Restaurant Closed In Venice For Health Violations

VENICE, CA - The Los Angeles County Public Health Department closed 21 restaurants and markets over the past week, including Seasons Hot Chicken in Venice.

The restaurant was closed due to a vermin infestation, according to Public Health. A health inspector also found a major violation with the cleanliness and sanitization of food contact surfaces.

Seasons Hot Chicken received an overall grade of a B and must remedy the infestation before being allowed to open again for business.

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.

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.

Full reports are produced for every food facility inspection, which can be found here.