Roaches on greasy walls, moldy salsa & more in Upstate restaurants with worst July inspections
South Carolina health inspectors found multiple violations at restaurants in the Upstate in July, from dead roaches stuck in grease on walls to mold on salsa and refried beans. The state each month releases grades and inspection reports for food establishments across Upstate counties.
Here are the restaurants that received some of the lowest ratings in July.
Fuji Japanese Steakhouse at 152 Commons Parkway in Anderson
Fuji Japanese Steakhouse had an inspection on July 17 and got a C grade. An inspector observed multiple employees handling ready to eat foods without gloves and hand sinks at the sushi prep and bar being used for purposes other than hand washing. Also observed was escolar being sold as white tuna.
Dishes and utensils were seen with accumulations of grease and food buildup. Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures. Various raw proteins were seen thawing at room temperature.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on July 25 and got an A grade.
K & S Restaurant at 3107 White Horse Road in Greenville
K & S Restaurant had an inspection on July 24 and got a C grade. An inspector observed the presence of live flies landing on food prep surfaces. Floors and walls were observed as not being cleaned often enough to remove grime and debris buildup.
The restaurant’s food temperature thermometer’s accuracy was seen off by 10 degrees. Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on July 26 and got an A grade.
Carniceria Y Taqueria El Gallo Giro at 3401 White Horse Road in Greenville
Carniceria Y Taqueria had an inspection on July 3 and got a C grade. An inspector observed large and small cockroaches in the kitchen, along with flies. Many dead cockroaches were observed trapped in grease on floors and walls. The walk-in cooler fan was seen dripping water into pans of food.
Knives were seen stored in between cooking equipment in crack that cannot be cleaned and sanitized. Whole chickens were seen stored in a non-food grade rubber tray can. Hoods, flat top grill, ice machine and other equipment were seen with grease and grime buildup.
The restaurant had three followup inspections in July and earned a B grade each time. Another required followup inspection has not yet been held.
Viva Villa Mexican Grill 3 at 929 Main Street in Greenville
Viva Villa Mexican Grill 3 had an inspection on July 10 and got a C grade. An inspector observed a can opener blade encrusted with food debris and an employee begin cooking customer orders without properly washing hands.
Shrimp was seen being thawed in a sink. An accumulation of dust was seen on the wall and ceiling of the walk-in cooler.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on July 16 and got another C grade. The restaurant had another followup inspection on July 20 and earned an A grade.
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant at 1011 Montague Ave. in Greenwood
La Hacienda had an inspection on July 20 and got a C grade. An inspector observed multi-colored growth on refried beens and salsa and on sides of pans in walk-in cooler. The dish washing machine was seen with brown residue.
Refrigeration equipment was seen not working properly. Multiple dishes in the facility were seen unclean to sight and touch.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on July 20 and got another C grade. The restaurant had another followup inspection on July 24 and earned an A grade.
Nagoya Japanese Steakhouse at 225 Bypass 72 NW in Greenwood
Nagoya Japanese Steakhouse had an inspection on July 13 and got a C grade. An inspector observed the dish washing machine and dish racks with an accumulation of grime and mildew. Dishes and containers were seen broken and cracked, making them not easily cleanable.
Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures. Some dishes were seen not cleaned properly.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on July 18 and got a B grade. The restaurant had another followup inspection on July 21 and earned an A grade.
Dozo Sushi and Hibachi at 6606 Calhoun Memorial Highway in Pickens
Dozo Sushi and Hibachi had an inspection on July 13 and got a C grade. An inspector observed an abundance of flies and roaches throughout the facility. A buildup of grease was observed throughout the facility, on kitchen equipment and shelving.
Buildup of a black substance was seen in the ice machine.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on July 20 and got an A grade.
