Critical health violations fixed after inspector visits Knoxville restaurant 3 times

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The health inspector has visited the low-scoring restaurant three times over the last month. He returned because management had not corrected the initial critical violations.

The grades were 74 and 78 at Yamato Ramen House and Poke Bowl on Parkside Drive in Turkey Creek. Those are passing scores as any grade of 69 and below is considered failing. On the final follow-up inspection, the initial critical violations were corrected.

Yamato Ramen House & Poke Bowl, 11527 Parkside Dr, Knoxville — Grade: 74, 78, Follow-up: 90

During the first inspection, an employee hand sink was being used to bus dirty dishes. Steel wood and green scrubbing pads were found in the sink. In the big three-compartment sink where pots and pans are washed, cleaned, and sanitized, the third sink had no sanitizer in it.

There was no date mark on the cooked pork that was thawing in the walk-in cooler. The date the pork was first cooked is required to maintain its wholesomeness.

When the inspector followed up on his first visit, a garbage can was found blocking the employee’s hand sink. The steel wool and scrubbing pads had been removed, but the sink was not easy to reach for kitchen workers.

Also during the second inspection, an employee was observed washing spatulas in the mop sink with a spray hose.

There was another problem with the proper date marking of ready-to-eat food. The sliced pork was found with two date marks on it. The inspector again went over the date marking system with employees.

Finally, when the inspector returned a third time, the potential foodborne violations had been corrected and the re-inspected grade was a 90.

Top Scores of the Week

• Litton’s Restaurant, 2803 Essary Rd, Knoxville — 100
• Inskip Grill, 4877 Broadway, Knoxville — 100
• El Tequila Grill Knox, 7002 Maynardville Hwy, Knoxville — 100
• Love That Bbq, 1901 Maryville Pk, Knoxville — 100
• McDonald’s, 840 N. Kentucky St, Kingston — 100
• Pal’s, 174 S. Liberty Hill Rd, Morristown — 100
• Brazeiros Steakhouse, 6901 Kingston Pk, Knoxville — 99
• Firehouse Subs, 5226 N. Broadway, Knoxville — 99

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 surprise visit.

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