Dining halls receive -A-s

By Hally Lineham

DHEC inspections reflect only minor problems for on-campus eateries
Anthony Gaither cooks hot dogs in the Courtyard cafeteria. DHEC inspectors gave the Courtyard cafeteria an “A” rating in January 2009 and 2010. Photo by Stephanie EatonEvery dining hall on campus has an “A” rating for sanitation, but some students still say they would not give the eateries high scores.

“I don’t believe Winthrop dining halls are sanitary. When I eat in Thomson, I usually have to pull out three or four forks before I find one that looks clean,” said Susan Clark, freshman broadcast journalism major. “The meat at the sandwich station looks glossy, which is usually a sign it’s been sitting out too long.”

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) randomly inspect all restaurants including Winthrop dining halls such as Thomson, Dinkins, the Courtyard and Java City.

DHEC’s job is to protect the public by doing inspections to check that everything is sanitary to prevent people from getting food-borne illnesses.

Pam Yurkovic, director of dining services at Winthrop, said all dining spaces on campus are in compliance with DHEC’s regulations. All workers are aware of what is expected of them in terms of cleanliness and safety, she said.

“Employees are ServSafe certified in food safety and handling,” Yurkovic said. “This program was developed by the National Restaurant Association and is the standard for the food service industry.”

Dining Services also has a comprehensive Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plan in place, which is recommended by the Food and Drug Association and the United States Department of Agriculture.

This plan “includes daily, weekly and monthly audits that address the environment, production and service procedures to ensure a safe and sanitary environment,” Yurkovic said.

Recent DHEC inspection records rate Winthrop’s locations as “A” restaurants. Not every inspection has shown perfection, though.

Potentially hazardous food was found that wasn’t reheated every hour, according to DHEC’s inspection records of Thomson from Jan. 23, 2009. Food was stored uncovered and ice machines and floors weren’t clean, according to the records. Dishes were also stored wet, according to the report.

Thomson received a total of 88 points out of 100 during one 2009 inspection. When checked again on Oct. 7, 2009, Thomson received 100 percent.

Thomson’s most recent inspection was on Jan. 13, 2010. The inspection report states that employees drank from uncovered containers, there were no soap or paper towels at the sink and the floor wasn’t clean. It received 91 points.

While DHEC inspectors gave Thomson an “A,” Morgan Stewart, a freshman elementary education major, found something she thought was completely unsanitary.

“While in Thomson, I noticed for two weeks there had been dead ants in a lot of the salt shakers,” Stewart said.

Yurkovic said she has no knowledge of ants that.

Dinkins food court recieved similar scores to Thomson in 2009, but one 2010 inspection did warrant a “B” rating, according to DHEC reports.

Inspection reports from 2009 state the food was being kept at hazardous temperatures, raw meat was stored improperly and the ice machines and floors needed to be cleaned. On Jan. 13, 2010, food temperatures were still hazardous and the ice machines, equipment, floors and walls needed to be cleaned, according to DHEC.

Dinkins scored 87 points, which is a “B” rating.

A follow-up inspection showed improvement one week later when Dinkins received 98 points.

Java City is the most sanitary dining hall, according to DHEC records. The coffeeshop has never received less than 94 points on an inspection. Java City only had little problems, such as workers leaving their personal items out in the open.

The Courtyard dining hall was inspected three times the past year. The only problem cited on DHEC reports was employee drinks on surfaces. It received an “A” rating both times.

According to DHEC, the outbreak of food-borne diseases would lead to economic problems for South Carolina. The food industry would lose money and tourists. DHEC helps prevent outbreaks of food-borne diseases by making sure food areas are as sanitary as they can be. If a place is too unsanitary, DHEC will shut it down.

Yurkovic said dining service’s top priority is to serve high-quality food within a safe environment.

“We are committed to excellence in our operations, and we continuously train our managers and employees on proper procedures in food handling and food safety,”she said.

Jeri Webb, sophomore social work major, said she appreciates Winthrop’s efforts to comply with DHEC regulations and food standards.

“I believe Winthrop does the best it can when cleaning the dining halls,” Webb said. “I feel they are way understaffed for the amount of students who eat in the dining hall every day.”