EL TORITO CAFE

Inspection summary

EL TORITO CAFE has been inspected 3 times by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division since April 9, 2024. The most recent inspection, on May 12, 2026, recorded 7 infractions.

None of the 3 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 20 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Food source, labelling and allergens and Pests.

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.

• 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 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 12, 2026. For example: PROPER HOT AND COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

• 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 12, 2026. For example: IMPOUNDMENT/VOLUNTARY CONDEMN AND DISPOSE (VC&D)/SAMPLING

• 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 21, 2026. For example: NO INSECTS, RODENTS, BIRDS OR ANIMALS PRESENT

• Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

  Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

  Recorded 3 times on April 21, 2026. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED; USED; TEST EQUIPMENT

• 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 May 12, 2026. For example: FOOD STORAGE; FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED

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.

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