Tennessee Chinese restaurant caught on camera washing rags, supplies in lake
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) - The Metro Health Department shut down a Chinese restaurant after workers were caught on camera washing rags and restaurant supplies in lake water.
It's all happening at No. 1 Chinese Restaurant in the 1430 block of Robinson Road in Old Hickory. The restaurant has since reopened.
FOX 17 News obtained video that shows rags, a rack and tools being "washed" in lake water. The items are then returned to the restaurant.
The daughter of the restaurant's owners tells FOX 17 News that "they always" wash rags, tools and other items in the lake for personal use. However, the daughter admitted to bringing some supplies back inside after FOX 17 News showed them video. FOX 17 News cameras were rolling when the daughter admitted that the restaurant washes a drain rack and food rack in the lake water that are used in the restaurant. She claims that food is never in "direct contact" with either item.
The restaurant's latest score from the health department in July came in at 98.
The restaurant said they do have hot and cold running water at the business.
A statement released by the Health Department states the restaurant has been ordered to close but was able to reopen once all prep surfaces and equipment is washed and disinfected.
"This morning the Metro Public Health Department’s Food Division was made aware of a video placed on social media of what appears to be individuals washing a grate and other items in the lake at an Old Hickory boat dock. A message on the social media post claims the individuals work at the 1st Chinese Restaurant in Old Hickory. The Health Department immediately sent an inspector to the restaurant to investigate. The inspector reported his findings to the Health Department’s Environmental Health Bureau director and to our Food Division director. As a result of the inspector’s findings, the Health Department is closing the restaurant due to a potential imminent health hazard and is requiring the restaurant operator to wash and disinfect all food prep surfaces and equipment before the establishment is allowed to reopen." -Metro Public Health Department.
The inspector also issued a citation to the restaurant operator. The citation is to notify the operator that washing and sanitization practices based on the Tennessee Food Code must be followed at all times.
