The Los Angeles County Health Department has taken firm action by ordering the closure of three restaurants on May 12, 2025, due to vermin infestations. The three restaurants —Jiou Chu Dumplings, located in Rowland Heights; Lordsburg Taphouse & Grill, located in La Verne; and Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, based in Woodland Hills—were all cited under California Health and Safety Code Section 114259.1.
Highlights
- All three restaurants were categorised as “high-risk” establishments with 61-150 seats.
- Each location was cited with major violations for vermin infestation (violation #23).
- All the restaurants closed simultaneously on May 12, 2025.
Restaurant Inspections Failures Reveal Alarming Trends
Multiple failures were documented by health inspectors in each facility, the most concerning being infestation by vermin. The presence of pests is a severe public health concern and could also be an indicator of potential failures in sanitation and maintenance procedures.
Jiou Chu Dumplings
- Where: 18156 Colima Rd, Rowland Heights, CA 91784
- When: May 12, 2025
In addition to vermin infestation, major violations involved improper reheating procedures for hot holding. Inadequate ventilation, improper storage of wiping cloths, plumbing issues, and dirty equipment were also cited.
Inspectors documented violations related to unclean nonfood-contact surfaces, improper storage of toxic substances, and improper maintenance of the floor, walls, and ceiling of the facility. The restaurant permit was suspended until these violations were resolved.
Lordsburg Taphouse & Grill
- Where: 2335 D St, La Verne, CA 91750
- When: May 12, 2025
Other than vermin infestation, the highest priority violations were the absence of proper hot and cold holding temperatures and unclean food contact surfaces. Minor violations included the absence of food safety certification and equipment maintenance issues.
Inspectors also cited inaccurate thermometers, improper maintenance of premises, and incorrect vermin-proofing measures. Nonfood-contact surfaces of the facility were in poor condition and needed plumbing repair to meet health department standards.
Kabuki Japanese Restaurant
- Where: 20940 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
- When: May 12, 2025
The primary infraction was rodent infestation, alongside improper hot and cold temperatures for holding food. The establishment also had improper equipment storage, unsanitary floors and walls, as well as poor garbage disposal.
The restaurant was also cited by health officials for improper linen and utensil storage and overall equipment sanitation problems. The inspection led to suspension of permit until the sanitation issues are addressed.
Way to Reopening: Strict Requirements and Remediation Actions
Before operations resume in these eateries, they have to address all cited violations and undergo reinspection by county health officials. The process typically involves proper extermination of pests, thorough sanitizing of all areas, and the implementation of preventive measures.
The restaurants must demonstrate compliance with all the safety and health regulations. Suspension of permits (violation #51), according to county procedures, remains effective until restaurants prove they have resolved all the major issues.
These closures emphasize the need for intensive health department monitoring in ensuring public health. Consumers are encouraged to check the status of these establishments before dining, as the said restaurants attempt to address their violations to meet health department standards for reopening.
