MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Whenever you go out to eat, knowing which kitchen is clean and what food is safe can mean the difference between a second helping or sending something back.
These scores are meant to help inform Memphis and Shelby County residents about what places pass and which ones need to clean up.
The Tennessee Department of Health posts scores regularly and updates them frequently. Click the link to learn more.
Previous editions: August 14 | August 7 | July 31 | July 25
Top Scores42 schools made top scores this week, but Action News 5 will not be publishing their addresses. Smooth Taste Italian Ice (Push Cart) | 4201 Old Forest Rd. Memphis, TN 38125 Improvements
The Cottage (previously listed incorrectly as “Thai Cottage”) improved upon their previous score of 63 with a recently posted 88.
Low Scores
Ono Poke – 85 | 3145 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38111
Heavily stained cutting boards observed and needs replacementUnlabeled bottles present in prep stationExcessive amount of dead flies present on the floor next to a fly trap device in food prep area5 cases of single-service articles stored on the floorBuildup of food debris observed inside microwaveStains observed on the exterior of coolersStains observed on the exterior of coolersObserved stains around toilet bowlObserved sliding door opened on dumpsterDust present in vents and black stains present on the floorOne light bulb was out in the restroomCurrent permit is expired and must be renewed
Yo Mama Restaurant – 82 | 2545 Jackson Ave. Memphis, TN 38108
Observed excessive grease buildup and rust present on can openerYellow buildup observed inside of the ice machineGround beef observed thawing on the prep counterMissing thermometers inside all deep freezers aside from deep freezer #1Uncovered food containers observedWiping cloth observed stored on the counterTongs observed stored inside of sauce containersClean tea jugs not properly invertedFood buildup and stains present on containers used to hold foodSoda residue observed on drink machineObserved excessive grease and flour buildup present inside door gasket near the fryerExcessive buildup observed on the exterior of all kitchen equipmentInaccessible mop sink observed Boxes of garbage observed stored on the floor throughout the kitchenDamaged ceiling tiles and excessive food debris observedInoperable ventahood observed inside kitchenTemperature inside the kitchen was reading 110 °FInoperable kitchen lights observed
Another Sip Café – 82 | 164 Union Ave. Memphis, TN 38103
Employee did not wash hands after washing dishes and touching the POS (point of sale) systemHand sinks are not properly suppliedFront hand sink faucet is broken to the point the sink cannot be usedBack hand sink does not have paper towels or soapIce machine has black buildup Date marking not observed on items for breakfast sandwichesBoxes of nitro coffee stored on the floor
Dixie Queen – 74 | 844 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38105
Violation not corrected: multiple priority violations involving food contact surfaces sanitization, proper cold holding, food in good conditions, and proper cooling methodsViolation corrected: multiple heavily dented cans stored on storage shelf. Discarded all dented cans due to risk of botulismViolation corrected: rust buildup observed on the can opener. Can opener blades need replacementViolation not corrected: observed par cooked chicken wings reading 77 °F inside the walk-in coolerObserved par cooked chicken wings in grill cooler reading 58 °FObserved par cooked chicken wings in cooler cooked the day before reading 48 °FViolation not corrected: Multiple TCS (temperature control for safety) inside the prep cooler reading between 54 to 49 ° F due to the prep cooler reading 52 °FAll TCS foods were discardedPrep cooler reading 52 °FUnlabeled seasoning containers observedSleeves of cups observed stored on the groundSignificant ice buildup observed present inside the ice cream freezerObserved food buildup inside the ice cream freezer
Queen of Sheba – 68 | 4792 Summer Ave. Memphis, TN 38122
Violations not corrected: regarding proper cold holding, food contact surface sanitization, proper storage of raw animal products and date markingViolations not corrected: raw meats observed stored above cooked chicken and raw meats stored next to ready to eat foods and produce in the walk in coolerViolation corrected: Brown buildup observed inside ice machine Violations corrected: Prep table cutting board observed to be excessively worn with deep grooves and stainsStandard cutting boards observed with deep grooves as wellViolations not corrected: All TCS (temperature control for safety) foods in the cooler were reading at 52-53 °F due to the cooler reading 51 °FTCS foods inside the salad prep cooler observed reading at 51 °F and 46 °F due to the cooler reading 61 °FContainer of whole fish reading 59 °F inside the three compartment sinkAll TCS foods above 41 °F were discardedViolations not corrected: Observed no date marking system taking place for foods held over 24 hoursCooler observed reading 51 °FSalad prep cooler reading 61 °FUnlabeled food containers and seasoning observed Multiple food items stored on the ground throughout the kitchen, walk-in cooler and freezerUncovered food containers observedEmployees observed preparing food with no hair restraintWiping cloth observed stored on countersClean pots and plates not properly invertedBoxes of cups and lids stored on the groundTo-go trays stored need to be stored invertedStained food containers observed with buildupFood debris inside observed inside the prep cooler and along the inside of the doorBuildup observed inside the microwave and all kitchen equipmentNo covered trash can observed inside the women’s restroomBuildup observed on the floors and walls Grease buildup observed on ventahood vents
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Dining and Cooking