[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from inspections conducted on July 6 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.]
A routine health inspection was conducted at Mi Cocinita Sotelo’s on July 6. The restaurant was cited for a cockroach infestation, improper food storage, and insufficient hot water.
Orange County Public Health Services suspended the restaurant’s permit and ordered it closed following the inspection.
WhatNow has reached out to the restaurant for comment and will update the story upon receiving a response.
Mi Cocinita Sotelo’s
When: July 6, 2026
Where: 9542 Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92804, United States
Mi Cocinita Sotelo’s is a casual and authentic Mexican restaurant. According to the inspection report, the violations included the following:
- At the beginning of the inspection, the hot water measured 96°F and later reached 104°F after adjustments to the water heater.
- The hot water temperature was measured again after the PIC increased the temperature dial on the water heater. The water at the three-compartment sink measured 84°F. The staff was advised to restore the temperature to 120°F for all sinks. The PIC was instructed to replace the existing water heater with the one that has a minimum energy input of 52,756 BTUs.
- The inspection report noted that one live and one dead cockroach were found in the dry storage room. The report also stated that live cockroaches were found in several locations, including on the floor, on the 4-inch curb, and on the wall between the wooden shelving supports. Some dead cockroaches were also observed on the 4-inch curb.
- The staff was instructed to remove all dead and live cockroaches and thoroughly clean and sanitize the facility. The restaurant must use approved methods to eliminate the cockroach infestation.
- Cooled rice was stored in plastic to-go bags in the walk-in cooler; the staff was advised to discontinue this practice. The rice should be stored using an approved food storage bag or container.
- Multiple uncovered bulk food containers were stored in the walk-in cooler. The staff was instructed to provide lids or covers for all food items to prevent contamination.
- The restaurant was advised to store food items in approved, properly labeled containers on approved shelving at least 6 inches above the floor.
- A painted tortilla press with chipping blue paint was found. The staff was instructed to replace the tortilla press with approved equipment. The restaurant must eliminate the gap beneath the back door and replace the floor drain cover at the three-compartment sink.
- The restaurant was using cardboard to line the shelving in the walk-in cooler. The staff was asked to discontinue the practice. Several shelving racks in the walk-in cooler were rusted.
- The restaurant is required to seal all the gaps, cracks, and holes in the dry storage room, including the gaps between the shelving and shelving supports. The staff was instructed to replace the missing grout between the tiles in the 4-inch curb and seal the holes around the pipes above the shelving.
- The restaurant is required to eliminate the gap below the back door and replace the floor drain cover at the 3-compartment sink.
A detailed inspection report is available here.
Follow-Up Inspection
Following the inspection, the restaurant was ordered to close and its health permit was suspended. The restaurant is required to correct all the major violations and eliminate the cockroach infestation before requesting a reinspection.
The restaurant can request a hearing within 15 days. A follow-up inspection will be conducted to verify compliance.
