In the Tennessee Valley, health inspectors have uncovered a disturbing trend: reused meat gloves and raw fish in hand sinks at local restaurants. This week, the following establishments received low health inspection scores, with some even failing to meet basic hygiene standards:
- University Pizza & Deli in Chattanooga: Inspectors noted improper cooling of cooked steak, hummus at the wrong temperature, and ricotta cheese stored above the recommended 41 degrees. Ten pounds of the cheese was discarded, and ready-to-eat foods were held for more than 24 hours without proper date marking.
- Alondra’s in Dalton: Raw fish was found in a hand sink, and single-use gloves were reused to handle raw meat, placed back into containers. Multiple foods were not stored at the correct temperatures.
- Day’s Inn in Dalton: The previous health inspection report was not available for clients, and the reach-in cooler was not set to the proper temperature for yogurt and other food items.
Despite these concerning findings, it's important to note that 71 businesses in the Tennessee Valley received perfect health inspection scores. The local health department encourages residents to report any questions or concerns about restaurants, hotels, pools, or gyms to their local health department.
This week's inspection results highlight the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards in food service establishments. While some restaurants fell short, many others demonstrated a commitment to food safety, ensuring a safe dining experience for customers.
