Connecting the Dots: Health Violations in Greenville County Restaurants
Oh, Greenville! While this lovely city is known for its delicious dining options and vibrant food scene, recent inspections have revealed some areas needing improvement in our local restaurants. With a mixture of quirky and concerning findings from the health inspectors in August, it’s time to shed some light on what we can do to help keep our food safe and our restaurants clean.
The Good News First
Let’s start with a little bit of positivity! From the 437 establishments inspected, a whopping 374 restaurants earned an A rating. Now that’s a commendable effort! A robust 46 received a B, indicating room for improvement, and only 11 restaurants faced the unfortunate fate of receiving a C rating. This means the majority of our local eateries are doing a fantastic job. Kudos to those hardworking teams!
Spotlight on Violations
However, as we delve deeper, it’s clear that some restaurants are experiencing significant hurdles. One of the main culprits of concern seems to be cross-contamination. For instance, at Moctezuma Mexican on South Batesville Road, inspectors spotted an employee “not washing hands after changing tasks before donning new gloves.” This really highlights the importance of proper hand hygiene, and we all know a little bit of soap can go a long way!
Another serious issue was the finding of live roaches at Moctezuma as well as Sidewall Pizza on Cleveland Street. Inspectors observed live insects in food prep areas, which is a major red flag. There’s no room for critters when it comes to preparing our meals!
Temperature Trouble
Too many restaurants were also cited for improper food storage temperatures. For example, ground beef was found in a 5-gallon bucket on the floor, and various ready-to-eat foods at Moctezuma were not labeled with dates—both concerning signs for food safety. It makes you think twice about what you’re eating when food isn’t stored properly!
Unpleasant Surprises
At Armstrong Inn & Suites, inspectors caught a few alarming practices, such as a cook using a cell phone without washing their hands before handling food. Yikes! That’s definitely not the kind of kitchen practice we want to see.
Meanwhile, Wholy Smoke Family Restaurant faced its own struggles, having food that was not cooked on the premises—another huge issue. When customers unknowingly consume food that wasn’t prepared in-house, it raises significant health concerns.
Cleaning Catastrophes
Another unfortunate theme was the accumulation of grease and grime in various establishments. Sidewall Pizza’s conditions included a can opener coated in debris and pizza peels heavily encrusted with food particles. Yikes! Cleanliness is key to ensuring that our meals don’t come with an extra side of mess.
As we wrap up this look into Greenville’s dining scene, it’s important to remember that health inspections are meant to protect us, the consumers. While there are some businesses that need to step it up, there are many that are leading the charge in ensuring our meals are not only delicious but safe.
What You Can Do
As patrons, we can play a role in holding our favorite eateries accountable. Observing cleanliness, asking questions, and being informed can significantly help. Dining out should be a great experience, and together we can support local restaurants that prioritize health and hygiene.
Next time you pop into a local spot, you might just keep a little eye out for those cleanliness signs! Staying informed is a win-win for everyone.
