[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on January 26 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
Health officials with Sacramento County conducted a routine inspection at Golden Garden Restaurant Inc. on January 26. The eatery was cited for several violations and received a yellow placard.
Golden Garden Restaurant Inc.
- When: January 26, 2026
- Where: 3230 Arena Blvd, Ste 230, Sacramento, CA 95834-3004
Golden Garden Restaurant Inc. serves traditional Chinese cuisine with offerings such as Walnut Shrimp and Salt and Pepper Fish. According to the inspection report, the violations are:
- Employees did not demonstrate knowledge of the location or proper use of sanitizer test strips, the inspection report stated. Staff were retrained on-site.
- The kitchen hand sink soap dispenser was not functional. The facility was instructed to replace the dispenser within three days to ensure proper hand hygiene.
- Bus tubs with fried chicken and fried pork were found holding at 60°F on an unused flat grill near the fryer, without temperature control, the report said. Education and training were provided.
- Overfilled containers of stir-fried beef (126°F) and chicken (121°F) were seen cooling improperly in deep, covered containers on the cook’s table before being moved to the walk-in at the start of the inspection. The items were corrected by repartitioning into smaller portions and uncovering.
- The warewashing machine measured 0 ppm chlorine sanitizer after multiple cycles, despite already being in use with equipment inside, the report said. The issue was temporarily corrected by manually sanitizing equipment at the three-compartment sink. A rack of previously washed dishes was re-sanitized.
- Raw shell eggs were not properly stored above vegetables in the walk-in cooler. The violation was corrected immediately.
- A bin of creamer stored on a back shelf was missing a label.
- The report noted several areas were covered in grease, residue, and debris accumulation, including under the fryer, beneath the unused flat grill, on walk-in fan covers, and on top of the warewashing machine.
- Non–food-grade grocery bags were being used to store food in the walk-in cooler. The facility was asked to discontinue its use immediately and switch to food-grade containers.
- Cutting boards were improperly stored behind the three-compartment sink faucet and were corrected during the inspection.
- An in-use rice scoop was stored in room-temperature water without pH adjustment. Vinegar was added to correct the issue.
- Shared dumpster and tallow bin lids were seen open, the report said. The issue was corrected immediately.
- Non-functional equipment, including a Monster Energy merchandiser and a broken two-door prep cooler, was being used for storage.
- Personal clothing was seen stored on top of food-related items on a back storage shelf. The issue was corrected during the inspection.
- The back door was found propped open, which could allow entry of pests, the report said. The door was closed.
- A half-inch gap was observed at the ceiling penetration around the water heater duct, the report said.
Amore detailed report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
According to the official report, the restaurant received a yellow placard and will undergo a reinspection within 24-72 hours of the routine check. All violations must be corrected ahead of the follow-up inspection to receive a green placard.
