Story Published:
Sep 20, 2011 at 11:29 AM CDT
Story Updated:
Sep 20, 2011 at 11:29 AM CDT
There are about eleven major grocery stores plus many convenience and smaller stores selling food products to Putnam County. The emphasis for this article will focus on these large grocery stores, with an emphasis on the smaller ones eminating from the spotlight focused on these bigger stores.
Around twice a year, food health inspectors make unannounced visits to Tennessee grocery, convenience, and food markets. But, the scores they get don't have to be posted. However, these scores have to be kept on file and must be produced if a customer requests them. A score below 70 is a failing one.
Some stores barely pass.
Those who fail seem to pass a second inspection, usually around two weeks later but are not a surprise inspection. Scores are also posted on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture website. It would take a State law to require the posting of scores on premises. The inspection involves a 44-item check.
But, the reinspection is a scheduled one. So store management has time to prepare. Egregious problems, such as backed up sewage, can cause an immediate closure. But that's the problem. The average shopper doesn't pay attention to cooler temperatures for example. And, they don't go to the back of the store where meat is ground or food stuffs may be stored. Rodents may lurk back there. Sinks for handwashing are almost never seen.
The bigger stores have to really stay on top of the safety/hygiene factor because there are so many employees. The major chains also audit themselves via third party checks. But, problems can arise and after the third consecutive inspection fines can be levied. Since the larger chain stores have such high turnover of staff, managers must teach their staff about food safety.
That's different from telling. Store managers have a responsibility to shoppers to guarantee that the food products a shopper sees and purchases are safe to eat. We are entirely at the mercy of store employees to ensure that foods are not contaminated. Surely, we have all heard about the recalls of food products in the past years. But that food was already delivered.
What about food contaminated after delivery to the store?
