South Carolina health inspectors found multiple violations at restaurants in the Midlands in May, from a black garbage bag seen boiled with corn to fly activity in kitchens. The state each month releases grades and inspection reports for food establishments across Richland and Lexington counties.
Here are the restaurants that received some of the lowest ratings in May.
Cocos & Beer Mexican Grill at 4405 Ft. Jackson Blvd. in Richland
Cocos & Beer Mexican Grill had an inspection on May 12 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed a black garbage bag being boiled with corn in a large pot on the stove, as well as food stored in grocery-style bags that were not approved for food contact. Wastewater was seen coming up through floor drains in adjacent to rear walk-in cooler and in the mop sink after the toilet in the employee bathroom was flushed.
Also observed were multiple shelves of large, full, covered containers of queso from the previous three days stored throughout the walk-in cooler that hadn’t adequately cooled after the required 6 hours.
Fish was seen thawing in a manner not indicated on the packaging instructions. Certain foods were not kept at proper holding temperatures. Some employees were seen rinsing hands instead of adequate handwashing.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on May 22 and earned an A grade.
Fazoli’s at 7621 Two Notch Road in Richland
Fazoli’s had an inspection on May 25 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed rodent droppings throughout the facility. Also observed were dishes with food and residue on them stored as clean.
Exteriors of equipment throughout the facility were seen with food debris, food splash and heavy buildup. Food splash and buildup were also seen on walls and floors underneath and behind equipment.
A required followup inspection has not yet been held.
Pizza Palace on 1314 Leesburg Road in Richland
Pizza Palace had an inspection on May 19 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed an employee vaping with gloves on, then resume handling food products. Buildup was seen on the external sides of the fryers, on the sides of grills and underneath counter equipment. The walls of the dough prep area were seen in disrepair.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on May 30 and got another C grade. Another required followup inspection has not yet been held.
Tasty Wings and Seafood on 460 Killian Road STE 5 in Richland
Tasty Wings had an inspection on May 17 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed ribs and chicken thawing at room temperature. The walk-in cooler was seen not adequately holding foods at the proper temperature.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on May 18 and earned an A grade.
El Jimador at 108-J Scarborough Drive in Lexington
El Jimador had an inspection on May 23 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed fly activity throughout the kitchen area. Also, parasite destruction could not be verified for the tilapia used in a dish, the inspector observed.
More than 4 inches of hot queso was seen not adequately cooling. Also, covered containers with more than 4 inches of shredded chicken was seen not adequately cooling.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on May 30 and got an A grade.
Ferrara Pizza & Pasta LLC at 109 J Old Chapin Road in Lexington
Ferrara Pizza & Pasta had an inspection on May 25 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed harsh chemicals stored with and around food with clean dishes and cigarettes stored on the prep table. Certain foods were seen not held at proper temperatures.
More than 4 inches of pizza sauce was seen sitting on the floor covered, not adequately cooling. Water was seen pooling in the bottom of the pizza prep cooler, causing items to not be stored at proper temperatures. Also, excessive food accumulation was seen on the outside of equipment and on food prep tables, while grime buildup was seen on flooring and under kitchen equipment.
A required followup inspection has not yet been held.
Taqueria at 152 N Pine Street in Lexington
Taqueria had a restaurant inspection on May 24 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed fly activity throughout the kitchen. Also observed were certain foods not held at proper temperatures.
An open bag of sugar was seen stored directly on the floor in the kitchen. Debris was seen in the bottom of the meat display cooler.
A required followup inspection has not yet been held.