Some Myrtle Beach area restaurants scored low on health inspections

Some Horry County restaurants received low scores during recent health inspections because food was stored on the floor and employees didn’t wash hands between tasks, according to state reports.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control conducts inspections every month and scores establishments based on their practices.

Here are the lowest scores from May 23 through May 31:

Charley’s Grilled Subs, on Kings Road in Myrtle Beach, scored a 86% or “C” during a follow up inspection on May 26.

The establishment lost points due to priority violations, including the person in charge not being a certified food handler, according to a DHEC report.

Inspectors found there was not a hand washing sink in a convenient location for employees, and the hand sink in the front area’s water was turned off. There also wasn’t any paper towels available.

The report stated the back door didn’t have self closure feature, and there were lights out in the back of the restaurant.

A manager couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.

Inspectors also documented onions being stored on the floor.

A follow up inspection will be held within 10 days.

Tokyo Express, on Highway 17 in North Myrtle Beach, scored a 80% or “B” during a routine inspection on May 26.

Inspectors reported the person in charge does not have a food handlers certification, according to DHEC.

Employees were observed handling raw meat and plating cooked food without washing their hands, the report stated. It also noted they were filling pitchers at the hand sinks.

The restaurant also lost points because of improper cold holding temperatures.

There was also foods held longer than 24 hours with any date posted on the food.

Inspectors observed employees using scoops without handles and chicken being stored with “non-food grade grocery plastic,” according to DHEC.

An employee with the restaurant declined to comment on the report.

A follow up will be scheduled within 10 days.

Lin’s Garden, on Church Street in Conway, scored a 82% or “C” during a routine inspection on May 26.

The report detailed numerous violations, including uncovered foods under the utility line, raw meats being stored over avocados in freezer and food matter on utensil blades and surfaces.

The facility lost points due to dish machine not operating correctly and without sanitizer, a report stated.

Produce and boxes of food were stored on the floor, according to the DHEC report. It stated that kitchen utensils were being used improperly because scoops were without handles.

Inspectors found some kitchen appliances leaking and noted storage shelves were “no longer easily cleanable, according to the report.

Other appliances have build up of grease and grime, and some floor tile grout is wearing away, inspectors said.

The number listed online for the restaurant was unavailable, and a manger couldn’t be reached.

A follow up inspection will be before or on June 3.