CONDITIONAL
Sushi Zen Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection
November 19, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Routine Inspection
6
Total Violations
1
Critical
4
Major
1
Minor
2
Corrected On Site
Inspector's Report
Routine inspection revealed multiple violations including old rodent droppings found beneath equipment and in storage areas, improper handwashing practices with raw chicken, and a malfunctioning dish sanitizer dispensing no chlorine. Additional issues included improper thawing methods for frozen meats and missing consumer advisories for raw fish on some menus.
Violations Cited
6
#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
Observed old rodent droppings on the floor underneath the dish machine, the grill area, in the corner to the right of the kitchen hand wash sink, and on shelves in the toilet room located to the right of the full restroom. Clean/sanitize all affected surfaces, perform a deep clean of the entire premises, then have an extra pest control service done. Last pest control done by Terminix was October 28, 2025 and report stated no activity was observed. Inspect for all points of entry and harborage and have them sealed. Future repeat violations may result in immediate permit suspension.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114259, 114259.1, 114259.3
#14
CORRECTED
MAJOR
Food contact surfaces: clean and sanitized
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
Dish machine failed to dispense any detectable levels of chlorine sanitizer. Sanitize manually in the 2-cp sink until it is properly repaired.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114099, 114099.6, 114117
#26
MAJOR
Approved thawing methods in use
Why This Matters
Improper vacuum packaging creates anaerobic conditions allowing Clostridium botulinum growth. Botulism is fatal in 5-10% of cases. Causes paralysis and respiratory failure.
What Was Observed
Discontinue thawing frozen meats such as chicken at room temperature. Only use 1 of the 4 approved methods for thawing.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114419
#35
MAJOR
Equipment approved: clean; installed; good repair; capacity
Why This Matters
Household equipment cannot withstand commercial use and harbors bacteria in cracks. Latex gloves cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
What Was Observed
Repair dish machine so that it dispenses at least 50 ppm chlorine.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114130, 114160
#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 operator fail to wash hands properly after touching raw chicken; he rinsed his hands for ~ 5 seconds with plain water instead. He was directed to properly wash.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114193, 114197
#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 operator fail to wash hands properly after touching raw chicken; he rinsed his hands for ~ 5 seconds with plain water instead. He was directed to properly wash.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114193, 114197