Tennessee Department of Health keeps a check on community health through health inspections. The department provides scores to these outlets based on their observations. A routine inspection was conducted on March 28, 2025. A Japanese restaurant, Haiku Hibachi, received a low score. Multiple violations were seen at the outlet.
Please note that the scores mentioned here are from a particular inspection conducted on March 28 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishments.
Highlights
- On March 28, 2025, a routine health inspection was conducted at Haiku Hibachi restaurant.
- The restaurant got a 67 score, which is not enough to pass the health inspection.
- Violations included lack of managerial control and improper working procedures were found. They need to be corrected as soon as possible.
Haiku Hibachi Health Inspection
- Where: 5318 Ringgold Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412
- When: March 28, 2025
- Score: 67
Haiku Hibachi brings Japanese vibes and cuisine to Nashville. Unfortunately, the restaurant got a low score during a routine health inspection. The restaurant received this score due to multiple food safety violations.
Inspecting officials observed multiple violations at the facility. They found that there was a lack of active managerial control over risk factors that can lead to foodborne illnesses. It was suggested that the restaurant organize training sessions. For example, an ANSI-approved food safety certification training session was recommended. This will improve the knowledge and safety awareness of employees and food handlers.
Employees were consuming food in food preparation areas. Raw TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods were stored above ready-to-eat foods and not in a walk-in cooler. This was corrected on-site by relocating the products to avoid cross-contamination during inspection. Numerous pans of cooked chicken were cooling at room temperature. TCS foods must cool from 135°F-70°F (2 hours) and 70°F-41°F (4 hours).
Proper cooling methods for cooked chicken were not followed. The steamed rice was kept covered and cooled in a large container in a walk-in cooler. Inspecting officials discussed proper cooling methods with the person in charge.
Rodent droppings and scattered rodenticides were observed in the dry storage area. Rodent bait stations need to be placed outside. Unlabeled chemicals were seen in the front service area.
Single-service cardboard boxes were being reused for food contact containers. The restaurant has been asked to provide durable, smooth, and non-absorbent food containers. Personal items of employees were not stored in designated areas. Employee personal items must be stored away from food and food contact surfaces.
For additional comments and other observations, the detailed inspection report is available.
As of now, there is no update regarding the re-inspection. However, fixing all the observed issues should be a priority task for Haiku Hibachi. Repeated violations could lead to further enforcement actions by health authorities.
