[Editor’s note: The report referenced in this article reflects conditions observed during an inspection conducted on March 20. The follow-up inspection was conducted on the same day]
The Orange County health department conducted a health inspection at Sushi Noguchi on March 20. The restaurant was cited for major health code violations, resulting in a temporary closure
In a statement shared with WhatNow on March 24, the restaurant said, “During the health inspection, our water heater was temporarily not functioning, which required us to pause lunch service on March 20. The issue was identified and fully repaired the same day, and we were able to resume normal operations by dinner service that evening.
We take health and safety standards very seriously, and we acted immediately to correct the issue. The report reflects the conditions at that specific date, and all necessary corrective actions were completed promptly.”
Sushi Noguchi
- When: March 20, 2026
- Where: 18507 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Sushi Noguchi is a sushi restaurant that offers Omakase-style dining. According to the report, the violations noted are:
- A container of radish was found in the handwash sink. It was removed during the inspection.
- No hot water was available in the facility. According to the report, handwash sinks must provide hot water at a minimum of 100°F.
- Unlabeled squeeze bottles were found at the cook’s station. Food items were also observed stored directly on the floor in both the walk-in cooler and the walk-in freezer.
- The report noted that a cutting board was lined with a cloth towel, which is not permitted. The report states that only non-porous, easily cleanable materials, like rubber, silicone, or hard plastic, may be used if lining is necessary.
- In-use utensils were stored in containers of room-temperature water. They must either be cleaned at least every four hours or stored in water maintained at or above 135°F, according to the report.
- Newspapers were used to line a storage shelf in the fryer station, aluminum foil was used to line fryer surfaces, and a milk crate was used as shelving in the walk-in cooler.
- Cardboard was used to line the floor in the fryer area.
- The report noted that dust was observed on light covers and ceiling panels in the cook’s station.
A detailed report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
The report states that Sushi Noguchi’s health permit has been suspended, and the restaurant was ordered to close due to the lack of hot water. The restaurant addressed all the problem and resolved it the same day, and normal operations resumed by dinner service. A detailed follow-up inspection report is here.
