Food Safety Inspections in Beaufort County Show Mixed Results for Local Restaurants

Food Safety Inspections in Beaufort County Reveal Mixed Grades in Local Eateries

In the lovely community of Beaufort County, a recent round of health inspections has left residents with mixed feelings about dining out. Seven food businesses received “B” and “C” grades during inspections conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture in August.

Let’s Dish on the Details

Wayback Burgers, located at 4 Bluffton Road, scored a respectable 82% (C) on August 21 during a routine check. While this score would typically warrant a B, ongoing violations brought it down to a C. Inspectors discovered issues like a food handler who, after ringing up customers, jumped straight into food preparation without washing their hands, and a few blocked sinks that made it tricky for staff to clean up. Cold foods were also found not stored at the right temperature, which is a big no-no. But there is a silver lining: after a reinspection on August 28, Wayback Burgers dramatically improved its score to a stellar 99% (A).

El Super Market, on the other hand, received a score of 92% (B) on August 27. Similar to Wayback, this score is pretty good, but it faced some hiccups with labeling—foods packaged without any labels, and even a concerning insect situation in the bulk sesame seed bin. Yikes! However, the market is making an effort to address these issues.

More Grade Updates

GT International Cafe, situated at 807 William Hilton Parkway, had some head-scratchers on their inspection which resulted in a score of 83% (B) on August 1. Food handlers were seen transitioning to food prep after handling personal cell phones without the necessary handwashing. Also, some food was found not being kept at the correct temperatures. Inspectors pointed out rodent activity in the kitchen, reminding us all that cleanliness really is next to godliness.

Hewitt Oaks managed to secure a 92% (B) on August 15, but inspectors flagged a few items for attention, such as an ineffective test kit for sanitizing solutions and a concerning rodent situation near the sinks.

Meanwhile, Okan Bluffton got a close call with a score of 98% (B) on August 2. Inspectors noticed some meat processing practices lacking proper variance and testing materials for cleaning solutions not available. So close, yet so far!

Cautionary Tales

Okatie Ale House didn’t fare quite as well with a score of 79% (B) on August 28. The inspection report noted some unappetizing findings like a bucket of fish with a dead fly and uncovered food items crammed together. With live cockroaches spotted, it’s imperative the establishment takes immediate action to address these concerns.

Lastly, Palmetto Hall Country Club came in with a score of 95% (B) based on an inspection on August 2. While the score itself is promising, they also had ongoing issues that pulled them down from the coveted A grade.

Wrapping It Up

Across the board, these health inspections serve as a strong reminder about the importance of food safety. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture typically conducts numerous inspections and offers establishments the chance to correct any infractions before posting their grades. Cool tech alert: newer food grade decals even sport a QR code that diners can scan for the latest inspection reports!

While it’s crucial to stay informed about the food you’re eating, it’s equally important to support these local businesses in getting back on track. With a commitment to cleanliness and safety, Beaufort County can continue to be a place full of mouthwatering options for all!