News Summary
Recent inspections by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture revealed significant health violations in multiple Myrtle Beach restaurants. A total of 96 establishments were inspected, with many receiving unsatisfactory scores. Concerns over unsanitary conditions and safety practices have alarmed health officials and residents alike. Notable offenders include Clearwater Oyster Bar, Island Taste, and Jimmyz Original Hibachi House, each facing multiple violations. The findings urge restaurateurs to comply with health standards to ensure safe dining experiences, as awareness among consumers grows.
Myrtle Beach, SC – Recent inspections conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) have revealed serious health violations and unsanitary conditions in several restaurants across the Grand Strand area. The findings have raised concerns among local residents and health officials regarding the safety of dining out in the region.
Between January 9 and January 15, a total of 96 restaurant inspections were performed in Horry and Georgetown Counties. The results indicated that only a small number of establishments achieved satisfactory grades, with five businesses earning a B grade, three receiving a C grade, and four establishments scoring below the acceptable threshold of 78 points. SCDA evaluates restaurants using a grading system that categorizes scores from A (88-100 points) to C (77 points or fewer). However, restaurants with consecutive violations may receive lower grades despite scoring higher than the minimal standard.
Key Findings from Inspections
Among the most notable restaurants inspected during this round were:
- Clearwater Oyster Bar / Pollo Loco (Myrtle Beach, SC) – Score: 73
Violations included significant build-up and odor from floor drains, mildew in the ice machine, unsafe storage practices, missing shellstock tags, improperly stored prepped food items, and improperly stored tongs. A follow-up inspection on January 17 resulted in a perfect score. - Island Taste (Myrtle Beach, SC) – Score: 80
Major violations involved foods held at unsafe temperatures, improperly thawed fish, foods stored on the floor, a soapless handsink, absence of a minimum food handling-certified employee, and chemicals stored next to food. A follow-up inspection is scheduled for January 24. - Jimmyz Original Hibachi House (Myrtle Beach, SC) – Score: 80
Notable violations included an employee without the requisite food handling certification, improperly stored boxes, insufficient refrigeration cooling, and unsafe reheating and cooling practices for rice and noodles. A follow-up inspection is set for January 23. - Pawleys Island Tavern (Pawleys Island, SC) – Score: 81
This establishment faced several issues, including pest access through openings in the ceilings and walls, rat evidence outside, bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, and other sanitation concerns, with a follow-up scheduled on January 25.
Additional Violations Noted
Other restaurants flagged during the inspections included:
- Ocean Creek Beach Club Bar and Grill (Myrtle Beach, SC) – Score: 79
Violations noted included improper thawing of raw chicken and neglect in handwashing practices. - Sureway Grocery (Conway, SC) – Score: 81
The inspection revealed a roach sighting, improperly dated food, and unauthorized construction. - Pub International (Myrtle Beach, SC) – Score: 84
Findings included foods past their discard dates, failures to maintain proper food storage temperatures, and lack of a certified food protection manager.
Background on SCDA Inspections
SCDA inspections are crucial for ensuring food safety standards in the restaurant industry. In a prior inspection round conducted between April 9 and April 23, 213 restaurants were evaluated, resulting in six B grades and one C grade, with only three establishments scoring below 88 points. The recent inspections serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strict adherence to health regulations in the food service industry.
Restaurateurs are encouraged to address the identified violations promptly and prepare for follow-up inspections to ensure they comply with health standards and provide safe dining experiences for customers. As awareness of these findings spreads, consumers may become more cautious about their dining choices in the Grand Strand area.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Recent Restaurant Inspections
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- AOL: Restaurant Violations Report
- Google Search: Restaurant Safety Inspections
- Myrtle Beach Online: Restaurant Health Violations
- Google Scholar: Food Service Health Standards
- AOL: Latest Food Violation News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food 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.
