News Summary
Recent inspections by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture revealed multiple health and safety violations at restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area. A total of 145 establishments in Horry and Georgetown Counties were inspected, with several restaurants scoring below the requirements for safe food handling. Common issues identified included unsanitary conditions and improper food storage. Follow-up inspections are scheduled to ensure compliance with health standards, emphasizing the importance of food safety in tourist areas.
Myrtle Beach
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) has uncovered multiple health and safety violations at restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area during recent inspections. A total of 145 establishments in Horry and Georgetown Counties were inspected from June 21 to July 3, with alarming findings that raised concerns about food safety standards in the region.
Among the common violations discovered were unsanitary conditions including black buildup in ice machines, improperly stored food, and employees neglecting handwashing protocols after handling raw chicken. Ten restaurants were rated with a B grade, while one received a C grade. Notably, only ten establishments scored below the 88-point threshold typically needed for an A grade.
Restaurants with Notable Violations
Country Corner #7 in Andrews received a score of 78, primarily due to extensive remodeling that occurred without SCDA approval, alongside improper food temperature storage and unsanitary conditions. A follow-up inspection is scheduled by July 17 to reassess compliance.
Quigley’s Pint and Plate in Murrells Inlet scored 80; the inspection revealed significant “black buildup” in the ice machine and improperly stored food items. This restaurant will also undergo a follow-up inspection by July 17.
A critical score of 78 was recorded at China Wok in Myrtle Beach, where violations included the absence of a certified food handler and unsafe food storage practices. A follow-up is planned for July 17 to ensure corrective measures have been taken.
Panthers Express in Conway received a score of 81 after an employee was observed touching bagels without washing hands after handling raw chicken. This establishment faces another inspection on July 17.
The Javelina Texas Bar and Grill scored 82, identifying issues such as “slimy black residue” in the ice machine and lack of proper food labeling. A follow-up inspection is expected by July 18.
Bottom Feeders in Little River obtained a score of 83, with violations including thawing raw chicken at unsafe temperatures and unclean working surfaces. A follow-up inspection is scheduled for July 21.
New York Pizza in Myrtle Beach scored 83 as well, where inspectors found two-week-old meatballs and insufficiently cold food storage, necessitating another inspection by July 18.
The Drunken Parrot in North Myrtle Beach achieved a score of 84. This establishment had violations related to unmarked food items and risks associated with pest access, prompting a follow-up inspection on July 19.
Circle K Store #0479 in Myrtle Beach scored 86, citing rodent droppings and improper food storage practices. A follow-up inspection is planned for July 17.
Snooky’s Oceanfront in North Myrtle Beach also scored 86; issues included violations of food storage temperatures and cleanliness standards. A follow-up is expected by July 18.
Background on Health Inspections
The SCDA conducts routine inspections to ensure that food establishments comply with safety regulations aimed at protecting the health of consumers. The recent inspections are part of ongoing efforts to maintain hygiene and safety in restaurants, particularly in tourist areas like Myrtle Beach where a high volume of dining occurs. Inspectors look for a range of potential hazards, including food temperature control, cleanliness, and employee practices, ensuring that all establishments meet the necessary criteria for safe food handling and preparation.
The results of these inspections serve as an important reminder for both restaurant operators and consumers about the significance of food safety in dining experiences, highlighting the necessity for continuous adherence to health regulations.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online – Health Violations
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- AOL – Health Violations Report
- Google Search: Restaurant Health Inspections
- Myrtle Beach Online – Inspection Results
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Safety Regulations
- AOL – Latest Restaurant Issues
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Restaurant Health Inspections
- Myrtle Beach Online – Violation Highlights
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.
