MELKAM ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT

Inspection summary

MELKAM ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT has been inspected 3 times by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division since October 25, 2023. The most recent inspection, on April 2, 2026, recorded 4 infractions.

None of the 3 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 4 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Pests 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.

• 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 once on April 2, 2026. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED; USED; TEST EQUIPMENT

• 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 March 3, 2025. For example: PREMISES; PERSONAL/CLEANING ITEMS; VERMIN-PROOFING

• 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 March 3, 2025. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED & HONESTLY PRESENTED

• 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 October 25, 2023. For example: HANDS CLEAN AND PROPERLY WASHED; GLOVES USED PROPERLY

• 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 2, 2026. For example: PLUMBING: FIXTURES, BACKFLOW DEVICE, DRAINAGE

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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