The County of Los Angeles Public Health Department conducted a health inspection at food establishments on Monday. Two of them had to close temporarily because of multiple violations of the California food safety code. Vermin infestation was the major reason for the closure of both restaurants.
Please note that the reports mentioned here are from an inspection conducted on May 19 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishments.
Highlights
- Health inspectors cited two Los Angeles restaurants, including a Southern and a Korean establishment, for serious violations.
- The inspection was conducted on May 19, 2025, when numerous food safety lapses were observed at the restaurants.
- Both restaurants had to close to address and resolve all the violations found during the inspection.
Two Restaurants in Los Angeles Failed Health Inspection
A health inspection in the County of Los Angeles revealed businesses that are not vigilant about public safety. Two restaurants were found not to comply with the California Health and Safety Code. Given all the risk factors observed at these restaurants, the inspecting officer ordered a temporary closure.
R & J Southern Homecooking
- Where: 8852 Rosecrans Ave, Downey, CA 90242
- When: May 19, 2025
R & J Southern Homecooking serves homemade Southern classics to its diners. The restaurant is known for its Southern-style dishes and long-standing presence in the community. The restaurant was established in 1992 and has been serving delicious fried chicken and fresh fish since then.
However, this restaurant could not pass a routine health inspection conducted on Monday. Vermin infestation was the major violation found at the restaurant, which led to its closure, along with other violations mentioned in the inspection report.
- Wiping cloths were not kept in a sanitizing solution
- The premises were not clean and vermin-proof
- Nonfood contact surfaces had grease accumulation
- Food safety certification was missing
- Employees were not using hand gloves
- Inadequate and inaccessible handwashing facilities
- Floors, walls, and ceiling need repair
- Food storage conditions did not comply with the standard guidelines
- The facility lacked backflow prevention equipment.
- Thermometers were not provided in the food preparation area
- Hot and cold food holding temperatures were not maintained
- The equipment in the kitchen area was not clean and approved
Moobongri Soondae – La Crescenta
- Where: 3630 Foothill Blvd, Glendale, CA 91214
- When: May 19, 2025
Moobongri Soondae is a Korean restaurant with multiple locations nationwide. The restaurant has multiple outlets throughout the country. One outlet on Foothill Blvd could not pass a routine health inspection.
The inspection report mentions that the inspecting officer noticed the presence of rodents and insects within the facility. Health officials cited vermin infestation as the primary reason for the closure. The rest of the violations are cited below:
- Unclean food contact surfaces
- Use and storage of equipment and linen were out of compliance
- Some of the nonfood contact surfaces need urgent repair
- The restaurant must retain only approved utensils and discard the rest
- The facility did not have proper ventilation
- Proper lighting must be installed in designated kitchen areas
- Broken floor tiles and walls were noticed
The restaurants need to restore good retail practices and comply with the expected standards before reopening. Restaurants are required to resolve all potential health risks before reopening to the public.
