Rice tossed, flies found at Mexican restaurant in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The restaurant with the low score is located in Knox County . Multiple critical violations were checked off by the inspector.

The grade is a 70 at Zapata Mexican Restaurant at 7044 Maynardville Highway in the Halls community. That 70 is just passing as a grade of 69 and below is considered failing.

Zapata Mexican, 7044 Maynardville Hwy, Knoxville — Grade 70, Follow-up: 95

To begin, food temperatures were off. Rice that had been placed in plastic bags and left to cool overnight was between 68 and 71 degrees. That’s way too warm and the rice was thrown away.

In the walk-in cooler, other foods were measured at 48 degrees. The inspector noted it appeared the refrigerator needed service. When he checked the dishwasher, no sanitizer was running through the final cycle. However, dishes and utensils are required to be washed, cleaned, and sanitized.

Various ready-to-eat foods had no date marks on them. The date of “first” use is required to be marked on foods kept in the refrigerator to ensure their wholesomeness.

The inspector also wrote that he found flies throughout the kitchen area. They’re not supposed to be there. Finally, the person in charge did not demonstrate managerial control due to the number of violations.

The inspector returned to Zapata Mexican in Halls. He checked to see if the original critical violations were corrected. They were and the new grade is 95.

Top Scores of the Week

• Petro’s Chili & Chips, Market Sq, Knoxville — 99
• Wendy’s, 8305 Kingston Pk, Knoxville — 99
• Gondolier Pizza, 1063 N. Cedar Bluff Rd, Knoxville — 99
• McDonald’s, 9501 Kingston Pk, Knoxville — 99
• The 50’s Diner, 1386 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge — 99
• Arby’s, 1209 Clinch View Circle, Jefferson City — 99
• O’Charley’s, 8077 Kingston Pk, Knoxville — 98
• Chili’s, 11454 Parkside Dr, Knoxville — 98
• Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, 113 N. Peters Rd, Knoxville — 98
• Freddy’s Frozen Custard 229 E. Emory Rd, Powell — 98
• Shoney’s, 343 E. Emory Rd, Powell — 98
• The Abigail, 117 North Broad St, New Tazewell — 98

If you notice something is amiss while dining, let the manager know, or call the local health department. An inspector will be sent out for a special surprise visit.

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