Rodent feces & black gunk in ice machine: Worst Hilton Head area November restaurant inspections
Four Beaufort County food businesses were cited with “B” and “C” grades in November’s health inspections by the South Carolina Department of Health.
Here is a rundown of restaurants that received the lowest ratings in November.
E-Tang, 811 William Hilton Pkwy #A, Hilton Head Island
E-Tang scored 79% (B) on Nov. 7 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included:
Inadequate handwashing soap or drying provisions and a chemical spray bottle without a label to identify what it was.
No labels on food items which included multiple bags of raw chicken, raw pork and gallon containers of sauces without a label. There were also fish submerged in undrained icy water.
Inspectors found rat feces throughout the kitchen.
They also noted that there was no thermometer to test the temperature of food and dirty white linens, described as having debris and black organic matter, used as a liner for clean drinking glasses and as spoon storage for the rice cooker.
They also recorded soiled broken-down boxes being used as shelf liners throughout the kitchen.
The restaurant was reinspected on Nov. 21 and scored a 100% (A).
Agave Mexican Grille, 1430 Ribaut Rd, Port Royal
Agave Mexican Grille scored an 84% (B) on Nov. 19 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included:
Tubs of raw chicken, raw shrimp, salsa, chicken stock and pico de gallo sitting without a covering.
Inspectors saw black organic matter in the ice machine and soda nozzles.
Improperly marked food such as beans, heat-treated carnitas and pico de gallo without date marks.
Food being cooled and prepared such as improperly stacking beans and thawing raw beef without running water or refrigeration. Inspectors also noted raw fish and raw shrimp thawing in standing water.
Utensils like knives and spatulas were stored as clean even with food debris still on them.
Lastly, there was build-up of dust and grease on walls, ceiling and fan covers throughout the facility.
The restaurant was reinspected on Nov. 21 and scored 100% (A).
Cantaritos Mexican Kitchen, 214 Okatie Village, Okatie
Scored an 82% (B) on Nov. 4 in a routine inspection. Issues from the inspection included:
Inspectors noted improper use of a handwashing sink with multiple items being stored in it and a chemical spray bottle without a label to identify what it was.
Eggs sitting in a container at room temperature.
No date marking system for food items, which included cooked chicken, cooked beef, pico de gallo, salsa verde and tomato sauce stored without a label.
Motor oil stored with food items.
A kitchen towel was used to cover the cooler and cardboard boxes were used as a shelf liner in the freezer and the bar.
Inspectors also found a water leak in the three-compartment sink.
The restaurant was reinspected on Nov. 6 and scored 100% (A).
La Familia, LLC. 435 William Hilton Pkwy, Ste. MN, Hilton Head Island
Scored a 79% (B) on Nov. 12 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included:
Improper handwashing from a food handler between tasks and no handwashing signage in the kitchen.
Inspectors observed both cold and heat holding temperatures were not correct for meat items. Items like beef and pork were not kept warm enough and items such as raw pork, deli ham, cheese, salsa, steak, ribs and chicken were not stored cool enough.
There was a package of beef thawing at room temperature in the sink.
Spray chemicals were found sitting on top of a package of beef and a can of paint was stored over a sink. Pesticides were also stored in the dish area.
Food labels for items including house made salsa, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and cheese were not labeled properly. Allergen labels for repackaged peanut items were also missing.
Inspectors observed takeout boxes and cups stored in the toilet room
The walk-in cooler and butcher case were in poor condition and needed repair.
The restaurant was reinspected on Nov. 13 and scored a 95% (A).
What the grades mean
Inspectors give restaurants a grade of A, B, or C, depending on the conditions found at the time. Points are docked for various infractions, and restaurants have a chance to correct the problems and improve their score in a re-inspection.
A: 88% to 100%
B: 78% to 87%
C: 77% or less
During November, SCDA recorded 225 inspections of restaurants, schools, stores and other food establishments in Beaufort County. The agency publishes the results of these health inspections on its website.
Newer food grade decals include a QR code that customers can scan with their phones to see a food establishment’s latest report.
