The recent health inspections of Beaufort County restaurants have revealed some concerning findings, with several establishments earning C grades, the lowest possible rating. This is a cause for concern, as it indicates potential food safety issues that could impact public health. One of the most alarming cases is that of Bojangles on Robert Smalls Parkway in Beaufort. This location received a C grade with a mere 71 points, which is a stark contrast to the A grade it received in January. The inspection report highlights several critical issues, including the failure to wash hands between handling raw chicken and other duties, raw chicken at the bottom of a dishwashing sink, and a "large presence" of flies in the kitchen area. The presence of flies is particularly concerning, as it suggests a lack of proper sanitation and hygiene practices. The report also mentions dirty pots and pans stored as clean, standing water on the floor in several areas, and black organic matter inside the ice machine. These findings indicate a serious breach of food safety standards, and the restaurant's temporary closure until a follow-up inspection is carried out is a necessary step to ensure public health is protected. Another restaurant that received a C grade is Baleada Express in Bluffton. The inspection report noted an employee failing to wash their hands between mopping the floor and handling food, as well as organic growth on gorditas and rotting cilantro. The lack of a dating system to determine food expiration dates is also a significant issue. Flies on food and food contact surfaces in the kitchen further emphasize the need for improved sanitation practices. The follow-up inspection, which resulted in another C grade, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the restaurant in maintaining food safety standards. La Cabañita, a Mexican restaurant on Hilton Head Island, also faced multiple C grades due to repeat infractions. The initial inspection noted a package of celery that had "rotten to a liquid state," organic growth on cabbage, live and dead cockroaches in the kitchen, and excess trash outside. The follow-up inspection revealed even more issues, including tomatillos with organic growth and decay, and residential-use inspect spray found in the kitchen. These findings indicate a persistent lack of adherence to food safety regulations, and the need for immediate corrective action. The Sake House Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse in Bluffton also received a C grade, with issues such as cucumbers contaminated by a dripping condenser, a soda gun with "pink slime" on it, and a prep refrigerator with food waste at the bottom and rusted shelves. However, a follow-up inspection resulted in an A grade, indicating that the restaurant had addressed the previous infractions. These inspections highlight the importance of regular and thorough food safety audits to ensure that restaurants are maintaining high standards of hygiene and sanitation. It is crucial for restaurants to prioritize food safety, as it directly impacts the health and well-being of their customers. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture's restaurant inspection reports are public and can be accessed online, providing transparency and accountability in the food industry. These inspections serve as a reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility, and it is essential for both restaurant owners and customers to remain vigilant in maintaining high standards of food safety.
