EL MERCADO MARKET

Inspection summary

EL MERCADO MARKET has been inspected once by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division, on January 9, 2024. The most recent inspection, on January 9, 2024, recorded 8 infractions.

No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene 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 once on January 9, 2024. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING FACILITIES SUPPLIED & ACCESSIBLE

• 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 January 9, 2024. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED & HONESTLY PRESENTED

• 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 on January 9, 2024. For example: NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN AND IN GOOD REPAIR

• Permits, records and postingLower risk

  Operating permits, required signage, written procedures and logs. These findings are administrative: the documentation was missing or out of date at the time of inspection.

  Recorded once on January 9, 2024. For example: PERMITS AVAILABLE

• 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 once on January 9, 2024. For example: FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION

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.

• View the official Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division disclosure site
• See all inspected facilities in Los Angeles County
• How to read an inspection report