Published: Sunday, May. 24, 2009 / Updated: Tuesday, Mar. 09, 2010 02:16 PM

New! February restaurant inspection results

Going out to eat? Sample our improved inspections site first

Want to know how your favorite restaurant stacks up on health inspections?

HeraldOnline has updated its searchable restaurant database to include inspections from the last month.

The database includes routine and follow-up restaurant inspections provided by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The updated form has new search features and includes York, Chester and Lancaster counties. Data covers information from 2007 through February 2010.

Here's what you need to know to use the site:

How do I search?

Search by city or county, in addition to restaurant name, address and score. You need to use only one field to get results. The less you type for the restaurant name, the better. For example, type Wendy — not Wendy's — for the fast food chain.

How are results measured?

Scores are in whole numbers up to 100. The lowest score in the database is a 46 and went to Fort Mill's Los Aztecas restaurant last May. Two days later, the restaurant netted a perfect score, a rating the facility has gained again in July and January on follow-up inspections.

How are inspections scored?

DHEC inspects all establishments where food is prepared and served, including schools and grocery stores. The scores are graded on a letter scale: An A is typically a score 88 and higher, a B is 78 to 87 and a C is 70 to 77. Scores lower than 70 could result in the facility losing its license.

In March and April, only 70 of the 771 facilities inspected scored lower than an A, according to data provided by DHEC. More than a third of those restaurants scored a 100.

What does DHEC look for?

A DHEC inspection verifies that restaurants are complying with state regulations. Agents inspect the entire physical area of a food service establishment and all aspects of how food is handled — including the conditions in the food preparation area of a restaurant's kitchen.

Inspectors look for errors in hygiene, cooking and dishwashing that can make people sick.

Some common mistakes include not cooking food to the correct temperature, storing it improperly and not washing hands properly before touching food. Employees in South Carolina aren't required to wear gloves.

Critical risk factors such as not warming food at the right temperature, incorrectly cooling and reheating food and not having the right sanitation formulas for washing dishes have to be corrected before the inspector leaves These violations account for the largest deductions.

How often do they inspect?

Routine inspections typically are performed at least two times a year, and are a surprise. Follow-up inspections are done on restaurants with critical risk factor violations again in 10 days. DHEC also investigates all complaints about restaurant safety and health.

What happens if you have a bad score?

If the facility scores below a 70, it will be reinspected within 72 hours. There's a chance those facilities could lose their license.

How do I report a problem?

Issues or complaints can be reported at www.scdhec.gov/health/envhlth/food_protection/complaint.asp