Health inspectors conducted nine inspections at eight Tipton County establishments during the week of Sept. 27–Oct. 3, with most receiving scores in the 90s.

The lowest score of the week went to Mandarin Wok in Munford, which received a 79 during a routine inspection Oct. 2. Inspectors returned later that day for a follow-up inspection, when the restaurant’s score improved to 95.

All other establishments receiving numerical scores earned a 94 or higher.

Mandarin Wok receives lowest score of the week

During the initial inspection at Mandarin Wok, located at 526 Munford Ave., inspectors documented nine violations involving food handling, sanitation, equipment, and general cleanliness.

Among the findings, an employee was eating a sandwich on the food preparation line, and the handwashing sink was missing paper towels. Inspectors also found containers of prepared vegetables, cooked shrimp, and cooked chicken stored uncovered in the walk-in cooler.

The report noted that an employee was washing dishes in the three-compartment sink without sanitizing them before placing them on shelves. Inspectors also observed rusting wire shelves in the walk-in cooler that were shedding onto uncovered food below.

Other violations included a missing thermometer in a chest freezer, wet wiping cloths left on surfaces, missing sanitizer test strips and grease running down the walls behind the fryers.

Four of the violations were corrected during the initial inspection.

When inspectors returned for a follow-up later that day, the restaurant’s score increased by 16 points to 95. Five violations remained on the follow-up report, including the missing thermometer, improper storage of wiping cloths, rusting shelves, missing test strips and grease buildup.

Mandarin Wok was the only establishment to receive a follow-up inspection during the reporting period.

Two Atoka establishments earn perfect scores

Two establishments received scores of 100 during the week.

Hard Luck 13 Tattoo Studio in Atoka earned a perfect score during its Oct. 2 inspection, while Children’s Express, also in Atoka, received a 100 on Sept. 29.

Two other Atoka businesses finished just shy of perfect scores.

Olympic Steak House and Pizza received a 99 on Sept. 29 after inspectors found an ice scoop stored with its handle touching the ice. The issue was corrected during the inspection.

Atoka Cinema 16 also scored a 99 that day. Inspectors found greasy plastic containers stored food side up in the dish room. That violation was also corrected on site.

Other inspection results

Atoka Raceway Park in Brighton received a 97 on Oct. 3. Inspectors noted missing thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer, a lack of sanitizer test strips for the three-compartment sink, and toilet paper and paper towels stored on top of dispensers.

Ice Cream Tour Tipton in Munford scored a 95 on Sept. 30. Violations included a missing freezer thermometer, a back door propped open without screens, utensils stored with handles facing different directions, and a restroom door without a self-closing device.

Scooter’s Coffee in Covington received a 94 on Sept. 30. Inspectors documented seven violations, including a drive-thru window and back door left open without screens while flies were present. Other findings included wet wiping cloths, dust inside the ice machine, and issues involving restroom supplies and trash receptacles.

Methodist Preparatory School in Covington also underwent an inspection Sept. 29. Its child care inspection was recorded as an approval rather than assigned a numerical score.

What inspection scores mean

Inspection reports provide a snapshot of conditions at an establishment on the day inspectors visit. Violations may be corrected during an inspection, while others can require additional attention or follow-up visits.

The scores do not necessarily reflect conditions before or after the inspection.

Inspection reports are maintained by the Tennessee Department of Health.