News Summary
Recent inspections by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture have flagged numerous grocery stores in the Memphis area for serious food safety violations. Many establishments, including several Kroger locations, received low scores due to issues like improper food storage, inadequate temperature control, and sanitation failures. With critical violations impacting public health, it is essential for grocery store management to address these issues promptly and adhere to food safety protocols to ensure consumer safety.
Memphis – A recent wave of food inspections conducted by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture in May 2025 has raised serious concerns regarding food safety in several grocery stores across the Memphis area. Numerous establishments have reported significant violations related to food storage, temperature control, and sanitation practices.
The inspections revealed alarming scores at multiple locations, particularly among Kroger stores, which had several establishments scoring in the low 80s and below. The inspection process, carried out every six to 18 months, aims to ensure grocery stores maintain proper food handling procedures and adhere to safety standards.
Kroger Inspection Results
Several Kroger locations were highlighted in the recent inspections, with each store receiving scores that necessitate immediate attention and corrective action:
- Kroger, 7615 Highway 70, Bartlett: Score: 72
Violations included the hand sink in the deli being used for storage, misters with organic matter buildup, and the meat saw showing signs of unsanitary conditions. - Kroger Food & Pharmacy, 5995 Stage Rd, Bartlett: Score: 72
Inspected violations involved ready-to-eat foods improperly stored with raw meats and unresolved temperature issues in the meat cutting room. - Kroger, 3685 Houston Levee Rd, Collierville: Score: 79
Issues noted included an ecolab foaming station blocking a hand sink and violative organic material found on misters over vegetables. - Kroger, 2835 Kirby Parkway, Memphis: Score: 80
Inspections revealed food debris on deli slicers and inadequately heated hot holding items. - Kroger, 6660 Poplar Avenue, Memphis: Score: 88
Serious sanitation issues were detected, including an ice machine contaminated with organic matter.
Other Grocery Store Violations
Additional grocery chains were also scrutinized, uncovering significant health violations:
- Supreme Produce @ Kroger, 3685 S Houston Levee Rd, Collierville: Score: 74
Management failed to adhere to food safety practices, with salads stored at unsafe temperatures. - Walmart, 8445 Hwy 51 N, Millington: Score: 79
This location was cited for raw meats being improperly stored and food items not kept at required temperatures. - Sam’s Club, 8480 Hwy 64, Bartlett: Score: 82
Concerns included unclean food containers and improper stacking of food items. - Gordin’s Foods & Butcher Shoppe, 3226 N Thomas: Score: 86
Serious sanitation issues raised by excessive residue found in coolers. - Walmart, 577 Germantown Pkwy, Cordova: Score: 87
Violations included food products being stored below required temperatures and insufficient cleanliness in food preparation areas.
Overall Inspection Trends
The inspection reports indicate a common trend across multiple grocery stores concerning improper food storage practices, including the frequent cross-contamination of raw and ready-to-eat items. Additionally, many locations failed to meet temperature control regulations, posing a potential health risk to consumers.
These inspection findings highlight a pressing need for improvements in sanitary conditions and strict adherence to food safety protocols throughout the Memphis area grocery sector. As the community relies heavily on these establishments for their food supply, the results of these inspections call for immediate remedial actions from store management.
As grocery stores strive to uphold food safety standards, ensuring public health must remain a top priority. The latest inspection scores serve as a reminder for all food retailers to diligently enforce and promote proper food handling practices.
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Additional Resources
- WREG: Memphis Grocery Store Inspection Scores
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Restaurant Health Inspection – April 2025
- Commercial Appeal: Worst Memphis Restaurant Inspections – February 2025
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Inspection
