Unprotected Foods and Improper Temperatures
- Google Scholar: Food Inspection Violations
- Local 3 News: Ringgold Rd Restaurant Failures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Safety Standards
- Times Free Press: Unauthorized Personnel and Missing Floor Tiles
- Google News: Food 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.
