News Summary
Recent inspections by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture revealed concerning food safety and cleanliness issues in several Myrtle Beach restaurants. A total of 344 inspections were conducted, with notable establishments scoring below average due to various health violations. Follow-up inspections will be critical to ensure improvement as the local dining scene faces scrutiny. Residents and visitors are encouraged to review restaurant safety ratings before dining out.
Myrtle Beach Restaurant Inspections Raise Concerns Over Food Safety and Cleanliness
Myrtle Beach residents and visitors alike may want to take a closer look at their dining options after the latest restaurant inspections conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) from March 1 to March 19. An astounding total of 344 inspections were carried out in Horry and Georgetown counties, diving into the sometimes murky waters of food safety practices in the restaurant scene.
What Do the Grades Mean?
The SCDA assigns grades based on a scoring system where 88-100 points earns an A grade, 78-87 points is a B grade, and anything 77 points or lower is considered a C grade. These ratings offer a snapshot of a restaurant’s health and safety practices, tackling any potential risks like foodborne illnesses or unsanitary conditions. Restaurants with consecutive violations or serious health hazards may find themselves facing stiffer penalties and lower grades.
Spotlight on Local Restaurants
Among the establishments inspected, Panthers Express in Conway had a rocky inspection with a score of 80. Violations included raw ground beef in contact with bologna and insufficient refrigeration for cut lettuce and tomatoes. They also had a buildup of grime on equipment and a blocked hand sink. Fortunately, a follow-up inspection on March 13 showed improvements, raising their score to a much healthier 94.
Meanwhile, KOI in Myrtle Beach scored 84 after their inspection uncovered ready-to-eat foods dated February 11, frozen tuna still in its vacuum-sealed packaging, and improperly stored meats. Employees were also reportedly not following proper handwashing procedures. A follow-up is set for March 29 to see if any changes are made.
Panda Chinese Restaurant, another local favorite, received a score of 86 after inspections revealed egg rolls and noodles being kept at unsafe temperatures, along with undate-labeled meats. Dirty conditions were noted, including debris on the floor and ice build-up in the freezer. A follow-up on March 29 will keep tabs on their progress.
Unsettling Trends in Food Safety
Over at Fuel Mart in Loris, the establishment managed to score 87. The report highlighted improper storage temperatures and pointed out that there was no certified food protection manager on staff. A follow-up inspection is scheduled for March 23.
Notably, issues reported in the past included moldy ingredients and even live roaches in certain establishments, painting a concerning picture of safety practices within our local dining industry.
Previous Violations and Recoveries
One restaurant that faced serious backlash was Little Caesars in Conway, which initially scored a low 76. Violations from early February highlighted a lack of food handler certification among employees and inadequate dish sanitation practices. Thankfully, after taking corrective measures, they bounced back with a follow-up score of 99.
Denny’s in Myrtle Beach fared slightly better with a score of 78, although they still encountered issues with moldy produce and unsafe food storage temperatures. A follow-up inspection was scheduled for February 23 to check for improvements.
In another twist, La Olanchana showed persistence in fixing their food storage practices, seeing their score improve from previous concerns to 96 after follow-up inspections.
A Call for Change
The results from the SCDA inspections reveal a concerning trend of unsafe food handling and cleanliness issues across the restaurant landscape in the Myrtle Beach area. While many establishments are taking steps toward improvement, it’s crucial for diners to stay informed about the safety practices of the places they choose to eat. After all, food safety should be the first priority for everyone in the restaurant industry.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- AOL News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach restaurant inspections
- Myrtle Beach Online
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.
