Greenville County Restaurants Face Sanitation Violations

News Summary

A recent inspection in Greenville County revealed serious sanitation issues across several restaurants, causing concern among diners. Major violations were found at establishments such as Carolina Fine Foods, Tacos Bla Bla Bla, and Jamaica Mi Irie, with only a small percentage of eateries achieving high safety ratings. Health officials emphasize the importance of compliance to maintain food safety and protect consumers.

Greenville County Restaurants in Hot Water for Unsanitary Conditions

In a recent health inspection sweep, eateries across Greenville County faced scrutiny as inspectors uncovered serious sanitation violations. The inspections took place from March 7-17, 2025, and the results have left food lovers concerned about their favorite go-to spots.

The Numbers That Tell the Story

A whopping 367 facilities were inspected during this health initiative. Out of those, 339 earned a shiny “A” rating, while 24 restaurants were deemed only “B” quality. Unfortunately, three establishments dropped to the bottom of the heap with “C” ratings, signaling a significant need for improvement.

Carolina Fine Foods Takes the Bottom Spot

Leading the unfortunate list was Carolina Fine Foods in Simpsonville, which received a dismal score of 72 points. The violations found here were enough to make any diner wary. Issues included:

• Open employee beverages contaminating food preparation surfaces.
• A food handler rinsing out a plastic bucket in a hand sink.
• Equipment, including can openers and sandwich presses, smothered in food debris.
• Ceilings above dish machines showing signs of mold and rust.
• A disturbing ice machine teeming with black microbial growth.
• Improper cooling for a variety of large food containers.
• Lack of date markings on prepared foods, raising serious safety concerns.

Tacos Bla Bla Bla Joins the Trouble

Hot on the heels of Carolina Fine Foods was Tacos Bla Bla Bla @ Haywood in Greenville, earning a better score but still concerning 74 points. Here, inspectors noted:

• Employee drinks perched perilously over food prep areas.
• A worker neglecting hand-washing before changing gloves.
• Potential cross-contamination with raw meats and multi-generational roach presence.
• Another ice machine featuring the unsightly black growth.
• Improper beef grease storage at 48 degrees.

Jamaica Mi Irie Struggles with Infestations

Last but not least, Jamaica Mi Irie on South Main Street scored marginally better initially with 81 points. However, reports of a roach infestation and food debris added a touch of concern. Following additional inspections, it was clear the establishment had ongoing cleanliness issues:

• Torn gaskets in coolers were a hazard.
• Holes in the walls and grimy floor conditions.
• Insufficient lighting in certain kitchen areas, making cleanliness hard to maintain.

Understanding the Inspection Process

These inspections are part of a broader effort by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, which conducts over 2,500 inspections each year to promote food safety in the region. Violations are categorized as priority and foundation violations, with the former posing a higher risk of foodborne illnesses. Scores falling below 78 indicate a pressing need for improvement.

Follow-up inspections are crucial to ensure that restaurants address previously cited issues and demonstrate compliance. It’s a worthwhile process meant to protect diners and maintain the high standards that locals expect from their cherished eateries.

Though the recent findings are a little disheartening, it’s essential for the kitchen staff to take these inspections seriously, ensuring that dining experiences can remain enjoyable and, most importantly, safe. After all, food should not only be delicious but also safe to eat!

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Additional Resources

• Greenville Online: March Greenville Restaurant Inspections
• AOL News: Didn’t Grade Merced County
• Greenville Online: February Restaurant Inspections
• Herald Banner: City of Greenville Health Code Scores
• The State: Local News Report
• Wikipedia: Food Safety
• Google Search: Restaurant Health Inspections
• Google Scholar: Food Sanitation Inspections
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Safety
• Google News: Restaurant Sanitation Violations