Lancaster County Restaurant Inspection Summary – January 2025

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture conducted multiple restaurant inspections in Lancaster County throughout January 2025. These inspections assess food safety compliance, including food handling, hygiene, temperature controls, and facility maintenance. Restaurants are graded on an A, B, or C scale, with A indicating full compliance, B signifying violations that require corrective action, and C indicating serious health concerns that necessitate immediate intervention.

Inspection Results Breakdown

• A Rating: 50+ establishments
• B Rating: 3 establishments
• C Rating: 0 establishments

Restaurants Receiving a “B” Grade

Three establishments received a B rating, requiring corrective measures to address food safety concerns. Below is a summary of their key violations:

1. 521 BBQ & Grill (Lancaster, SC) – January 10, 2025
   • Score: 86
   • Key Violations:
     • Failure to wash hands between tasks.
     • Improper hot holding temperatures:
       • Baked beans (51°F), chicken wings (78°F), collard greens (74°F).
       • Steam table items: brisket (110°F), pulled pork (102°F), pork ribs (110°F).
     • Improper cold holding temperatures:
       • Ranch dressing (52°F), potato salad (52°F), coleslaw (53°F).
     • Household pesticide improperly stored above the mop sink.
     • Dirty ventilation hoods with debris buildup.
   • Follow-up inspection: Passed with A Rating​
2. K Boba & Korean Street Food (Lancaster, SC) – January 9, 2025
   • Score: 85
   • Key Violations:
     • Lack of a food handler certification at the time of inspection.
     • Blocked handwashing sink due to items stacked inside and around it.
     • Improper raw food storage:
       • Raw shell eggs stored above ready-to-eat food in the cooler.
     • No date marking policy for refrigerated ready-to-eat foods.
     • Insect control issue:
       • Bug zapper located directly above a hand sink and prep line.
     • Utensils improperly stored in standing water at the make line.
     • Single-use containers stored directly on the floor.
     • Lack of test strips to measure sanitizer effectiveness.
   • Follow-up inspection: Passed with A Rating​
3. Sr. Bigotes (Lancaster, SC) – January 17, 2025
   • Score: 85
   • Key Violations:
     • Failure to demonstrate proper food safety knowledge (multiple priority violations).
     • Ice machine with organic buildup.
     • Improper reheating procedures:
       • Queso was reheated to only 115°F before being placed on the steam table.
     • Improper hot holding temperatures:
       • Corn in a crockpot at expo station measured at 95°F.
     • Food storage violations:
       • Sauce and grated cheese were stored directly on the floor.
     • Improper utensil storage:
       • Utensils were found in standing water.
       • Takeout cups were used as scoops in beans and sugar.
     • Improper drying of cleaned dishes:
       • Clean items were stacked while still wet.
   • Follow-up inspection: Passed with A Rating​

Restaurants Receiving a “A” Grade

Conclusion

The majority of inspected restaurants in Lancaster County earned an A grade, demonstrating compliance with health and safety regulations. However, three establishments received a B rating, primarily due to temperature violations, improper food storage, handwashing issues, and sanitation concerns. Follow-up inspections are required to ensure that these issues have been addressed.

For more details or to track future inspections, visit the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s website