Inspector Uncovers Bamboo Shoots With Bloody Liquid at Knoxville Restaurant
A Knox County health inspection found several critical food safety violations at a Knoxville restaurant, resulting in a low passing score before issues were corrected.
Low Score Issued After Inspection
A restaurant in Knoxville received a score of 76 during its most recent health inspection. While the score is considered passing, any grade below 69 is classified as failing. Due to the number of violations, the restaurant was scheduled for a follow-up inspection.
Food Safety and Hygiene Concerns
According to the inspection report, bamboo shoots stored in a refrigerator were wrapped in plastic and partially submerged in a bloody liquid. Inspectors also observed a kitchen employee wiping his nose and touching his face while continuing to prepare food without washing his hands.
In another instance, raw shrimp was found in contact with raw chicken, raising concerns about cross-contamination and the potential spread of harmful bacteria.
Improper Cleaning and Temperature Issues
The inspector noted that a food container was rinsed with water, dried with a towel and placed back into storage instead of being properly washed and sanitized in a dishwasher. It was also discovered that the dishwasher was not dispensing sanitizer during the final cycle.
Additionally, soup broth stored overnight in a refrigerator was measured at 48 degrees. Food safety guidelines require cold foods to be held at 41 degrees or below to prevent bacterial growth. The broth was discarded on site.
Follow-Up Inspection Shows Improvement
Health officials returned to Asia Kitchen for a follow-up inspection after the violations were addressed. During that visit, all critical issues had been corrected, and the restaurant earned an improved score of 95.
Top Restaurant Inspection Scores of the Week
Several area restaurants received top marks during the same inspection period:
- Cook Out, 11113 Parkside Dr, Knoxville — 100
- Jimmy John’s, 164 N. Cedar Bluff Rd, Knoxville — 100
- Taco Bell, 2085 N. Broadway, Knoxville — 100
- Wendy’s, 5001 Millertown Pk, Knoxville — 100
- Lulu’s Tea Room, 3703 W. Beaver Creek Dr, Powell — 100
- Subway, 9450 Northshore Dr, Knoxville — 100
- Subway, 6217 Riverview Crossing Dr, Knoxville — 100
- Subway, 2514 Lantana Rd, Crossville — 100
- Waffle House, 5416 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville — 100
- Elkmont Station, 103 S. Campbell Station Rd, Knoxville — 99
- Gavino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, 5211 Kingston Pk, Knoxville — 99
- Big Ed’s Pizza, 101 Broadway, Oak Ridge — 99
How Restaurant Inspections Work
Restaurant inspections are conducted every six months and are unannounced. Individual inspection reports are public records and must be posted in visible areas for customers to review.
Source: News6
