News Summary
Recent inspections by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture uncovered concerning health violations across several restaurants in Horry and Georgetown counties. Out of 186 inspected establishments, four scored below a passing grade, with one restaurant notably receiving a ‘C’ due to major sanitation issues. A follow-up inspection is scheduled for the end of the week, highlighting the necessity for improved food safety standards in local dining spots.
South Carolina Restaurant Inspections Raise Eyebrows with Health Violations
In the beautiful counties of Horry and Georgetown, South Carolina, it seems like some local dining spots need to step up their game when it comes to health standards. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) recently completed a thorough review of 186 restaurants between January 16 and January 30. What they found is enough to make anyone think twice before biting into that cheeseburger or grabbing a taco!
Scoring the Restaurants
The SCDA uses a grading scale to rate restaurants, where scores of 88 to 100 are awarded an A, 78 to 87 earn a B, and scores of 77 or below receive a C. Let’s face it, a low grade can really spoil the vibe of enjoying a meal out. During this round of inspections, five restaurants snagged a B grade, and unfortunately, one received a not-so-enviable C.
Noteworthy Violations
Four establishments scored below the coveted 88 points, which institutions need to keep customers feeling safe and healthy. Here’s a closer look at some of the offenders:
Spice C (Conway, SC)
This eatery was particularly troubling, landing a score of 72. Major violations included:
- Hair found on a bowl!
- Dated crab rangoons that could potentially turn your stomach.
- Reused styrofoam containers really aren’t what you want to see.
- Maintenance tools found lingering over food prep areas.
- Blocked sinks that could hinder hygiene.
- Lettuce held at improper temperatures. Yikes!
Additionally, issues with cooled chicken, improperly thawed raw shrimp, and food containers without handles for scooping were noted. A follow-up inspection is set for February 7, which means they better clean up their act!
Taqueria Flores (Myrtle Beach, SC)
This taco joint scored a 78 and had its fair share of issues. The person in charge didn’t have a valid food handling certification. More concerning, ready-to-eat food was being stored without date markings, and cooked beef was missing discard times. The salsas weren’t being kept at cooler temperatures, and foods were improperly thawed. Watch out for the follow-up inspection scheduled for February 7!
La Olanchana (Myrtle Beach, SC)
Also in Myrtle Beach, La Olanchana scored a 79. This place had expired ready-to-eat foods and bulk cheese stored without any labels or dates. Talk about a red flag! Improperly thawed raw beef and dirty equipment were also part of the findings. A follow-up inspection is expected by February 9, and you can bet customers will be watching closely.
Money Saver (Loris, SC)
In Loris, the Money Saver supermarket didn’t fare any better with a score of 78. Inspectors discovered rodent droppings lurking around, unsealed wood in food-contact cabinets, and dirt on equipment. This kind of discovery is enough to make anyone look the other way when shopping for dinner. A follow-up inspection is required by February 6, and it’s a date they shouldn’t take lightly!
Addressing Ongoing Concerns
The SCDA is particularly vigilant about restaurants that have chronic issues, especially regarding rodent infestations and expired foods. The findings from these inspections act as a public health notification, underscoring the importance of food safety compliance across our local dining establishments.
So, folks, the next time you’re out and about, keep these insights in mind. Your next meal could be more delightful and, most importantly, safe if you choose wisely!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Duplin Winery’s Kitchen Expansion Hit by Permit Delays
Myrtle Beach Faces Legal Challenges Over Parking Policies
Revamped Golf Ranking System Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics
Shooting Star Golf Club Achieves Top Ranking in Wyoming
Health Hazards Found in Grand Strand Restaurant Inspections
The Space at Kaleidoscope to Open in Myrtle Beach
Grand Strand Restaurant Scene Flourishes in 2024
Myrtle Beach Offers Limited Golfing Options This Christmas Day
Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Shine in Top 100 Rankings
Golf Lovers in Myrtle Beach Tee Off This Christmas Day
Additional Resources
- The State: South Carolina Restaurant Inspections
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- AOL: Local Restaurant Issues
- Google Search: South Carolina restaurant health code violations
- Myrtle Beach Online: Restaurant Health Violations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Health
- Island Packet: Local Restaurant Inspections
- Google News: Restaurant inspections
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
