Food Safety Scores Show Mixed Results for Beaufort County Eateries

Food Safety Scores Reveal Mixed Results in Beaufort County

In Beaufort County, October was quite a month for local eateries as they faced routine health inspections from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA). The results are in and it’s a mixed bag of grades that might surprise you!

What’s the Score?

Ten food establishments got caught in the health inspection crossfire with grades ranging from B to C. Here’s a closer look at how they fared:

• Albergotti Grill, located at 2225 Boundary St., rounded up an 81% (B) on October 24. Inspectors pinpointed some serious issues like food storage violations, dirty equipment, and fruit flies making an unwelcome appearance. But don’t worry, they pulled through with a stellar reinspection on November 4, scoring a perfect 100% (A).
• Dos Amigos Mexican Grill at 2121 Boundary St. Suite 103 also saw a score of 80% (B) on October 4. Inspectors reported severe hygiene issues, including uncovered food and roaches roaming around. After a series of reinspections, they managed to get their act together and reached a shining 100% (A).
• La Poblanita Restaurant, positioned at 4490 Bluffton Park Crescent, faced a challenge with an 87% (C) during a follow-up inspection. Issues ranged from inadequate chlorine levels to a cockroach sighting. Yet, they too bounced back with a perfect 100% (A) on a subsequent inspection.
• Bowdies Chophouse at 11 Palmetto Bay Road #401 scored 80% (B) on October 29 with problems like dirty surfaces and missing labeling requirements. However, hard work paid off with a reinspection score of 94% (A) just a week later.
• Chin Dynasty China Bistro found itself at 79% (B) on October 28, with violations including an ice machine full of black organic matter and food handlers skipping proper procedures. Thankfully, they managed to ace the reinspection with a stunning 100% (A).
• Grooby’s Too! scored a 97% (B) in a follow-up inspection on October 24, citing rodent activity and a broken door seal. This remaining ‘B’ grade was docked despite the near perfect score due to continuing infractions.
• Red Stripes received an 85% (B) on October 22, facing problems like dirty floors and handling food while drinking. A subsequent reinspection led to a much-improved score of 96% (A).
• Suadero La Poblanito, right next to La Poblanita, was also given a 100% (A) on their reinspection following issues during the first check.
• Taco Go managed an 89% (B) on October 2 but soared to 100% (A) after a follow-up inspection just weeks later.
• Wasabi Sushi HHI faced a hiccup with an 86% (B) due to blocked hand sinks and unclean utensil storage, but also bounced back with a splendid 100% (A) in a reinspection.

A Jasper County Spotlight

Meanwhile, a single food business in Jasper County, Cherry Point Chicken & BBQ, earned a 99% (B) on October 22, remaining under scrutiny due to BBQ pit operation without prior authorization.

Why the Inspections Matter

Food safety should always be a top priority, and the SCDA inspections serve as an essential watchdog for our beloved local spots. They hold these establishments accountable, allowing them to correct any infractions and improve their hygiene standards.

Public Awareness

For those wanting to stay informed about their favorite dining venues’ health scores, the SCDA now publishes inspection results online, complete with QR codes that you can scan at the restaurant to view their latest report. So, if you’re heading out for a bite, make sure to check those scores!

Wrapping Up

As the end of the year approaches, consider checking in on local food establishments’ health grades—not just for your safety, but also to support those who are striving to uphold high health standards. These inspections matter more than ever as we dine out!