News Summary
In April, health inspections conducted by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control revealed critical violations at eight food businesses in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. Notable establishments received B and C grades, raising concerns about food safety. Key issues included improper sanitation, food storage violations, and inadequate handwashing practices, which led to required reinspections. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining rigorous health standards in local dining establishments to safeguard public health.
Beaufort and Jasper Counties Unveil Health Inspection Violations at Local Food Businesses
Beaufort, S.C. – In April, six food businesses in Beaufort County and two in Jasper County received B and C grades during health inspections conducted by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). These inspections revealed critical violations that raise concerns about food safety and hygiene at local establishments.
Notable Violations in Boufort County
- Cabritos Mexican Restaurant scored 83% (B) on April 23. Violations included a hand-wash sink holding dirty equipment, improper sanitation in dishwashing, and cooked meat not maintained at safe temperatures. Following a reinspection on April 25, the restaurant improved its score to 100% (A).
- Captain Woody’s Bar & Grill received a score of 84% (B) on April 25. Key issues noted were an employee failing to wash hands, meats thawing improperly together in a sink, and cross-contamination risks with oyster shells. As of May 1, a reinspection had not yet taken place, but one is required within 10 days.
- Celeste achieved a score of 82% (B) on April 3 with violations including a lack of shellstock tags and uncorrected reheating procedures. As of May 1, a reinspection report had not been posted yet; it is also required within 10 days.
- La Cabinita had a lower score of 78% (B) on April 7 due to significant sanitation violations, including inadequate hot water supply and improper food storage practices. The establishment was reinspected on April 15 and received a score of 86% (C) for repeated violations, necessitating another inspection.
- Lowcountry Produce originally scored 82% (B) on April 3, with concerns including improper thawing methods and pests observed in the facility. A reinspection on April 11 resulted in an improved score of 90% (A).
- Taqueria Las Abuelitas scored 83% (B) on April 28, encountering issues with a malfunctioning hand-wash sink and improper hot-holding temperatures. One reinspection was required but not completed by May 1.
- Agave Azul Tacos and Tequila scored 83% (B) on April 8, facing issues like inadequate handwashing soap and organic growth on stored fruits. Following reinspections on April 18, the establishment improved to a score of 100% (A).
- Burrito Express Mexican Grill scored 85% (B) on April 25, primarily due to a lack of hygiene items and improper storage of food items. As of May 1, a reinspection was still pending.
Understanding the Grading System
The health grade system employed by DHEC categorizes establishments as follows:
- A: 88% to 100% – Passing Grade
- B: 78% to 87% – Conditional Passing Grade
- C: 77% or below – Failing Grade
Recent Inspection Statistics
Throughout April, DHEC conducted 205 inspections in Beaufort County and 40 in Jasper County. The health inspection results are accessible through DHEC’s website, which provides QR codes on food-grade decals for customer convenience in viewing reports. Customers are encouraged to report any concerns regarding food safety by submitting a Food Safety Complaint Form.
Conclusion
The recent inspections highlight ongoing concerns within the food service industry in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. Ensuring safe food handling practices is crucial for public health, and continued monitoring is essential to uphold food safety standards in local establishments.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort and Jasper Counties Health Inspections
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- The Assembly NC: NC Health Inspections
- Google Search: Food Establishment Health Inspections
- AOL: Fire Ants, Flies, Roaches, and Mold
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Safety
- Island Packet: Local Restaurant Violations
- Google News: Restaurant Health Safety
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
