News Summary
In June, six restaurants in Beaufort County were graded ‘B’ and ‘C’ in health inspections by DHEC, revealing serious health and safety violations. Piggly Wiggly, Surf’s Up Frosty Dog, La Nopalera, and DryDock Seafood faced issues ranging from lack of sanitary conditions to pest infestations. While some establishments showed improvement in follow-up inspections, the overall findings raised concerns about food safety standards in the area. DHEC conducted 244 inspections in Beaufort, emphasizing the need for adherence to hygiene regulations.
Beaufort County Restaurants Receive Mixed Grades in June Health Inspections
Beaufort County, SC – Six food businesses in Beaufort County received grades of “B” and “C” during health inspections carried out by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) in June. The inspections highlighted various health and safety violations across multiple establishments, raising concerns about food safety standards in the area.
Details of Poor Grading
The Piggly Wiggly, inspected on June 9, scored a 79% (B), with significant issues such as:
- Hot water valve turned off on the kitchen hand-wash sink.
- Lack of hand sink at the sushi-making kiosk.
- Cross-contamination including raw beef stored improperly and no chemical sanitation strips available.
- Improper cold holding temperatures for various food items.
The store was reinspected on June 16 and improved to a score of 98% (A).
Surf’s Up Frosty Dog, inspected on June 2, had an 84% (B) score. Major concerns included:
- Pests having chewed open a bag of baking flour.
- Rodent droppings noted in the dry storage area.
- Sanitary issues with kitchen equipment.
Despite reinspections showing a score of 94% (C) on June 10 and a subsequent 100% (A) on June 13, it is evident that multiple violations persisted during the initial inspection.
La Nopalera Mexican Restaurant, inspected on June 11, received a 73% (C), which included:
- No certified food handler on-site.
- Improper food storage practices with raw chicken above ready-to-eat items.
- Sanitation breaches with uncovered food items and broken facilities.
After addressing these issues, the restaurant received a score of 95% (A) during the reinspections on June 20.
The DryDock Seafood and Spirits scored 75% (C) during its inspection on June 25, with issues such as:
- Uncovered employee beverage containers above food.
- Presence of rodents and insect debris.
- Improper food handling and storage practices.
No reinspections have occurred as of July 1 but a follow-up is needed within 10 days.
Other businesses received lower grades as well. The Oldfield Club received a 94% (B) on June 18 due to repeated violations, which improved to 100% (A) on June 26 after corrections were made. Similarly, Agave Mexican Grill scored 94% (B) on June 25 but improved to 100% (A) upon reinspection.
Health Inspection Process
The health inspection grades issued by the DHEC are vital for maintaining food safety standards across the county. These inspections evaluate factors such as cleanliness, proper food handling, and overall sanitary conditions. In June, DHEC conducted a total of 244 inspections in Beaufort County and 33 in Jasper County, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to monitoring food safety in local establishments.
Establishments are graded based on criteria observed during these inspections, with grades assigned as follows:
- A: 88% to 100%
- B: 78% to 87%
- C: 77% or less
Restaurants have the opportunity to improve their scores during subsequent reinspections. Addressing violations promptly is essential for upholding food safety standards and ensuring the health of patrons.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Food Safety Violations Identified in Beaufort County Restaurants
Beaufort County Food Businesses Face Low Grades in Inspections
Low Health Inspection Grades Impact Local Restaurants in Beaufort County
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Health Inspections Report
- AOL News: Health Hazard Reports in Restaurants
- Island Packet: Local Restaurant Inspection News
- Google Search: Beaufort County Restaurants Health Inspection
- The State: Health Inspection Details in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Safety Standards
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.
