News Summary
The recent restaurant inspections conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture in Horry and Georgetown Counties have revealed alarming health and safety violations at several establishments. Out of 208 inspections, multiple restaurants exhibited concerning practices, including mold in ice machines and improper food storage. Notably, only six establishments scored below 88 points. These findings raise serious concerns about food safety and public health in South Carolina, underscoring the importance of regulatory compliance in the restaurant industry.
Conway, SC Restaurant Inspections Reveal Some Eye-Opening Violations!
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) recently wrapped up a series of restaurant inspections between March 20 and March 28 in Horry and Georgetown Counties. These inspections revealed some quite surprising, and frankly alarming, findings. In total, inspectors conducted 208 restaurant inspections in this busy time frame, leading to some mixed results on health and safety standards.
What the Inspectors Found
Unfortunately, several establishments were found lacking in various areas of food safety. Among the concerning violations, inspectors discovered:
- Mold in ice machines
- Unwashed hands among staff
- Cross-contamination of raw meat with cooked food
- Food stored at unsafe temperatures
Yikes! It’s hard to believe that some of these problems could exist in places where we trust our meals are being prepared safely.
Grading Restaurants: How It Works
The SCDA evaluates restaurants and gives them a score that ranges from 0 to 100 points. Based on these scores, restaurants receive grades as follows:
- A grade: 88-100 points
- B grade: 78-87 points
- C grade: 77 points or fewer
Restaurants that have consecutive violations, are under enforcement action, or exhibit imminent health hazards can see their grades drop significantly. Even worse, some may face permit suspensions or revocations.
Restaurants that Scored Below 88: A Closer Look
Out of the 208 inspections, only six establishments received grades below 88 points. Here’s a closer look at some of the key offenders:
Panda Restaurant (Conway, SC)
Score: 77
Violations included:
- Raw meat stored over cooked food
- Employee did not wash hands after handling raw meat
- Improper cooling of cooked foods
- Unlabeled food in containers
- Excessive grease build-up around the grease container
On a positive note, Panda Restaurant bounced back and achieved a score of 99 during a follow-up inspection just days later on March 28!
Big C Hot Dogs and Vending #2 (Conway, SC)
Score: 80
Violations included:
- Lack of running water
- Employees unable to wash hands
- Cole slaw stored at improper temperatures
This establishment is set for a follow-up inspection on April 4.
Sadashiv One LLC (Conway, SC)
Score: 81
Violations included:
- Mold in the ice machine
- Raw fish and chili at unsafe temperatures
- Foods not marked with times for safe consumption
Another follow-up is scheduled for April 4.
Shawarma’s King (Myrtle Beach, SC)
Score: 83
Violations included:
- No certified food protection manager present
- Raw meat intermixed with cooked meat
They’ll also face a follow-up inspection on April 4.
Donnie’s Grill (Conway, SC)
Score: 85
Violations included:
- Foods stored at unsafe temperatures
- No certified food protection manager
- Trash issues outside the establishment
This one also needs a follow-up by April 4 to avoid possible closure.
Moe’s Original BBQ (Myrtle Beach, SC)
Score: 85
Violations included:
- Fly strips over food
- Single-service cups stored on the floor
- Grease accumulation throughout the facility
They’re on the list for a follow-up inspection by April 3.
Keeping Us Safe
The SCDA stresses that maintaining health and safety standards is crucial in food establishments to prevent any hazards to public health. As consumers, it’s essential to be aware of these inspections and the varying levels of compliance in our favorite dining spots. Stay safe, South Carolina!
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Restaurant Inspections Result
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- AOL: Rats and Mildew Concerns
- Google Search: Restaurant Inspections South Carolina
- Myrtle Beach Online: Health Violations Overview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Myrtle Beach Online: Food Safety Alerts
- Google News: Food Violation News
- AOL: Dirty Utensils and Ice Machines
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.
