By DON DARE
Food for Thought Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Bad hygiene practices hurt the health inspection scores at two Knoxville area restaurants in the most recent round of health inspections.
There are 46 items on a health inspection report. Health departments throughout East Tennessee offer free courses to managers on what is required to meet the standards and help ensure that food establishments are safe places to eat.
Lowest Scores:
Southbound Grill at 106 S. Central Street - Grade: 65
The Knox County Health department considers a grade below 70 as unsanitary.
The inspector found no hot water at the employee hand sink so kitchen workers couldn't wash their hands properly.
The inside of the ice machine was dirty.
The inspector found serving trays being stored on the floor,
In the ladies room, the toilet seats were loose and damaged. In the men's room, the inspector found an infestation of flies.
Mangia Pizza & More at 10926 Parkside Drive - Grade: 70
That's passing, but there were critical violations.
The inspector watched an employee wipe his hands on his dirty apron, take up tickets and money and serve food without washing his hands.
Some canned food had a big dent in it. The dent can cause the seal to break and possibly spoil the contents.
Highest Scores:
Froyoz at 124 N. Forest Park Boulevard - 96
Sonic at 8475 Kingston Pike - 95
The B&D Rib Shack at 5200 Rutledge Pike - 94
City Blendz at Knoxville Center Mall - 94
Prime Time New York Hot Dog Connection at 800 S. Gay Street - 94
Mama Mia Pizzeria at 9115 Executive Park Drive - 94
Nama Sushi Bar at 5130 Kingston Pike - 93
Marble Slab Creamery at 4849 Kingston Pike - 93
Papa Murphy's at 4801 Kingston Pike - 93
Hott Rods, Inc. at 2909 Alcoa Highway - 92
Fox's Pizza Den at 7664 S. Northshore Drive - 92
Starbucks at 7803 Montvue Center Way - 91
6 On Your Side reporter Don Dare reports on the latest restaurant inspections by the Knox County Health Department every Thursday on 6 News at 6:00.
