[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on November 10 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
The Sacramento health department carried out a routine inspection at Mad Hatter Doughnuts on November 10. The assessment revealed that the eatery has reported several health code violations, including the presence of rat droppings and improper food temperature storage.
Mad Hatter Doughnuts
- When: November 10, 2025
- Where: 900 2nd St, Sacramento, CA 95814
According to the health inspection report, Mad Hatter Doughnuts was cited for violations of the health code. They are as follows:
- Food safety certification was not available for review. The restaurant was asked to renew it within 60 days.
- One staff member did not have a food handler card.
- There was no handwashing soap at the station near the 3-compartment sink.
- Another handwashing station was blocked by a machine, making it inaccessible, the report mentioned. Both shared restroom handwashing stations were missing soap and paper towels.
- Inspectors instructed that all obstructions be removed and handwashing stations remain fully accessible at all times, the report noted.
- A major violation was issued after a bowl of hydrated waffle mix was found left out on a prep table at 70°F; staff reported a high volume of customers at the time. The report stated that all potentially hazardous foods must be maintained at or below 41°F.
- Numerous unclean utensils were observed throughout the facility and required immediate cleaning, the report said.
- A repeat violation was noted for old food debris on a tin cutter blade, which was to be cleaned and sanitized the same day.
- A staff member was seen skipping the sanitization step while washing utensils; employees were retrained and corrected the issue on-site, the report mentioned.
- The report also noted a bug inside a donut fryer. Staff said the fryer was not in use but contained oil. The oil was discarded, and the fryer was cleaned and covered until reuse.
- The 3-compartment sink was not set up for warewashing at the time of inspection, the report said.
- The facility was ordered closed after inspectors found evidence of vermin activity, including about 20 rat droppings under sinks, shelving, and equipment in the pink dry storage room, and five more beneath the prep table.
- Clutter was observed near the warewashing area and storage rooms; all unnecessary items and equipment must be removed, the report said.
- Old food debris and buildup were observed under prep tables, on mixers, and behind freezers. Dust was noted on fan guards and refrigerator fans.
- The report instructed the facility to deep clean all affected areas and implement a regular cleaning schedule within 14 days.
- Ice cream scoops were found stored in lukewarm stagnant water between uses.
- A repeat violation was cited for lacking proper exhaust hoods above donut fryers. The eatery is expected to provide sufficient ventilation within 14 days.
- The report cited a major violation for missing toilet paper in restrooms and a minor one for unsanitary restroom conditions with debris and unclean toilet bowls.
- The report noted that staff provided their own toilet paper.
- The facility was instructed to establish a routine cleaning and maintenance schedule to ensure sanitary conditions are maintained.
A detailed health inspection report of Mad Hatter Doughnuts is available here.
Follow-up Inspection
According to the inspection report, a red placard was issued to the restaurant, and was asked to shut down. A reinspection will be needed before reopening, with additional fees applicable. The restaurant can request the EMD to schedule an appointment once the violations are corrected and ready for reinspection.
