‘Pink organic accumulation’ at Rock Hill Popeyes leads to low restaurant health grade
Pink growth in the ice machine and food buildup throughout the kitchen area earned the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant in Rock Hill a C grade from the state health department.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control grades restaurants as an A, B or C. The lowest grade indicates a restaurant needs significant improvement in food safety practices, according to the health department.
Popeye’s is training staff now to improve conditions but a follow-up inspection from the health department hasn’t been done as of mid-day Thursday, store manager Paula Hunter said.
A March 1 routine inspection of the Popeye’s at 2445 Cherry Road found several violations that led to a score of 72 out of 100. The report from that inspection indicates a follow-up review will come within 10 days.
An inspector found “pink organic accumulation” in the ice machine, according to the report. Excessive food, grease or debris buildup was also noted in the cooler, toaster, drive-thru food hold, oven, fryers, microwave, food containers, bins, floors and floor drain.
Open drinks for employees were found throughout the facility. An inspector also observed staff changing tasks and gloves without washing hands, according to the report. An employee sink was blocked and inaccessible.
Bathroom sinks had hot water at a little more than half the required 100-degree minimum temperature.
Macaroni and cheese was held almost 30 degrees below the required temperature for hot foods. Not all the items allowed to be held out between a day and a week were marked with dates, according to the health inspection report.
Popeye’s scored the fourth C grade out of 471 York County inspections this year.
