GREENVILLE Co., – About 3 dozen restaurants in Greenville County were cited for food safety violations in 2018, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The fines totaled nearly $40,000.

On the DHEC website which lists every restaurant fined in the state, many in the county were around $800 for “failure to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods.”

Restaurant consultant and longtime chef, John Malik, explained Monday that just because some of the foods were not kept at the required temperature at the time of inspection, does not mean the food was unsafe to eat.

“Just because somebody’s grits were maybe at 129 degrees instead of 135, does that mean I eat those grits and I’m going to get sick and die? No,” he said.

He added that many of the violations on the list appeared minor, and that you can usually tell how severe violations might be, based on the dollar amount of the fine.

“There were a couple of incidents in there that gave me pause,” he said, while referring to a few violations that related to the facility structure itself.

The highest fine in Greenville County was given to S&S Cafeterias for $2,200.

Matthew Miller, a General Manager at the restaurant told 7 News over the phone that “everything has been corrected and updated.”

He added that the company was sold in September and is now under new management.

The restaurants that were cited for violations ranged from fine dining spots like Larkins, to more casual joins like Grill Marks and Carolina Ale House.

Tropical Grille was another restaurant that was cited by DHEC, but took the penalty as a reason to make proactive changes.

“I give you a 100 percent guarantee our food is safe, highest quality…” said District Manager Adrian Isidro.

Isidro said their Woodruff Road location received an $800 fine for problems relating to failure to keep track of the time food was left sitting out.

“It was a time sensitive issue. We didn’t have a log in place to time our food. We usually sell our food within a one hour, two hour span,” he explained.

But the restaurant started righting their wrong. Isidro said they put up logs in the back for employees to track the time their food is out, and he even created an app for managers to use as a check list for DHEC regulations.

“It’s something I implemented after that violation as well,” he said. “It’s a DHEC audit I have all my managers do. It’s mobile friendly.”

LIST OF RESTAURANTS IN 2018

Famous Toastery

104 S Main Street, Greenville SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand, six hundred dollars ($1,600.00)

Ingles #208 Deli

1524 Locust Hill Road Greer, SC 29651 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00)

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

250 Riverplace, Suite 200 Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00)

Cazbah

16 West McBee Avenue Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00)

Nose Dive

116 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars. ($800.00)

Larkin’s On the River

318 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollar. ($800.00)

Cantinflas Mexican Restaurant

10 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars. ($1,000.00)

Green Lettuce

19 Augusta Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods (P) and failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded (P). Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25 and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars. ($1,000.00).

Ink “N” Ivy

21 East Coffee Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to use effective methods to cool cooked time/temperature control for safety foods and failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25 and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand, six hundred dollars. ($1,600.00)

Luna Rosa Gelato Café

9 West Washington Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25 and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollar. ($800.00)

American Roadside Burgers

301 East McBee Avenue Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods and failed to use effective methods to cool cooked time/temperature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25 and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollar. ($1,000.00)

Smoke on the Water

1 Augusta Street, Suite 202 Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25 and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00)

Trattoria Giorgio

121 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars. ($800.00)

Gringo’s

11 West Camperdown Way Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollar. ($800.00)

Project Host

525 South Academy Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded, and failed to protect food from contamination by storing in a clean, dry location, where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination, at least 6 inches above the floor. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollar. ($800.00) Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health contro l, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00)

Blockhouse Restaurant

1619 Augusta Road Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods and failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action:The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00)

Caviar & Bananas

1 North Laurens Street, Suite A Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollar. ($800.00)

OJ’s Diner

907 Pendleton Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00) February 2, 2018 Failed to maintain the proper sanitization concentration in a chemical sanitizer used in a manual or mechanical operation during contact times. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61- 25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00)

Sushi Go

247 North Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00)

Grill Marks

209 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods and failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25, and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand, six hundred dollars. ($1,600.00)

Tropical Grille

1941 Woodruff Road Greenville, SC 29607 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods; and failed to use effective methods to cool cooked time/temperature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollar. ($800.00)

India Palace Restaurant

59 Liberty Lane Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to properly cool cooked time/temperature control for safety foods; failed to use effective methods to cool cooked time/temperature control for safety foods; failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded; and failed to keep food contact surfaces, nonfood contact surfaces, and utensils clean and free of accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand, eight hundred dollars ($1,800.00)

Carolina Ale House

113 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/tempeature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00)

Westin Poinsett Hotel

120 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00)

Menkoi Ramen House

1860 Woodruff Road, Suite C Greenville, SC 29607 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25;and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00)

Liberty West End

941 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00)

S & S Cafeteria

1037 North Pleasantburg Drive Greenville, SC 29607 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods; failed to clearly mark the date by which food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded when held at a temperature of 41°F or less for a maximum of seven (7) days. This applies only to refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and held in a food establishment for more than twenty-four (24) hours; and failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded; failed to ensure that nonfood -contact surfaces are free of unnecessary ledges, projections, and crevices, and designed and constructed to allow easy cleaning and to facilitate maintenance; and failed to ensure floors, floor coverings, walls, wall coverings, and ceilings were designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of two thousand, two hundred dollars ($2,200.00)

Snack Works

612 -A South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages is discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00)

Purple International Bistro and Sushi

933 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00)

Como’s Pete’s #4

1611 Augusta Road Greenville, SC 29605 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00)

Roost

220 North Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00)

Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria

25 West Washington Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00)

Coffee Underground

1 East Coffee Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods; and failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand, six hundred dollars ($1,600.00)

Wild Wing Café

15 West Washington Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00)

Orient on Main/Sushi Murasaki

4 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00)

Bex Café

820 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 Failed to ensure that when time without temperature control is used as a public health control, the food in unmarked containers or packages shall be discarded. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00)

JR Pitstop

11792 Augusta Road Honea Path, SC 29654 Failed to maintain proper holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods. Action: The Individual/Entity is required to: operate and maintain the facility in accordance with the requirements of all applicable regulations, including S.C. Regs. 61-25; and pay a civil penalty in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800.00)