Fuzzy growth on cooked food, flies & more in Midlands restaurants with worst October inspections
South Carolina health inspectors found multiple violations at restaurants in the Midlands in October, from an employee handling customer food with gloved hands covered in raw chicken juices to lots of flies and stored food with fuzzy growth on it. The state each month releases grades and inspection reports for food establishments across Midlands counties.
Here are the restaurants that received some of the lowest ratings in October.
2 Gingers at 245 Bush River Road in Richland
2 Gingers had an inspection on Oct. 5 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed an employee eat a handful of rice, the proceed onto other tasks without washing hands. Also observed was fuzzy growth on cooked food in the walk-in cooler.
Flies, drain flies and roaches were seen in the facility. Also seen was grime buildup on interior and exterior of equipment, rusted prep table shelving and a cutting board with grooves and heavy staining.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Oct. 12 and got another C grade. It had another followup inspection on Oct. 20 and earned an A grade.
Angelo’s Zesto at 4001 N Main St. in Richland
Angelo’s had an inspection on Oct. 9 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed flies throughout the facility. Also observed a gloved employee grab the handle to the fridge covered in raw chicken batter and then continue to box food without a hand wash step and glove change.
An employee was seen grabbing a coleslaw cup from the fridge while hand was covered in raw chicken juices and then place the cup in a box of cooked customer food. Grease and grime was seen on equipment and sludge was found inside the ice cooler.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Oct. 16 and got an A grade.
Blue Fin at 461-4 Town Center Place in Richland
Blue Fin had an inspection on Oct. 13 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed a bag of shallots sitting on a pan of holding raw chicken and eggs stored under raw chicken. Also observed tongs used for raw chicken wiped with a dry rag, then used to grab raw oysters.
Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures. The long fingernails of a waitress were seen coming into contact with food on a plate. Dry rags were seen used to wipe utensils and counters.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Oct. 19 and got an A grade.
Korea Garden at 2318 Decker Blvd. in Richland
Korea Garden had a restaurant inspection on Oct. 23 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed several meat tubes thawing at room temperature. Also observed bare hand contact with ready-to-eat-food.
Bagged food was seen stored directly on the floor of the walk-in freezer. Food was seen stored in direct contact with garbage. An accumulation of food matter and debris was seen on the exterior and interior of equipment.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Oct. 30 and got another C grade. Another followup inspection has not yet been held.
Peking Gourmet at 9007-A Garners Ferry Road in Richland
Peking Gourmet had an inspection on Oct. 30 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed multiple egg flats with broken eggs dripping over cooked, ready-to-eat sauces in the walk-in cooler. Also observed was one bowl use to transfer multiple types of raw meats.
Dishes with food debris on them were seen stored as clean. Flies and insects were seen near the dish and dry storage area.
A required followup inspection has not yet been held.
Tienda Mexicana El Mariachi at 1735 Decker Blvd. in Richland
Tienda Mexicana El Mariachi had an inspection on Oct. 6 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed several pans of cooked foods stored directly on the floor. Also observed was food sitting on top of a trash can and food stored uncovered in the walk-in cooler.
A thick white buildup was seen blocking drainage openings on the storm drain. Corn husks and food debris was seen on drain coverings. Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Oct. 12 and got another C grade. It had a second followup inspection on Oct. 19 and earned an A grade.
Southside Restaurant at 2333 Charleston Hwy in Lexington
Southside Restaurant had an inspection on Oct. 4 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed an employee handle raw eggs, then proceeded to touch equipment handles, plates and utensils without glove changes or proper handwashing. Also observed was fly activity throughout the facility.
Heavy grease and food debris buildup was seen on and underneath equipment. A black substance was seen inside the ice machine.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Oct. 12 and got an A grade.
Number 1 Kitchen at 1405 East Main Street in York
Number 1 Kitchen had an inspection on Oct. 25 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed raw chicken stored over ready-to-eat food in the walk-in cooler. Also observed were fruit flies near a sink and the water heater.
Onions were seen stored on the floor in the prep area. Chemicals were seen stored over fortune cookies.
A required followup inspection has not yet been held.
Little Caesars at 165 Market Place in Aiken
Little Caesars had an inspection on Oct. 12 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed containers holding bulk product with excessive buildup and white tubs and lids stored as clean, stacked on top of each other with excessive grime and buildup. Flies were also observed inside the facility.
Chemicals were seen stored directly next to ready-to-eat foods on food contact surfaces. The front door was seen propped open, as well as flour stored in a ripped bag.
The restaurant had a followup inspection on Oct. 18 and got another C grade. It had a second followup inspection on Oct. 25 and got an A grade.
This story was originally published November 1, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
