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CHINATOWN EXPRESS #42

252 S WESTERN AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90004 · RESTAURANT (0-30) SEATS HIGH RISK

Inspection summary

CHINATOWN EXPRESS #42 has been inspected 2 times by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division since December 12, 2024. The most recent inspection, on January 29, 2026, recorded 5 infractions.

None of the 2 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 5 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control and Food source, labelling and allergens.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 29, 2026. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING FACILITIES; SUPPLIED & ACCESSIBLE

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 29, 2026. For example: PROPER COOLING METHODS

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded once on December 12, 2024. For example: IMPOUNDMENT OF UNSANITARY EQUIPMENT OR FOOD

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 29, 2026. For example: EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS APPROVED: INSTALLED; GOOD REPAIR; CAPACITY

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 29, 2026. For example: DEMONSTRATION OF KNOWLEDGE

About this data

These results come from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

2 inspections

  1. ROUTINE INSPECTION

    5 infractions

    • F136: EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS APPROVED: INSTALLED; GOOD REPAIR; CAPACITY
      • 1 point
    • F101: DEMONSTRATION OF KNOWLEDGE
      • 2 points
    • F107: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING FACILITIES; SUPPLIED & ACCESSIBLE
      • 2 points
    • F110: PROPER COOLING METHODS
      • 2 points
    • F145: FLOORS, WALLS AND CEILINGS PROPERLY BUILT, MAINTAINED AND CLEAN
      • 1 point
  2. ROUTINE INSPECTION

    6 infractions

    • F006: # 06. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING FACILITIES SUPPLIED & ACCESSIBLE
      • 2 points
    • F036: # 36. EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS AND LINENS: STORAGE AND USE
      • 1 point
    • F007: # 07. PROPER HOT AND COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • 4 points
    • F055: # 01A. DEMONSTRATION OF KNOWLEDGE
      • 2 points
    • F035: # 35. EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS - APPROVED; INSTALLED; CLEAN; GOOD REPAIR, CAPACITY
      • 1 point
    • F049: # 50. IMPOUNDMENT OF UNSANITARY EQUIPMENT OR FOOD

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