The Public Health Department of the County of Los Angeles temporarily closed three restaurants after major violations of the food code were found. The permits for the restaurants have been suspended and will be reinstated after the violations are resolved and the reinspection is completed.
Please note that the result mentioned here is from inspections conducted on May 22 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishments.
Highlights
- Three restaurants in LA County were temporarily closed down after vermin infestation was found on their premises during a health inspection on Thursday.
- In addition, the restaurants were also cited for several other minor and Good Retail Practice violations.
- The restaurants will regain their permit and be able to operate again only after the major violations have been resolved and the reinspection is completed.
Notun Bazar Restaurant
- Where: 18738 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, CA 90701
- When: May 22, 2025
Notun Bazar Restaurant in Artesia was cited for various violations of the Health and Safety Code. The restaurant was reported for a major violation as vermin infestation was found on the premises. This violation was the reason the restaurant was closed.
Another major violation that was reported was the food found to be unsafe or potentially contaminated. There were also three minor violations cited in the case of handwashing facilities, lack of knowledge, and food safety certification.
Moreover, the restaurant also had 11 Good Retail Practice violations. Issues concerning maintenance of the facility, unsanitary equipment or food, Warewashing facilities, Plumbing, improper food storage, and Nonfood-contact unclean surfaces were listed. Wiping cloths were not being used properly, and a lack of cleanliness of premises, equipment, and utensils was also cited.
Urban Plates
- Where: 21503 Hawthorne Blvd A, Torrance, CA 90503
- When: May 22, 2025
The Torrance location of the American casual dining restaurant chain, Urban Plates, was closed temporarily after a major violation was reported on Thursday. The violation was concerning the vermin infestation at the facility. The inspectors closed down the establishment as this issue posed an imminent health hazard.
Two other minor violations, one in the case of unclean and improperly sanitized food contact surfaces and the other in the case of a lack of adequate handwashing facilities, were also reported. Four GRP violations, including those concerning cleanliness and good repair of Nonfood-contact surfaces and storage and use of Equipment, utensils, and linens, were listed. Another violation was in the case of the proper building and maintenance of Floors, walls, and ceilings.
The Artist Pizzeria
- Where: 113 N Citrus Ave, Covina, CA 91723
- When: May 22, 2025
The Artist Pizzeria is a place in Covina that offers its guests the chance to make their own pizzas and salads. On May 22, the health inspectors closed down the restaurant after a vermin infestation was found on its premises. The issue was the only major violation reported.
Other minor risk factor violations were also noted. Lack of proper knowledge, improper hot and cold holding temperatures, and issues with food safety certification were listed.
Several GRP violations were also pointed out. Issues with food storage, labeling, and storage of toxic substances, Adequate ventilation, lighting, and use of designated areas, condition of Equipment/Utensils, Thermometers, sign posting, and others were mentioned in the report.
All three restaurants are temporarily closed due to the vermin infestation issue that was found on their premises. The restaurants will have to take adequate measures to resolve the issue. Further, the health department will conduct a reinspection within 14 days to reexamine the state of compliance.
