Lan Lan Market Receives Conditional Pass for Food Storage Fix

Lan Lan Market in Chinatown received a conditional pass during a December 3 health inspection after staff corrected food storage violations on the spot. The grocery store at 812 Washington Street addressed inspector concerns about food items stored directly on floors in both the basement and front retail areas.

Inspection Details

During this inspection, health inspector Sophia Huie discovered various boxes of food products stored on floor surfaces in the basement storage area and additional packaged items on the floor near the front of the store. The violation, categorized as "Food Storage; Food Storage Containers Identified," was immediately addressed when staff began relocating the improperly stored items to appropriate shelving during the inspection. The conditional pass allows the market to continue operating while ensuring food safety standards are maintained. Inspector Huie noted that staff demonstrated responsiveness to correction by promptly moving the food items off the floor surfaces when the violation was identified.

Food Safety Standards

Proper food storage represents a critical component of restaurant and grocery store operations. The California Retail Food Code Section 114047 and 114049 require food items to be stored off floor surfaces to prevent contamination from cleaning water, pest access, and potential temperature abuse. Floor storage can also lead to cross-contamination and makes proper cleaning procedures more difficult. The market's quick response to address the storage issue during the inspection demonstrated cooperation with health safety protocols. Food items stored directly on floors face increased risk of contamination from cleaning solutions, foot traffic, and potential pest activity.

Facility Assessment

Inspector Huie's report highlighted several positive aspects of the facility's overall condition. The basement area includes properly functioning hand washing and restroom facilities, along with a two-compartment sink meeting temperature requirements. Hot water at the hand sink measured above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while the washing sink provided water at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The inspection found no signs of pest activity throughout the facility during the routine visit. Floors, walls, ceiling, and equipment were noted as maintained and clean. The hand washing station was adequately supplied with soap and paper towels, meeting sanitation requirements for food handling operations.

Chinatown Business Operations

The market serves the bustling Chinatown community along Washington Street, an area accessible by the 30 Stockton bus line and other public transportation options. The December 3 reinspection occurred between 2:00 PM and 2:45 PM, allowing normal business operations to continue with minimal disruption. Conditional passes indicate that while violations were found, they were minor enough to allow continued operation provided corrections are implemented. The market's immediate response to relocate improperly stored food items satisfied inspector requirements for addressing the storage concerns. The facility maintains its ability to serve customers while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Staff member Huilan Wu received the inspection report, confirming the establishment's awareness of requirements and commitment to maintaining proper food storage practices moving forward. This inspection represents the market's first recorded health department visit in available public records, establishing a baseline for future compliance monitoring in the neighborhood's busy commercial district.