2 Beverly Hills-Area Restaurants Closed For Vermin Infestations

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles County Public Health Department ordered two Beverly Hills-area restaurants temporarily closed

The Mint, located at 6010 W. Pico Blvd., was ordered closed after a routine inspection on June 6 found critical violations. Inspectors noted four live cockroaches next to an ice machine in the kitchen.

Panda Express, located at 1544 S. La Cienega Blvd., was ordered closed after a routine inspection on June 2 found critical violations.

Inspectors found between 10-15 fresh rodent droppings, described as "soft and shiny," inside and under the front steam table equipment.

The restaurant was allowed to reopen on June 5, indicating management corrected the violations.

Eateries across Los Angeles were shut for a number of violations of the California Health and Safety Code including vermin infestations and improper sewage disposal. The closures were results of routine public health inspections across the region. Use this link to view a full list of closures and routine restaurant inspection reports.

The department inspects restaurants and food facilities between one and three times a year, depending on the public health risk associated with the food served, history of the facility and food preparation methods employed, according to the department’s website.

“Health and Safety Codes establish the proper way for food to be prepared and sold to the public. If codes are not followed, members of the community and even workers can become sick or injured. That is why it is so important for public health that all food safety codes are followed,” the department said on its website.

Inspections gauge a number of code requirements including, “safe food temperatures, safe food handling, employee hygiene, an adequate supply of water and hot water, and the business is maintained clean and free of vermin” according to the department’s website. The inspection also includes an examination of employee practices, employees’ ability to demonstrate knowledge of facility practices and food storage.

Major violations require a 14 day followup inspection after corrective action is immediately taken. Less serious violations prompt followup inspections within 30 days.