Eight Beaufort County food businesses were cited with “B” grades in June health inspections by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control:
Berkeley Hall Clubhouse, 366 Good Hope Road in Bluffton, scored an 88% (A) in a routine inspection on June 16. Even though that normally would merit an B grade, the business was given a A and a chance to correct violations. Inspectors noted problems with the temperature of the dish machine, cooked beef brisket held past the seven-day disposition date, consumer advisory statements not linked to relevant menu items, and issues with the facility not following a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) food-safety plan.
The clubhouse scored a 98% (B) in a follow-up inspection June 27. This normally would merit an A grade, but the clubhouse was given a B because of a continued issue with the HACCP: Thawed fish was not properly labeled.
The clubhouse was reinspected on June 28 and scored a 100% (A).
Corner Perk, 1297 May River Road 11C in Bluffton, scored an 80% (B) in a routine inspection June 15. Inspectors noted problems with the chlorine level in the chemical dish machine, cold-holding temperatures, containers of soap and bleach without labels on the bottles, pesticide labeled for residential use stored near the dish machine, a box of potatoes on the floor, and equipment in need of maintenance.
The coffee shop was reinspected on June 21 and scored a 100% (A).
Delcid la Moreliana, 802 Sea Island Parkway on St. Helena Island, scored an 82% (B) in a routine inspection June 2. Inspectors noted that the person in charge did not posses a certified food protection manager certificate; a kitchen handwashing sink did not have paper towels; the manual washing procedure had no chemical sanitizer, and the final rinse temperature was too low; pots, pans and food storage containers were stored while unclean; lack of a date-marking policy; chemicals stored with food ingredients; two bowls of meat were thawing at room temperature; several paper bags of food ingredients were stored on the floor; single service cups, takeout trays and napkins were stored on the floor; there was no sanitizer for warewashing; and there was a heavy buildup of grime and food debris on kitchen shelving and inside cabinets.
The restaurant was reinspected on June 12 and scored a 95% (A) and again on June 22 and scored a 100% (A).
Ela’s on the Water, 1 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head Island, scored a 94% (B) in an inspection June 14 that was the result of a public complaint. A note from the inspector says the facility’s plumbing system underground is failing, and gray water is backing up into the the outside service sink and into the parking lot. DHEC defines gray water as wastewater that is generated by appliances such as sinks, showers and laundry.
The restaurant was subject to a routine inspection on June 23 and scored an 82% (B). Inspectors noted the lack of chlorine in the chemical dish machine; issues with cold food holding temperatures, food cooling processes and the need for repairs of the walk-in cooler; hood filters with a thick layer of grease and grime; problems with plumbing at the three-compartment sink and from the restaurant to the sewer system outside; and debris in the grout lines of the kitchen floor.
The restaurant was inspected again on June 29 and scored a 100% (A).
Lowcountry Produce, 1919 Trask Parkway in Seabrook, scored an 84% (B) in a routine inspection June 19. Inspectors noted a hand-washing sink without cleanser or paper towels, problems with cold food holding temperatures, food items without date marks, a kitchen window propped open with no means of preventing the entry of pests, the presence of live cockroaches throughout the facility, coolers in need of repair, spilled grease and debris on the floor behind the cook line, and damaged walls with paint flaking off in the line area.
The restaurant was reinspected on June 29 and scored an 89% (B). Inspectors noted continued issues with cold food holding temperatures and date marking, coolers in need of repair, and kitchen walls with damage and in need of painting.
The restaurant was reinspected on July 5 and scored a 100% (A).
Okko, 95 Matthews Drive Suite C on Hilton Head Island, scored an 81% (B) in a routine inspection June 27. Inspectors noted a handwashing sink without cleanser; grime on the cook line breading container and ice machine reflector plate; problems with cold food holding temperatures; pest sprays and medication stored next to food; boxes of food stored on the floor of the freezer; coolers in need of repairs; and the need to clean gaskets of the prep unit, shelves throughout the facility, handles to coolers and hood filters.
The restaurant was reinspected on June 29 and scored a 100% (A).
Pizza Hut #34753, 35 Robert Smalls Parkway in Beaufort, scored a 98% (B) in an inspection June 29 that was the result of a public complaint. This grade normally would merit an A grade, but the report says this was a consecutive violation: Running water in the three-compartment sink was not reaching a high enough temperature. Previous inspection reports were not immediately available on the DHEC website.
The restaurant was reinspected on July 7 and scored a 100% (A).
Polanco Modern Mex Kitchen, 9 Market St. #1 in Beaufort, scored an 82% (B) in a routine inspection June 21. Inspectors noted that the person in charge did not posses a certified food protection manager certificate; there was a case of corn in dry storage with mold and pests; unclean plates were stacked and stored as clean; plates and utensils were washed and rinsed but not sanitized; there was no date-marking system for foods; the consumer advisory on the menu was incomplete; the kitchen door was propped open without an air curtain or screen; there were flies and cockroaches in the kitchen; in-use wiping cloths were held in soiled water; single-use cups were being used as scoops in ingredient bins; there were no sanitizer test strips for the warewashing equipment; and the unisex restroom did not have a lidded trash can.
The restaurant was reinspected on June 30 and scored a 97% (A).
What the grades mean
Inspectors hand out a grade of A, B or C, depending on the conditions found at the time. Points are docked for a variety of infractions, and restaurants have a chance to correct the problems and improve their score.
- A: 88% to 100%
- B: 78% to 87%
- C: 77% or less
During June, DHEC recorded 155 inspections of restaurants, schools, stores and other food establishments in Beaufort County. The agency publishes the results of these health inspections on its website.
Newer food grade decals include a QR code that customers can scan with their phones to see a food establishment’s latest report.
Below are the SC DHEC restaurant grades in Beaufort County from June 1-30, 2023.
At the top left of the chart, there is a space to search for the name of a restaurant. Please note that this month’s inspections take up two pages. Switch to page 2 at the top right.
