KNOXVILLE, TENN. – A Look at a Local Eatery’s Health Inspection Journey
In Knoxville, a recent inspection at a well-known fast-food spot, Popeyes, has raised some eyebrows, especially for those who regularly grab their favorite fried chicken on the go. The Clinton Highway location received a not-so-stellar grade of 67 during a recent inspection, which unfortunately falls into the category of failing scores. In case you’re wondering, any score of 69 and below is officially considered a failure. Let’s break down what the inspection revealed and what’s been done since then.
The Initial Concerns
During the inspection, the health inspector found more than a handful of critical violations that raised flags. For starters, right at the drive-thru window, a scoop was discovered stored in stagnant water filled with dead bugs. Talk about unappetizing! And if that wasn’t enough, the inspector noticed flying critters buzzing around the area as well.
But it didn’t stop there. A cook was seen preparing food while wiping his hands on his clothing instead of washing them – a critical lapse in hygiene. Can you imagine? It’s definitely not what you want to witness when you’re in line for your meal!
There were also concerning issues with food temperatures. The fried chicken was clocking in at a lukewarm 125 degrees – it should be held at 135 degrees or above to keep bacteria at bay. And the rice? It was sitting at a risky 49 degrees, far above the recommended cool temperature of 41 degrees or lower.
On top of that, cleaning chemicals were found inappropriately stored next to items like lids and straws, which are meant for customers. Proper storage and safety are key, and this was certainly not the standard expected at a restaurant.
Positive Progress Made
However, there’s good news to share! After the inspection kicked up some dust, a follow-up visit was made to the same Popeyes location. This time around, the inspector found that all the critical violations from before had been addressed, and the restaurant earned a nifty new grade of 89. That’s a solid improvement!
Restaurants such as this one are subjected to inspections every six months, and they’re usually unannounced. These checks are crucial in ensuring that the public is dining in safe environments. If you ever notice something off during your visit to a restaurant, you’re encouraged to mention it politely to the manager. Or, if you feel it’s warranted, reach out to your local health department, and they can arrange for an inspector to pay a surprise visit, too!
Conclusion
In thinking about dining out, it’s always good to keep tabs on the hygiene and safety practices of your favorite spots. While it’s unfortunate that this Popeyes encountered some trouble, it’s reassuring to see that positive action was taken to get things back on track. So, if you’re in the mood for some fried chicken, it might be worth checking them out again, now that they’re on the up and up!
