EL POLLO LOCO

Inspection summary

EL POLLO LOCO has been inspected 6 times by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division since February 16, 2024. The most recent inspection, on September 8, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

None of the 6 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene and Pests.

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.

• 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 September 8, 2026. For example: HANDS CLEAN AND PROPERLY WASHED; PROPER GLOVE USE

• PestsHigher risk

  Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

  Recorded once on May 13, 2024. For example: NO RODENTS, INSECTS, BIRDS, OR ANIMALS

• 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 16 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on September 8, 2026. For example: PLUMBING: FIXTURES, BACKFLOW DEVICE, DRAINAGE

• 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 7, 2025. For example: EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS AND LINENS: STORAGE AND USE

• 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 February 16, 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