Knoxville Restaurant in Hot Water After Health Inspection
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — It’s an unfortunate day for food lovers as a popular local eatery has received a failing grade from a recent health inspection. The restaurant in question, the Taj Indian Bistro, located on Parkside Drive in Turkey Creek, was reported to have several critical health violations, leading to a score of just 64. Yikes! For those who don’t know, any score below 69 means the establishment is failing.
What Went Wrong?
During the inspection, it seems things were a bit chaotic in the kitchen. One of the most alarming issues was related to hand hygiene. An inspector observed an employee handling cooked chicken with bare hands—without washing up afterward. That same employee then placed the chicken on a plate meant for customers. To make matters worse, another staff member went outside and immediately resumed food preparation upon returning to the kitchen, also without a proper handwashing. And guess what? The only soap dispenser in the kitchen was out of order!
But that’s not all. The inspector also noticed that several ready-to-eat cooked foods were missing date marks. This is crucial, as food needs to be labeled with the date it was first used to ensure freshness and safety. Alongside this, there were food items left out overnight to cool at room temperature before they were stored in a walk-in cooler, which is a big no-no. It creates a perfect habitat for bacteria to grow!
As if these issues weren’t enough, the restaurant’s cleaning protocols fell short as well. Wiping cloths used for cleaning tables weren’t stored in a sanitizer bucket, which is essential for proper hygiene. It’s clear that improvements were needed at the Taj Indian Bistro.
A Second Chance
Keeping the Community Safe
It’s good to remember that health inspectors do these check-ups every six months, and these visits are unannounced. If patrons ever have a legitimate complaint regarding a restaurant’s cleanliness, it’s important that they voice their concerns politely to the manager first. If things don’t improve, folks can also contact their local health department, and an inspector will come to conduct a surprise check, keeping our dining options safe and healthy.
Conclusion
So, as we continue to enjoy the culinary delights around Knoxville, let’s make sure to keep an eye out for cleanliness. With great food comes great responsibility, and it’s a relief that the Taj Indian Bistro has taken the necessary steps to put things back on track. Here’s hoping for a delicious and safe dining experience for all of us!
