EL POLLO LOCO

Inspection summary

EL POLLO LOCO has been inspected 4 times by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division since January 31, 2024. The most recent inspection, on September 1, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

None of the 4 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 6 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Protecting food from contamination.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

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.

• Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

  This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

  Recorded once on January 31, 2024. For example: FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE AND UNADULTERATED

• Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

  Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

  Recorded 6 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on September 1, 2026. For example: FLOORS, WALLS AND CEILINGS PROPERLY BUILT, MAINTAINED AND CLEAN

• 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 6 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on September 1, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

• 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 31, 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
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• How to read an inspection report