The Orange County health department conducted a health inspection at Carmelitas on October 1, 2025. The restaurant was cited for multiple health code violations, including cockroach activity and improper holding temperatures.
Please note that the report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on October 1 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.
Carmelitas
- When: October 1, 2025
- Where: 34255 Pacific Coast Hwy Unit 109, Dana Point, CA 92629
According to the health inspection report, several violations were observed during the course of inspection. Some of them are as follows:
- Health inspectors observed that Pico de Gallo (52°F) and rice (51°F) were found on the prep counter next to the steam table; employees stated they were stored there for less than 4 hours and then moved to the reach-in refrigerator.
- Health inspectors found a large pot of cooked corn at 77°F on the prep counter; it had not cooled properly within six hours. An employee transferred the corn into shallow pans and placed it in upright refrigerators after review of a cooling bulletin, the report said.
- The report noted that live cockroaches in various life stages were observed in multiple areas, including base cove tiles and walls near the 2-door upright refrigerator, customer booth seats, and under the seating. The facility’s permit was suspended as a result.
- The inspection also noted dead cockroaches in multiple areas, including the prep and storage spaces, dishwashing area, and cashier station.
- Carmelitas has been instructed to treat the cockroach infestation with approved pest control methods and provide proof at reinspection. It has been asked to clean and sanitize all affected areas and seal gaps or damaged surfaces to prevent harborage.
- Inspectors also saw missing or misaligned ceiling panels in the mop sink room and above the refrigerators, along with a hole behind the dry food storage rack.
Follow-up Inspection
The Orange County Health Department will re-inspect the restaurant on October 8. All major violations must be corrected to prevent extended closure and to restore the restaurant’s health permit.
