By DON DARE
Food for Thought Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Health inspectors gave seven Knoxville area restaurants failing grades when they made their most recent visits.
Lowest Scores:
Krystal at 1718 Cumberland Avenue - Grade 60
The Knox County Health Department considers a score below 70 as unsanitary.
The inspector wrote that the cook touched raw beef, then handled a kitchen utensil without washing his hands and then returned to prepare a sandwich.
Hot dogs were found at 130 degrees, but 140 and above is required to kill bacteria.
Makino Japanese Buffet at 8217 Kingston Pike - Grade: 66
The inspector found oysters in the oven at 108 degrees, but 140 is required.
On the other end of the temperature scale, shrimp and chicken were at 53 degrees, but 41 and below is mandated to slow the growth of bacteria. The food was thrown out.
Jumbo Buffet at 7430 Chapman Highway - Grade: 66
An employee was seen drinking from an open cup. Lids and straws are required so none of the drink accidentally splashes onto food.
A hand sink was hanging from the wall in the kitchen, and water was all over the floor.
Kandy at 2619 Chapman Highway - Grade 66
This restaurant just opened.
The inspector found spiders in the kitchen.
He also writes there was a problem in the ladies restroom, and the employees rest room was dirty.
Burger King at 5310 Middlebrook Pike - Grade: 68
A worker had painted fingernails. Fingernail polish isn't allowed unless gloves are worn.
Also, a worker had a Band-Aid on her finger. Those are okay, but gloves are required to protect customers.
Granny Bea's at 3801 Western Avenue - Grade: 68
Food was stored on the floor. It belongs up on shelves.
The temperature of sausage and sour cream were off.
Granny Bea's was re-inspected. The new grade is an 82.
McDonald's at 4420 Western Avenue - Grade: 69
A kitchen worker with a Band-Aid on her finger wasn't wearing gloves.
A cook touched raw food, then handled cooked food without washing his hands.
McDonald's was re-inspected. The new grade is a 79.
Highest Scores:
Charley's Grilled Subs in West Town Mall - 97
Dead End BBQ at 3621 Sutherland Avenue - 94
Sonic Drive in at 7519 Mountain Grove Drive - 93
Wendy's at 8305 Kingston Pike - 92
Panera Bread at 11361 Parkside Drive - 91
Chick-fil-A at 7063 Kingston Pike - 91
Papa Murphy's at 133 Brooklawn Street - 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.
