Beaufort County’s December Food Inspections Raise Health Concerns

News Summary

Beaufort County’s December health inspections revealed several local food businesses received “B” grades due to health violations. Notably, Yummy House and GT International Cafe improved to “A” grades after addressing issues. Subway and El Don Juan still face challenges. With 185 inspections conducted, the importance of maintaining food safety remains critical for local establishments. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about health inspection results to ensure safer dining experiences.

Beaufort County’s December Food Inspections Highlight Health Violation Concerns

Beaufort County is buzzing with chatter as three local food businesses recently received “B” grades during their December health inspections. These grades are sure to spark interest as locals often rely on these evaluations when deciding where to grab a bite. And while there’s always room for improvement, it’s heartening to see some establishments already making strides to get back on track!

Yummy House: A Quick Turnaround

Yummy House, known for its vibrant flavors, had a routine inspection on December 6, scoring a respectable 82%. However, a few issues were noted that raised some eyebrows:

• Inadequate hand washing was observed between buffet serving and food prepping.
• Food items were stored without protective covers, which can lead to contamination.
• The establishment had improper cold holding temperatures for eggs and unmarked bulk items.
• Personal items were found stored above preparation areas — not the best practice!
• Kitchen utensils were not stored correctly.

But don’t fret, food lovers! After a reinspection on December 13, Yummy House bounced back with an impressive 100% score, earning back its “A” grade. Kudos to them for addressing these concerns swiftly!

GT International Cafe: Close Call, Big Improvements

Another spot to keep an eye on is GT International Cafe. Their December 11 inspection revealed a score of 86%, with a few significant issues including:

• Cold-holding temperatures for milk, eggs, and sauces were off.
• Bug spray and rat traps were alarmingly found near sinks and ice coolers, raising eyebrows about pest control measures.
• A first aid kit was mistakenly left on a set of silverware.
• Insect traps were located near silverware, which is less than ideal.
• Soiled linens were used inappropriately as dish liners.
• And, broken-down boxes were being used as shelf liners — not quite the standard patrons expect!

The cafe didn’t waste any time and was reinspected on December 19, achieving a remarkable 100% score. That’s an impressive comeback!

Subway: Not Quite Subpar, but Needs Attention

Then we have Subway, which underwent an inspection on December 31 and came away with a score of 83%. Some concerning items included:

• There was no hand washing soap or drying towels near the sink, which is essential for hygiene.
• Black organic matter was seen in soda nozzles and even the ice machine — yikes!
• The temperatures for meats and cheeses were not up to standard.
• Cockroaches were spotted around the sink and drive-through area — definitely not a welcome sight.
• To top it off, the condition of the sandwich cooler and bread oven left much to be desired.

As of January 14, there have been no reports of a reinspection for Subway, which means it’s crucial they address these issues promptly!

El Don Juan: Starting Off the Year with Concerns

In a recent inspection on January 8, El Don Juan also faced challenges, scoring another 83%. Here’s what health inspectors found:

• Staff demonstrated inadequate hand washing practices, and cleaning items weren’t easily accessible.
• Chemical sanitizers were found stored too close to food preparation areas.
• Some spray bottles weren’t labeled, which can lead to misuse.
• Bags of vegetables were improperly stored on the refrigerator floor.
• A food sink was mistakenly used as a hand washing sink — oh no!
• Finally, the walls and floors were not sealed as they should be.

What’s Next?

In total, December saw health inspectors conduct 185 inspections across various food establishments in Beaufort County. It’s important for patrons to stay informed about these inspection reports, which are available online. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control even provides handy QR codes for easy access!

As we venture further into the new year, it’s a great reminder for all food establishments that the pursuit of quality and safety never truly ends. Here’s hoping for cleaner kitchens and safer dining experiences all around!

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Additional Resources

• AOL: Roaches & Black Gunk in Soda Nozzles
• Wikipedia: Food Safety
• Island Packet: Local Business News
• Google Search: Food Inspections Beaufort County
• The State: Local News Article
• Google Scholar: Food Inspections Health Violations
• Hilton Head Island Packet: Health Inspections
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Inspections
• News Break: Lee County Florida Restaurant Violations
• Google News: Restaurant Health Violations