Rodent droppings. Unknown muck on produce. Worst SC Midlands December restaurant inspections

South Carolina Health inspectors took no time off to find some of the worst restaurant conditions in the Midlands in December.

Several dining areas had severe health violations including, but not limited to, rodent droppings, contaminated unwashed hands, unknown substances growing on food and grease falling on cooking surfaces.

The following Midland restaurants had health inspection grades of C, which is the lowest achievable grade.

Aiken Rib Shack LLC at 2645 Whiskey Rd in Aiken

Aiken Rib Shack LLC had an inspection on Dec 15 and received a score of 77 out of 100.

The inspector reported a buildup of dirt, grease and food on the kitchen’s floor. Food and carbon were building up on the grills. Grease was splashed on the sidewalk outside the facility. Holes were found near the plumbing under the sink.

The restaurant had a follow-up inspection on Dec. 20 and received an A grade.

Airport Stop & Shop at 2566 Columbia Highway N in Aiken

Airport Stop & Shop had an inspection on Dec 30 and received a score of 72 out of 100.

Excessive rodent droppings were found throughout the facility, as well as multiple rodent and insect traps indicating signs of infestation. An employee was caught using their phone and not washing their hands before touching food. Handwashing sinks were not accessible. Tubs of beef sausage and grilled chicken were stored past expiration date. Chemicals were stored in the same area as food.

House of Chan at 205 1/2 Edgefield Road in Aiken

House of Chan in Aiken had an inspection on Dec 31 and received a score of 71 out of 100.

Cobwebs were found under cook line and throughout the facility. Uncovered raw beef and sauces were stored on the floor in their fridge. The restaurant received a consecutive violation for excessive grease buildup on the hood vents, and grease was observed leaking from the grease trap. Raw chicken was stored next to cooked beef and more raw chicken was seen next to beverage containers. There was excessive black residue on cutting boards. Dirty gloves with residue were laying on raw meat in a pan.

A-One Express at 2300 Airport Blvd in Lexington

A-One Express had an inspection on Dec 1 and received a score of 74 out of 100.

A hanging strip next to a sink was completely covered with dead flies. Grease was falling from the hood trap falling onto the cook line. In use sifters were put into empty chemical boxes between use and dishes were stored in a chemical box. A thick layer of grease on the ground surrounded the grease bin. The exhaust ventilation cover in the bathroom was covered in grime and dust.

A-One Express had a follow-up inspection on Dec 8 and received an A grade.

Goodfellas Bar and Grill at 630 Highway 378 in Lexington

Goodfellas Bar and Grill in Lexington had an inspection on Dec 30 and received a score of 70 out of 100.

There was an excessive amount of dead bugs seen in the outside food storage shed. Rodent droppings were observed in the facility. There was excessive dust buildup on ceiling vents above the cook line and there was excessive grease build up outside the grease dump. Missing and detached baseboards were observed throughout the facility. An employee was seen handing raw beef without washing hands and changing gloves.

Plaza Garibaldi Grocery Plaza at 2036 Augusta Rd in Lexington

Plaza Garibaldi Grocery Plaza had an inspection on Dec 16 and received a score of 75 out of 100.

Black and white substances were observed growing on produce inside the walk-in cooler and on their produce display. Open boxes of raw meat, raw chicken feet, and raw pork were stored together inside the walk-in freezer. Nail polish remover was stored above the raw meat display case. There were unapproved pest control sprays stored in the dry storage room behind the meat market and underneath the 3-compartment sink.

Plaza Garibaldi Grocery Plaza had a follow-up inspection on Dec 22 and received another C grade.

Mi Casa Grande at 2041 Wilson Rd in Newberry

Mi Casa Grande had an inspection on Dec 22 and received a score of 71 out of 100.

Several food items were not stored to correct temperatures. Non-food safe bags were used to hold ready to eat foods. Cutting boards were gouged and soiled, and ceiling tiles were observed bulging, soiled and dirty throughout the facility. There was low to no grout on the kitchen tile flooring.

Mi Casa Grande had a follow-up inspection on Dec 31 and received an A grade.

Subway at 1749 Sunset Dr in Richland

Subway had an inspection on Dec 15 and received a score of 80 out of 100.

Roaches were seen throughout the facility. Cleanup procedures were not observed, and written health policies were not observed. Dirty dishes were stacked clean. There were incorrect cooling temperatures for several items. Gaps were seen in the front door. Employees with facial hair had no beard guards. Cutting boards had stains and groves. The toilet and surrounding area was dirty.

Subway had two follow-up inspections and received a C grade for both of them.

Waffle House at 1001 Clemson Frontage Rd in Richland

Waffle House had an inspection on Dec 5 and received a score of 73 out of 100.

Employees were seen handling food without washing hands. Raw eggs were next to cooked food. Dishes were stacked clean with food and label debris. There was inconsistent date marking. Food and grease were seen building up under equipment. The dishwasher couldn’t reach the required temperature.

Waffle House had a follow-up inspection and received an A grade.