These Greenville restaurants had the worst SC health inspections in January

Grime on appliances and heavily soiled linens were among the findings of South Carolina Department of Agriculture inspectors during routine inspections in January in Greenville restaurants.

Inspectors made 364 inspections and 339 A scores were awarded. B scores were given to 22 restaurants including two in hotels, the Westin Poinsett and Wingate by Wyndham.

The Westin in downtown Greenville scored 87 for various warewashing problems and an ice machine with biofilm and no soap.

The Wyndham scored 98 on a follow-up inspection because it had a consecutive violation because the person in charge could not provide a food handler certificate. The restaurant scored a 95 on a routine inspection Jan. 21 because the person in charge did not provide a food handler certificate and there were no towels at a sink.

Sakura Japanese Steak House on North Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville scored 75, a C, on Jan. 21.

A health inspector said there was no soap at multiple sinks in the kitchen and on the sushi line. Food debris was seen on a can opener and a container of chopped garlic stored in oil was at an improper temperature.

There was a container of mayonnaise on a shelf next to the cook line and some ready to eat food was not marked with dates and labels including sauces.

A tub of cooked rice was cooling in a walk-in cooler. Three boxes of raw chicken thawed at room temperature on the floor next to a prep sink.

Grill utensils were stored in a container of 72 F water next to a grill. Single-service and single-use items were stored improperly, making it possible for them to be exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination. Single use containers were stored upright on shelves next to the cook line.

A cutting board was so worn it was beyond the length of life.

Floors throughout the facility had a build up of debris as did the cooking hood casement and shelving at the cook line, sushi line and prep area. The door handle and gaskets on coolers in the sushi area observed had a build up of grime and debris.

Super Carnicereia El Gallo on White Horse Road in Greenville scored 77, a C, when it was inspected on Jan. 7.

The inspector saw an employee put on gloves after eating and without washing hands. Food was uncovered and not protected from contamination. Plates that were not clean were stacked.

The hot holding case held cooked chicken and cooked pork at improper temperatures. Meat in the walk-in cooler was stored on the floor. Also in the cooler were scoops with no handles in salsa, many of which lacked dates.

Heavily soiled towels were not stored in a sanitizer solution. And soiled linens were on the floor of the cook line. Pots, pans and cutlery were stored less than 6 inches off the floor.

The deep fryer, doors, prep tables, storage racks and blender had a build up of debris.

The restaurant was inspected again on Jan. 16 and received a 99, an A.

The scoops were in salsas and pots, pans and cutlery were stored less than 6 inches off the floor.