Concerns Raised Over Health Violations at Knoxville Restaurant

In the vibrant city of KnoXville, there’s been quite the stir surrounding a local dining spot. La Bamba Marisqueria Bar & Billiards, located on Chapman Highway, recently received a less-than-glowing health inspection score of 72. While this score is technically passing — a score of 69 or below is considered failing — it still raises some eyebrows and calls for a closer look.

What Went Wrong?

During the inspection, the restaurant faced over a dozen violations, which certainly isn’t good news. Among the most concerning findings was the presence of weevil droppings in some food products. Now, weevils — often referred to as “flour bugs” — are typically found in pantry staples like cornmeal and flour. So, spotting them in a restaurant’s food products is a big red flag that can’t be ignored. In addition to this, the inspector reported the presence of rodent droppings as well.

But that wasn’t all. A live cockroach made an unexpected appearance, scurrying around the dining room. It’s fair to say that patrons would most definitely prefer not to share their meals with uninvited guests of any kind! And to make matters worse, food was being stored on the floor in the back room, a perfect breeding ground for those pesky creatures.

The inspection also highlighted a lack of proper documentation. Specifically, the inspector noted that there were no shell stock tags for in-use oysters, nor were there any dates available for previously used oysters. These tags are crucial because they provide a record of where the oysters come from, especially if a safety issue arises.

A Quick Turnaround

Fortunately, La Bamba took swift action in response to the inspection. After a visit from a pest control company and other corrective measures, the restaurant was re-inspected. Now, we’re happy to report that they’ve significantly improved their standing with a follow-up grade of 93. This new score reflects the restaurant’s efforts to address the issues and deliver a safer dining experience for their customers.

What You Can Do

For those dining out, it’s always a good idea to stay observant. If you notice anything unusual while enjoying a meal, don’t hesitate to let the manager know or even reach out to the local health department. They will send an inspector for a surprise visit to ensure that standards are being met. Keeping food safety a priority helps everyone enjoy their outings in confidence.

Looking Ahead

As we enjoy the rich tapestry of flavors in our local dining scene, let’s keep our eyes peeled. Restaurants strive to maintain high health standards, and when they falter, it affects us all. The remarkable turnaround at La Bamba is a testament to the dedication to health and quality that many establishments uphold. Here’s to hoping they continue on this upward path!

As the temperature drops and the holidays approach, it’s a reminder to think about not just our homes, but the places we choose to eat, too. Everyone deserves a meal that is both delicious and safe. So, as we prepare for the holiday season and indulge in comforting dishes, let’s do so thoughtfully and with awareness.