3 lbs. of meat tossed during Crossville restaurant inspection

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — This diner in Cumberland County serves a variety of country-style meals. The inspector found a number of violations that could cause foodborne illness.

The grade was a 75 at The Country Kitchen on Main. It’s located on North Main Street in Crossville . That 75 is a passing score as any grade of 69 and below is considered failing.

The Country Kitchen On Main, 330 N. Main St, Crossville — Grade: 75, Follow-up Grade: 90

First off, there were personal hygiene violations. The inspector said he watched an employee place raw hamburger meat on a cooktop, then he wiped his hands on a dirty apron and began to handle clean plates without washing his hands first, which is not allowed. Another employee was observed making a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich barehanded. He should have been wearing gloves.

The inspector found the temperature of tuna, cooked chicken, and sausage patties closer to 50 degrees, instead of the required 41 degrees and below. Three pounds of food products were thrown away as a result.

No date marks were found on a number of ready-to-eat food items. No guessing is allowed as to when food was first prepared. So, the date of first use is required on food left in the fridge.

In the refrigerator, several food products were left uncovered. Health rules require that food must be covered.

Finally, the inspector wrote that the person in charge “lacked managerial control” due to so many critical violations marked off.

The inspector returned to the Country Kitchen on Main in Crossville. All of the original critical violations were corrected. The new grade is 90.

Previously, we reported that Las Marias in Athens scored a 71. The inspector returned to check on the violations and they were corrected. The new grade is a 95.

Top Scores of the Week

• Shoney’s, 343 Emory Rd, Powell — 100
• El Mariachi Loco, 603 E. Emory Rd, Powell — 100
• Pizza Hoss, 1301 E. Emory Rd, Powell — 100
• Sunrise Deli, 7120 Maynardville Pk, Knoxville — 100
• The Neighborhood Chef, 1203 E. Broadway Ave, Maryville — 100
• The Drawing Room, 531 Henley St, Knoxville — 99
• Patriot Hills Grill, 735 Constitution Dr, Jefferson City — 99
• Taco Bell, 2519 E. Morris Blvd, Morristown — 98

Restaurant health inspections are unannounced, they’re conducted every six months, and they represent a snapshot of conditions at the time of the inspection.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.