Roaches, black gunk in soda nozzles & more in Beaufort restaurants with worst December inspections
Three Beaufort County food businesses were cited with “B” grades in December’s health inspections by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. One location was cited with a “B” in January.
Here is a rundown of restaurants that received the lowest ratings in December.
Yummy House: 2 Southwood Park Drive, Suite A, Hilton Head
Yummy House scored 82% (B) on Dec. 6 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included:
Inadequate hand washing from handlers between the buffet and food preparation.
Food such as meat and egg rolls were stored without protective covers.
Eggs were stored at improper cold holding temperatures and food was stored without date marks and bulk food storage containers sitting without labels.
Personal items were stored above the hot line preparation area.
Inspectors also noted incorrect storage of utensils like knives and tongs in the kitchen.
The restaurant was reinspected on Dec. 13 and scored a 100% (A).
GT International Cafe: 807 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head
GT International Cafe scored 86% (B) on Dec. 11 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included:
Milk, eggs and sauces including ranch and hollandaise left at incorrect cold-holding temperatures.
Bug spray and rat traps left near the sink and ice cooler and a first aid kit left on top of silverware.
Inspectors also noted more insect traps near silverware and soiled linens being used as liners for clean dishes.
They also recorded broken-down boxes being used as shelf liners throughout the kitchen.
GT International Cafe was reinspected on Dec. 19 and scored 100% (A).
Subway: 864 Parris Island Gateway, Port Royal
Subway scored 83% (B) on Dec. 31 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included:
No hand washing soap, drying towels or hand washing signs were present near the sink.
They also noted that there was an excessive amount of black organic matter in the soda nozzles and ice machine. There was also black organic matter inside the bread boxes.
Meats and cheeses including meatballs, ham, tuna and roast beef were held at improper temperatures.
Inspectors saw cockroaches around the sink and drive-through area.
Shelves, countertops, equipment and areas of the ceiling had black organic matter. They also noted the sandwich cooler and bread oven were in poor condition.
Subway was reinspected on Jan. 9 and scored 98% (A).
El Don Juan: 1 Matthews Court Suite C, Hilton Head
El Don Juan scored 83% (B) on Jan. 8 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included:
Inadequate hand washing from food handlers and inaccessible hand washing items.
Chemical sanitizers and chlorine were stored near food preparation areas and utensils were not properly cleaned.
Unlabeled spray bottles were not stored properly along with medicines and personal items stored near food and utensils.
Bags of vegetables were stored on the refrigerator floor.
Utensils and bowls were stored in bins with broth, soup and other ingredients. A food sink was being used as a hand washing sink.
Facilities including the walls and floors were not properly sealed.
A reinspection report for El Don Juan has not been posted as of Jan. 16 but one is required within 10 days.
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 reinspection.
A: 88% to 100%
B: 78% to 87%
C: 77% or less
During December, SCDA recorded 185 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.
This story was originally published January 16, 2025 at 1:00 AM.
