Beaufort County’s Food Establishment Health Ratings for November
In the charming coastal town of Beaufort County, South Carolina, a recent health inspection report has caught the attention of food lovers and safety-conscious diners alike. The South Carolina Department of Health recently inspected 225 food businesses in the area and published their findings, which reveal a mix of good, bad, and ugly when it comes to restaurant cleanliness and food safety.
Low Ratings: Who Got a “B” or “C”?
During November, several restaurants received grades of “B” and “C,” indicating some concerning issues that need immediate attention. Let’s break down the establishments that didn’t quite make the cut and what they were cited for.
E-Tang: 79% (B) on November 7
First up is E-Tang, which scored a 79% (B) during a routine inspection on November 7. Inspectors discovered a myriad of issues, including:
- Inadequate handwashing: No soap or drying provisions were available.
- Missing labels: Chemicals and food items, including raw chicken and pork, were without labels, posing potential risks.
- Rat feces: These unsettling findings were scattered throughout the kitchen.
- Submerged fish: Fish were found in icy water without proper drainage.
- Dirty linens: White linens used for clean drinking glasses were described as having organic matter.
However, in a turnaround, E-Tang was reinspected on November 21 and scored a perfect 100% (A).
Agave Mexican Grille: 84% (B) on November 19
Next on the list is Agave Mexican Grille, which earned an 84% (B) rating during its November 19 inspection. Some concerning findings included:
- Uncovered food items: Tubs of raw chicken and shrimp were left sitting out without any cover.
- Dirty ice machines: Inspectors noted organic matter in the ice machine and soda nozzles.
- Mislabeled food: Items like beans and pico de gallo lacked proper date markings, making them hard to ensure freshness.
- Improper food handling: Food was being prepared in ways that could lead to contamination.
Just like E-Tang, Agave was reinspected on November 21, bouncing back to a shiny 100% (A) score.
Other Notable Mentions
There were a couple of other establishments that also fell short in their inspections:
- One unnamed restaurant scored an 82% (B) on November 4, due to a lack of labeling, a leaky sink, and improper food storage.
- Another place earned a 79% (B) rating on November 12, with issues ranging from poor handwashing practices to food being stored at the wrong temperatures.
These restaurants were also given the opportunity to correct their infractions and were subsequently reinspected to reveal improvement in their practices.
What Do the Ratings Mean?
Health inspection scores come with a grading system that can be confusing at first glance. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- A: 88% to 100% (Congratulations, you’re a superstar!)
- B: 78% to 87% (Time to step up your game!)
- C: 77% or less (Yikes! More action needed!)
It’s important to remember that health inspectors check for various infractions, and establishments have a chance to improve their scores through re-inspections. The South Carolina Department of Health encourages you to keep an eye on these grades and even scan the newly introduced QR codes on food grade decals to stay informed.
As consumers, we all want to enjoy our meals and keep our health in check. It’s always a good idea to stay informed about the places we choose to dine at. Let’s support our local businesses and encourage them to uphold the highest safety standards for everyone!
