An excessive amount of roaches: Midlands restaurants with the lowest August inspection ratings
South Carolina health inspectors found a host of violations at restaurants across the Midlands in August, from an excessive amount of live and roaches and flies in kitchens and storage areas, to filthy equipment.
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control each month releases grades and inspection reports for food establishments across Lexington and Richland counties.
Here are the restaurants that received some of the lowest ratings in August.
Uma Hala Meat and Groceries on Broad River Road in Richland
Uma Hala had an inspection on Aug. 5 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed flies, drain flies and fruit flies throughout the kitchen, market and storage areas. Also observed were fly strips hanging over food prep and display areas.
Raw animal product was seen stored above and with ready to eat items, along with soiled dishes stored as clean. Also seen were cutting surfaces in the kitchen and meat cutting areas heavily soiled with deep cutting groves and buildup and floors with buildup under and around equipment in the kitchen area.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Aug. 26 and got another C grade. Another required followup inspection has not yet been held.
Delhi Palace on St. Andrews Road in Lexington
Delhi Place had an inspection on Aug. 26 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed roach activity throughout by hand sinks, the wait station and prep area. The inspector also observed a buildup of biomass on dish racks and the dish machine and buildup on flooring around and under equipment.
A required followup inspection has not yet been held.
Mercado Acapulco Market on 12th Street in Lexington
Mercado had an inspection on Aug. 9 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed fruit flies throughout the facility, especially in front of the meat market. Raw meat in boxes was seen stored directly on the floor before being cut. Boxed food items were seen stored directly on the floor in the walk-in freezer outside. Large pots were stored outside in the back.
Also seen was old fruit and vegetables on the floor underneath the display in front of the meat market with spilled matter on the floor, along with certain meats and cheeses not being held at proper temperatures.
A required followup inspection was held on Aug. 19 and the business earned another C grade. A second followup inspection was held on Aug. 25 and the business got an A grade.
Miyo’s on Bower Parkway in Lexington
Miyo’s had an inspection on Aug. 19 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed roaches and pests throughout the kitchen and storage area. Also observed was an excessive amount of dead roaches and insects throughout the kitchen and back of the house facility.
Food debris was seen around the fryers and equipment, along with grime on and underneath the prep tables and counters. Also seen two pans of chicken sitting underneath a table for later use that was thawing improperly.
The restaurant had a followup inspection on Aug. 24 and got an A grade.
Tacos Locos and Grill on 12th Street in Lexington
Tacos Locos had an inspection on Aug. 25 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed fly activity throughout the kitchen and fruit flies in the bar area. Also observed was a container more than 4 inches deep of cooked chicken not properly cooling and a tightly covered, 5-gallon bucket of cheese dip not properly cooling. Household pesticide was seen in the back prep area.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Aug. 30 and got an A grade.
Tsunami on Bower Parkway in Lexington
Tsunami had an inspection on Aug. 24 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed food stored in a heavily soiled container and dishes with food matter and splash stored as clean. Also observed was employees handling ready to eat food items with bare hands and clean dishes stored on unclean surfaces.
Rusted equipment was seen throughout the restaurant. Dish racks were seen with heavy black biofilm buildup, along with excessive food matter, grease and biofilm on the exterior of equipment.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Aug. 29 and got an A grade.
Zorba’s of Chapin on Chapin Road in Lexington
Zorba’s of Chapin had an inspection on Aug. 26 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed roach activity on a table and on baseboards in the bar dining section. Also observed was black and pink buildup on the plumbing lines in the bar.
An employee was seen not washing hands between handling dirty dishes and clean dishes. Also, certain foods were seen being held at improper temperatures.
A required followup inspection has not yet been held.
Zorba’s of St. Andrews on Andrews Road in Lexington
Zorba’s of St. Andrews had an inspection on Aug. 4 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed the presence of flies in the storage and dish area, along with a garage-style door open to outside areas that could allow pest entry. Also observed was grease, grime and dust buildup on vents, floors, walls and equipment throughout the kitchen.
A ground beef log was seen thawing in standing hot water. Also seen was certain foods not held at proper temperatures.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Aug. 12 and got another C grade. A second followup inspection was held on Aug. 23 and the restaurant got an A grade.
This story was originally published September 1, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
