Handwashing issues found at Knoxville breakfast restaurant during inspection

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — This restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The health inspector jotted down quite a few violations in the initial inspection.

The grade is a 70 at First Watch, the one on Lovell Road in West Knoxville. That 70 is a passing score as any score of 69 and below is considered failing.

First Watch, 111 Lovell Rd, Knoxville — Grade: 70, Follow-up: 92

First off, kitchen workers struggled with proper handwashing. One employee changed tasks three times without once changing gloves and washing hands which is required after each task. Another kitchen employee wiped his nose and continued to work without removing his gloves and washing his hands. The inspector wrote that he encouraged the entire staff to learn about proper handwashing.

There’s more. The inspector wrote that he found multiple containers stored as clean, but they had food debris stuck to them. Turkey sausage links, in the warmer oven, were at 109 degrees, but 135 and above is the required temperature to slow bacteria growth. On the other end of the temperature scale, deli turkey was at 54 degrees, which is not cool enough to kill bacteria. 41 and below is the proper cool temperature.

The inspector has returned to the First Watch on Lovell Road. He checked the original critical violations, they were all corrected. The new grade is only a 92.

Top Scores of The Week

• Orange Hat Brewing Co, 10246 Hardin Valley Rd, Knoxville — 100
• The Plaid Apron, 1210 Kenesaw Ave, Knoxville — 100
• Cook Out, 11113 Parkside Dr, Knoxville — 99
• Corner 16, 1640 Bob Kirby Rd, Knoxville — 99
• KFC, 2456 Magnolia Ave, Knoxville — 99
• Patriot Woodfired Pizza, 2004 Banner Ave, Jefferson City — 99
• Back Door Cafe, 2221 Jacksboro Pk, LaFollette — 99
• Dave And Buster’s, 1554 Parkway, Sevierville — 98

If you notice a health issue while dining, let the manager know or call the health department in the county where you live. An inspector will be sent out for a special visit.

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