News Summary
In Beaufort County, South Carolina, ten food businesses recently received low health inspection grades. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s inspections revealed concerning food safety practices, with China Wok scoring the lowest. Other establishments like Maria’s Mexican Kitchen and Jersey Mike’s Subs struggled with their ratings, while some businesses showed significant improvement after reinspections. Transparency in health inspections is prioritized, allowing the community to access detailed reports easily.
Beaufort County Food Businesses Receive Low Health Inspection Grades
Beaufort County, South Carolina, recently saw ten food businesses receive low health inspection grades in July, as reported by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA). The inspections, part of routine evaluations, have raised concerns among the community regarding food safety practices at these establishments.
Of the ten businesses, China Wok ranked the lowest, receiving a score of 75% (C) during a routine inspection conducted on July 21. As of August 1, the establishment had not been reinspected but is required to undergo a follow-up inspection within the next ten days to evaluate any corrective actions taken.
Another establishment, Maria’s Mexican Kitchen, recorded a score of 74% (C) during its routine inspection on July 29 and has similarly yet to be reinspected by the SCDA. This score highlights ongoing food safety challenges that the establishment must address.
Following a different path, Jersey Mike’s Subs scored 98% (B) in a follow-up inspection on July 23. This score represents improvement after a previous assessment deemed it necessary for the outlet to address repeat offenses. Like China Wok and Maria’s, Jersey Mike’s also must be reinspected within ten days.
In terms of improved performances, Bojangles scored 81% (B) during an initial inspection on July 3 but significantly enhanced its rating to 97% (A) following a reinspection on July 10. This positive development indicates the establishment’s commitment to adhering to health standards.
Similarly, Chin Dynasty China Bistro scored 78% (B) during an inspection on July 21, but managed to achieve a perfect score of 100% (A) after being reinspected on July 25. Such rapid improvements highlight effective management response to health standards.
Several other food businesses made strides toward compliance as well. The Okko establishment scored 79% (B) during its July 14 routine inspection but improved to 100% (A) after a reinspection on July 21. Tienda Y Tortilleria San Jose initially received a score of 84% (B) but then scored 98% (A) after its reinspection on July 18.
In further cases, Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe garnered a score of 85% (B) on July 25, while The Cat Island Club scored 79% (B) on July 18 but improved to 99% (A) after being reinspected on July 25. Additionally, the Waffle House, with a score of 82% (B) on July 29, is also pending a required reinspection.
Throughout July, the SCDA conducted a total of 238 inspections across various food establishments in Beaufort County. The grading system utilized for these evaluations assigns scores of A, B, or C based on observed health conditions. Establishments receiving grades of B and C may request reinspections to demonstrate improvements.
Transparency in health inspections is emphasized through the SCDA’s public reporting. Inspection results are readily available to the public, and new food-grade decals featuring QR codes allow customers to conveniently access detailed inspection reports using their smartphones.
For parties wishing to report issues or request inspections, the SCDA provides a Food Safety Complaint Form, further prioritizing food safety standards in Beaufort County.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Food Businesses Inspection Grades
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Island Packet: Related Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Inspection
- AOL: Food Health Concerns
- Google Search: Food Safety Inspections
- Island Packet: Inspection Scores Update
- Google News: Food Safety South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort 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 Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College 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 Beaufort 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.
