By DON DARE
Food for Thought Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Although several critical health violations lowered one Knoxville area restaurant's inspection grade, another had a perfect score.
Food temperatures are critical at restaurants, and they fall on both sides of the scale. The growth of harmful bacteria can be rapid if the food isn't cool enough or hot enough.
Low score:
Panda One at S. 7741 Northshore Drive - Grade: 68
The Knox County Health Department considers a score below 70 as unsanitary.
The inspector found white rice at 118 degrees. That's way too cool. One hundred and forty degrees and above is the necessary temperature to slow the growth of bacteria. A whole crock pot of rice was ordered thrown out.
Medicine was stored with food. To avoid any possible mistakes, medicine should be placed in a separate area, away from food.
A can of pineapple juice had a big dent in it. Dented cans aren't allowed, to avoid the possibility of contamination.
Reinspections:
In June, we reported Angelos Italian Pizzeria on Gov. John Sevier Highway received a 64. It was reinspected and the new grade is a respectable 83.
Tokyo Hibachi and Sushi on Northshore Drive received a 66 a few weeks ago. After it was checked again, the new score is an 85.
Highest Scores:
Bill's Dogs, a concession stand at 3800 Benjie Lane - 100
Auggies N doggies, a mobile cart at 5305 Maywood Road - 98
Litton's Market and Restaurant at 2803 Essary Road - 96
Kitt's Cafe at 4620 Greenway Drive - 95
Pepper's Grill and Pizzeria at 7507 Tazewell Pike - 95
Firehouse Subs at 4916 Kingston Pike - 93
Papa John's Pizza at 7036 Kingston Pike - 91
Dunkin' Donuts at 7114 Kingston Pike - 90
