KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A popular Asian eatery just barely passed its inspection. More than a dozen violations were checked off in the report.

The grade is 70 at Chef’s Asian Cuisine on Hardin Valley Road in West Knoxville. That 70 is a passing score. A grade of 69 and below is considered failing.

Chef’s Asian Cuisine, 10612 Hardin Valley Rd, Knoxville — Grade: 70, Follow-up: 95

First off, several improper hygiene violations were noted. The inspector watched a cook mix raw chicken and batter with his bare hands and place it into a fryer, but he did not wash his hands, as he returned to cooking other foods and touching other utensils. Whenever workers finish preparing raw food, they are supposed to wash their hands with soap and water and dry them with a towel before continuing another task.

Another worker was observed taking a piece of sliced lemon out of a container with his bare hands and placing it into a drink. He should have handled that lemon with tongs.

A couple of bowls were not washed, cleaned, and sanitized properly in the big three-compartment sink. Instead of going through the sanitizing cycle, they were just rinsed in the center compartment and then placed on the food prep table.

The inspector found no date marking in place on any food held for more than 24 hours. The date of first use is required to ensure the food’s wholesomeness.

Finally, the inspector found improperly stored damp and dirty wiping cloths. Those clothes that are used to clean tables should have been in a bucket that has a sanitizer solution in it.

The inspector returned Chef’s Asian Cuisine. After bringing management up to date on the regulations, all the critical violations were checked and corrected. The new re-inspected grade is a 95.

Top Scores of the Week

• Cancun Mexican Grill & Cantina, 4100 Crippen Rd, Knoxville — 100
• Foothills Milling Cafe, 612 Sevierville Rd, Maryville — 100
• Taco Bell, 1900 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville — 99
• Crazy D’s Bbq, 7507 Tazewell Pk, Corryton — 99
• Wendy’s, 400 Charles Seviers Blvd, Clinton — 99
• Subway, 227 E. Morris Blvd, Morristown — 99
• Minnie’s Coffee & Brunches, 108 E. Beech St, LaFollette — 99
• Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria, 200 E. Jackson Ave, Knoxville — 98

Restaurant health inspection reports are required to be posted where you can find them and read them.