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| Health Department Restaurant Inspection Fees Recommended to be Changed |
Restaurant owners who are repeat violators of Knox County's Food Safety Ordinance could be paying more for re-inspections of their facilities next year.
The Knox County Board of Health Thursday night unanimously approved amendments to the ordinance that hike the fees for re-inspections to $100 the second time, and $200 the third and subsequent times health department inspectors have to go into a business. The current fee is $25.
The recommended changes are from a food service advisory group, which was appointed by health department administrators and was comprised of representatives from the food service industry. The group began working on changes to the county's ordinance in March.
Health Department Administrator Greg Chance tells WGIL one way to improve the situation is through on the job education. "Historically, we have seen a constant turnover in the food service industry personnel," Chance said. "And so, there is an issue of lack of training on the part of the food service employees. That responsibility does fall upon the food establishment owners, but also the Health Department plays a role in that as well. We are willing to step forward and provide training to food service establishments and constantly offer that opportunity."
Chance says the group believes another reason for the increase in violations is a lack of capital investment, such as newer equipment, by some food service entities. He says they tend to rely on older equipment, which is likely a product of the economic down-swing in the area. Local health officials contend that critical violations -- like time and temperature control -- have a direct correlation to the potential creation of food borne illness.
The health department's recommendation next goes the the Knox County Board, and if the change is approved, the higher re-inspection fees will go into effect at the start of next year. |
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| 08 14 08 by Newsroom |
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