CONDITIONAL
Noriega Market Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection
November 7, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Routine Inspection
10
Total Violations
2
Critical
5
Major
3
Minor
6
Corrected On Site
Inspector's Report
Routine inspection revealed critical violations including a cat roaming the meat department, live eels and turtles being sold without approval, and improper temperature control of raw meats and refrigerated items. Multiple violations were corrected on-site including obstructed handwash sinks, missing sanitizer buckets, and food stored directly on floors. Follow-up inspection required by November 21, 2025.
Violations Cited
10
#15
CORRECTED
CRITICAL
Unapproved Food Source - Live Animals
What Was Observed
Observed sales of live eels and live turtles (2) in the front of house from a grey container. Instructed operator to remove these during inspection and obtain approval before sales.
#23
CRITICAL
Cat Present in Food Facility
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
Obseved a cat walking through the meat department area in front of owner/operator during report review. Remove cat and cat items from facility.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114259, 114259.1, 114259.3
#14
CORRECTED
MAJOR
No Sanitizer Bucket During Food Prep
Why This Matters
Dirty cutting boards and utensils cause 76% of cross-contamination. Biofilms protect bacteria from cleaning. One contaminated surface spreads pathogens to dozens of foods.
What Was Observed
Observed no sanitizer bucket during active food preparation in the meat area. Operator was instructed to produce a sanitizer bucket and reminded to maintain a bucket at all times.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114099, 114099.6, 114117
#27
CORRECTED
MAJOR
Raw Meat Over Ready-to-Eat Food
Why This Matters
Raw chicken drips contaminate everything below with Salmonella and Campylobacter. Cross-contamination causes massive outbreaks affecting hundreds.
What Was Observed
Observed raw meat being stored over ginger in the meat department area. Operator removed the raw meat during the inspection.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 113986, 113988
#43
MAJOR
Cat Food and Supplies in Facility
Why This Matters
Clutter provides harborage for rodents and cockroaches. Cardboard harbors cockroach eggs. Each egg case contains 30-40 nymphs.
What Was Observed
Remove the cat food bowl, cat water bowl, and cat carriage from the back of house area. Observed there to be the aforementioned items in the back on top of a cooking container.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114067, 114123
#6
CORRECTED
MAJOR
Handwash Sink Obstructed
Why This Matters
Missing handwashing supplies forces employees to skip handwashing. Studies show only 31% of workers wash hands properly when supplies are inadequate. Spreads norovirus to hundreds.
What Was Observed
Observed the hand wash sink at the back of house in the meat area to be obstructed by trash cans and boxes. Instructed operator to keep this area readily available at all times. Operator corrected this on site.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 113953, 113953.1, 113953.2
#7
CORRECTED
MAJOR
Improper 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 raw meats to be at room temperature on various surfaces of the deli area. Measured tofu and eggs in reach in refrigerator case to be at 55F - 60F. Instructed operator to remove all items and move into walk-in refrigerator in the back of house.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 113996, 114037
#1B
MINOR
Food Safety Manager Certification Expired
Why This Matters
Certified managers reduce critical violations by 60%. They understand temperature control, contamination prevention, and proper hygiene that prevents outbreaks.
What Was Observed
Observed expired food manager's certification. Register with in 7 days for food manager's certification.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 113947.1
#30
CORRECTED
MINOR
Food Stored on Floor
Why This Matters
Improper storage allows pest access and temperature abuse. Food on floor contacts contaminated water during cleaning. Expired foods cause illness.
What Was Observed
Observed food items in the meat area to be directly on the floor. Operator was instructed to remove these items.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114047, 114049
#30
CORRECTED
MINOR
Food Stored on Floor
Why This Matters
Improper storage allows pest access and temperature abuse. Food on floor contacts contaminated water during cleaning. Expired foods cause illness.
What Was Observed
Observed food items in the meat area to be directly on the floor. Operator was instructed to remove these items.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114047, 114049