Lancaster County Restaurant Inspections: Three Kitchens Receive ‘B’ Grades in January

LANCASTER, S.C. – State health inspectors conducted 82 inspections of local dining establishments across Lancaster County in January 2026. While the vast majority of local kitchens received “A” grades, three establishments were downgraded to a “B” rating due to violations involving temperature control, sanitizer concentrations, and food storage safety.

All three establishments have since corrected their violations and earned “A” grades upon reinspection.

A “B” grade is typically issued when an establishment scores between 78 and 87 points on a routine inspection or fails to correct priority violations during a follow-up.

Here are the details for the three establishments that received “B” ratings during the January reporting period:

Wa Chang Buffet

• Location: 270 Hwy 9 Bypass East, Lancaster

• Score: 83 (B)

• Inspection Date: Jan. 13, 2026

Wa Chang Buffet received a “B” grade following a routine inspection that uncovered several priority violations. Inspectors noted that raw eggs were stored over ready-to-eat vegetables in the walk-in cooler, though this was corrected on-site. The facility was also cited for sanitizer issues, as the 3-compartment sink measured 0 PPM at the time of inspection. Cold holding violations were recorded for buffet items, including cantaloupe at 49°F and shredded cheese at 44°F. Additionally, inspectors found a pesticide designed for home use stored in the facility, which is prohibited.

Update: The restaurant received an “A” rating during a follow-up inspection on Jan. 23, 2026.

Los Aztecas

• Location: 8475 Charlotte Hwy, Indian Land

• Score: 85 (B)

• Inspection Date: Jan. 20, 2026

Inspectors cited Los Aztecas for multiple violations, including improper separation of raw and ready-to-eat foods, specifically noting raw fish stored over jalapenos in the reach-in cooler. The dish machine was found to be reading less than 10 PPM of sanitizer, failing to meet the required levels. Temperature control issues were also observed in the walk-in cooler, where raw beef and chicken were holding at 49°F and 48°F, respectively. The report also noted improper thawing methods for refried beans and queso sauce, which were found on a prep counter.

Update: The restaurant received an “A” rating during a follow-up inspection on Jan. 23, 2026.

521 BBQ & Grill

• Location: 6257 Carolina Commons Dr, Indian Land

• Score: 85 (B)

• Inspection Date: Jan. 16, 2026

521 BBQ & Grill was downgraded to a “B” due to violations involving food protection and holding temperatures. Inspectors found collard greens and BBQ uncovered in the walk-in cooler. Hot holding issues were cited for several items, including chili at 114°F and pulled chicken at 108°F, which were below the required safety threshold. The facility was also cited for date marking violations, with items like baked beans and turkey wings kept past their seven-day use-by date. Structural issues included the back door being propped open and grease accumulation on the cook line floors and walls.

Update: The restaurant received an “A” rating during a follow-up inspection on Jan. 21, 2026.