Recent Health Inspection Sparks Concerns Over Sanitation at Knoxville’s Zapata Mexican Restaurant

Recent Health Inspection Raises Questions at Zapata Mexican Restaurant in Knoxville

Knoxville, Tenn. — A recent health inspection has raised significant concerns about the sanitation practices at Zapata Mexican Restaurant, located at 7044 Maynardville Highway in the Halls community. With a low score of 70, this score is just barely passing, as anything below 69 is considered a failure. Multiple critical violations were noted by the inspector during their visit, leading to a follow-up inspection that fortunately resulted in a much improved grade.

Critical Violations Found

During the initial inspection, several concerning issues were flagged. One of the major red flags was the temperature of the food. The inspector found rice that had been improperly stored in plastic bags, left to cool overnight between 68 and 71 degrees. This is definitely an unsafe temperature zone, prompting the inspector to dispose of the rice immediately. Additionally, other foods in the walk-in cooler registered at 48 degrees, which again is too warm for safe food storage. The inspector indicated that the refrigerator might need servicing to ensure temperatures are kept within safe limits.

Another serious violation was the dishwasher, which was found to be lacking sanitizer during its final wash cycle. It’s crucial for dishes and utensils to be washed, cleaned, and sanitized effectively, and this failure to do so raised significant concerns.

Food Safety Practices Under Scrutiny

Beyond temperature control, there were also issues with food labeling. Several ready-to-eat foods were found without any date marks, which are necessary to keep track of their freshness and ensure customers avoid spoiled items. The inspector also noted the presence of flies in the kitchen, which raises hygiene concerns.

Additionally, the inspector mentioned that the individual in charge at the time didn’t demonstrate a firm managerial control over the kitchen, as evidenced by the number of violations observed. Such a lack of oversight is concerning, as it can contribute to ongoing safety issues.

A Follow-Up Inspection Shows Improvement

After being notified of the violations, the management at Zapata Mexican Restaurant took prompt action to address these critical issues. A follow-up inspection was performed, and it was heartening to see that the restaurant had corrected all of the original violations. The inspector returned to find a much cleaner and safer operation, resulting in a new grade of 95.

The Importance of Reporting Concerns

For diners at Zapata Mexican or any local restaurant, it’s vital to be aware of your dining environment. If you notice anything that seems out of place or unsanitary during your meal, don’t hesitate to let the manager know. You can also contact the local health department, which will send an inspector for a special, surprise visit. Keeping our restaurants accountable ensures everyone has a safe dining experience!

In conclusion, while Zapata Mexican had a rocky inspection that raised alarm bells, the swift response in addressing issues showcases their commitment to improving their practices. Here’s to hoping they continue down this positive path, ensuring that customers can enjoy their meals with confidence!