Calling newcomers and tourists, here’s how to quickly check Myrtle Beach SC restaurant grades

How many times have you eaten out in the last month and glanced at the food grade decal when entering a restaurant?

Do you know what those letters mean?

Ever wonder how recent those stickers are? (or) how often an “A” grade has been earned at that restaurant?

Well now you will be able to find out the answer to those questions pretty easily.

Food inspections are unannounced, and each inspection score is a snapshot in time based on how a retail food establishment handles the five major risk factors for food safety, as outlined by Regulation 61-25: Food Contact Equipment Cleanliness, Cooking Temperatures, Employee Health, Food Sources, and Food Holding Temperatures. This information is provided by SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Here is what those letters mean:

• Grade A / 100-88: The establishment earned more than 87 points; food safety practices appeared to meet the requirements of Regulation 61-25
• Grade B / 87-78: The establishment earned 87-78 points; food safety practices need improvement.
• Grade C / 77 & Below: The establishment earned less than 78 points; food safety practices need significant improvement.

“A food inspector recommended to add the QR code to the decals. Many customers were aware of the letter grades at the entrance to the facilities but were unaware that there were ways to see the detailed inspection reports on SC Food Grades,” according to a news release.

DHEC’s goal is to have the new QR code letter grades placed at each permitted establishment within a year according to the press release.

“Our S.C. Food Grades app is great resource for anyone interested in viewing recent inspection reports for their favorite restaurants, grocery stores and convenience stores,” said Sandra Craig, director of DHEC’s Division of Food and Lead Risk Assessments in the release.. “By adding a QR code to every Food Grade decal, patrons can conveniently view information beyond the food grade alone.”

This story was originally published April 8, 2023 at 5:00 AM.