CONDITIONAL
Arepas Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection
September 9, 2025
1:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Routine Inspection
8
Total Violations
1
Critical
3
Major
4
Minor
6
Corrected On Site
Inspector's Report
Inspector found issues including: HANDS CLEAN AND PROPERLY WASHED; PROPER GLOVE USE; PROPER HOT AND COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES; PROPER COOLING METHODS.
Violations Cited
8
#23
CRITICAL
NO INSECTS, RODENTS, BIRDS OR NONSERVICE ANIMALS
Why This Matters
Mice produce 50 droppings daily containing Salmonella and hantavirus. Cockroaches carry 33 bacteria types and 6 parasitic worms. Rats spread plague and leptospirosis.
What Was Observed
Eliminate rodent activity from the facility. Observed rodent droppings in the supply closet. Remove droppings and sanitize affected areas. Provide pest control service report.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114259, 114259.1, 114259.3
#39
CORRECTED
MAJOR
WIPING CLOTHS; PROPERLY USED AND STORED
Why This Matters
Dirty wiping cloths spread millions of bacteria across surfaces. Cloths used on raw meat spread Salmonella and E. coli throughout kitchen.
What Was Observed
Observed dry wiping cloths stored on top of food contact surfaces at the prep cooler. COS - education provided regarding single use dry cloth towels to clean up spills. Cloth towels removed. Discontinue placing towels under cutting boards.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114099.6
#40
MAJOR
PLUMBING; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Why This Matters
Without sanitizer, wiping cloths become bacteria breeding grounds. One contaminated cloth can spread pathogens to every surface it touches.
What Was Observed
Maintain plumbing in good repair. Observed the hot water of the food preparation sink turned off the valve due to a leaking faucet. Repair leak and discontinue turning off the hot water at the valve.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114099.6
#5
CORRECTED
MAJOR
HANDS CLEAN AND PROPERLY WASHED; PROPER GLOVE USE
Why This Matters
Sewage contains billions of pathogens including hepatitis A, norovirus, and E. coli. One tablespoon contains 100 million bacteria. Causes immediate severe illness.
What Was Observed
Observed an employee touch a trash can with their gloved hands. The employee was directed to wash their hands and the employee touch the handle of the faucet at the end of the handwash process. COS - education was provided and the employee washed their hands correctly.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114193, 114197
#13
CORRECTED
MINOR
FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE, AND UNADULTERATED
What Was Observed
Observed arepas wrapped in a soiled cloth towel at the steam table. COS- Arepas were voluntarily discarded.
#38
CORRECTED
MINOR
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND ACCURATE
What Was Observed
Observed a soiled thermometer in disrepair. COS - thermometer was discarded.
#7
CORRECTED
MINOR
PROPER HOT AND COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Why This Matters
Temperature abuse causes 63% of foodborne outbreaks. Clostridium perfringens multiplies rapidly between 70-120°F. Listeria grows even at refrigeration temperatures.
What Was Observed
Observed multiple PHF items in the prep top cooler in the range of 49 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit including: cut tomatoes, cheese slices, raw chicken, and raw beef. Items had been placed in the cooler less than four hours prior. COS - items were relocated to a cooler holding at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. See #35
CA Retail Food Code: Section 113996, 114037
#7
CORRECTED
MINOR
PROPER HOT AND COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Why This Matters
Temperature abuse causes 63% of foodborne outbreaks. Clostridium perfringens multiplies rapidly between 70-120°F. Listeria grows even at refrigeration temperatures.
What Was Observed
Observed multiple PHF items in the prep top cooler in the range of 49 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit including: cut tomatoes, cheese slices, raw chicken, and raw beef. Items had been placed in the cooler less than four hours prior. COS - items were relocated to a cooler holding at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. See #35
CA Retail Food Code: Section 113996, 114037
Inspector Information
Inspector
Carlos Barragan