These Midlands restaurants had the lowest health inspection ratings this month
Though most restaurants in the Columbia-area came out of the holiday season with an A on their health inspection report, a few were dinged for things ranging from pest droppings to storing car batteries near food.
The State took a look at the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s inspection reports for food establishments across the Midlands. These restaurants received some of the lowest ratings in December.
- Fast Eddies Calzones, Harden Street in Columbia
During a follow-up inspection on Dec. 19, Fast Eddies Calzones was given a score of a 91 or a C, according to records from the health department.
While at the restaurant, inspectors found rodent feces throughout the building, according to the report. They also found evidence of roaches, though the restaurant had a best control visit two days before. Inspectors also found a sink that overflows onto the floor in the dish-washing area. Grime and food crumbs came off the walls under the counter and were scattered across the floor. Containers and lids with old labels or label residue were stacked in contact with food surfaces.
During another follow-up on Dec. 28, the restaurant was given yet another C, according to DHEC records. The restaurant scored an 89 after inspectors found containers of meat being held longer than seven days, more evidence of rodent activity and continuing sink issues.
Past inspections have been a mixed bag for Fast Eddies, scoring three C’s, six B’s and eight A’s.
- Chopstix Chinese, Broad River Road in Columbia
Chopstix Chinese scored an 87 of a B on a routine inspection on Dec. 3, according to DHEC records.
Partially cooked chicken was stored in a reach container, which requires a special approval, according to the inspection report. A car battery was stored next to a container of food starch. Many food surfaces that were not clean were stored as clean. The restaurant did not have any way to mark foods stored for more than 24 hours.
In the past, inspectors have given Chopstix two C’s and a B. On all other inspections, the restaurant was given an A. During a Dec. 11 follow-up, Chopstix was given an A.
- Restaurant 44, Pond Branch Road in Gilbert
During a Dec. 13 routine inspection, Restaurant 44 was awarded a B or an 80 percent, according to DHEC records.
Expired food was found in the cooler, including hot dogs from about a month ago. Inspectors found employees touching prepared food with bare hands before serving it, according to the inspection report. Food was found thawing in water and stored in refrigeration units in standing water. Onions were stored on the floor, and other food was stored on pallets on the floor. An outside sink was clogged and holding water. The floors had accumulated debris under equipment and shelving.
During past inspections, the restaurant was only given one C and 3 B’s. During a follow-up the next day, the restaurant was given an A.
Did you like this story? Check out our previous restaurant inspection reports.
November’s worst health inspections
October’s worst health inspections
September’s worst health inspections
August’s worst health inspections
This story was originally published December 31, 2018 at 11:24 AM.
