PENALOZA MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Inspection summary

PENALOZA MEXICAN RESTAURANT has been inspected 2 times by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division since February 2, 2024. The most recent inspection, on September 22, 2026, recorded 6 infractions.

None of the 2 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 6 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Food source, labelling and allergens and Food temperature control.

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.

• 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 2 times on September 22, 2026. For example: NO INSECTS, RODENTS, BIRDS OR ANIMALS PRESENT

• 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 2 times on February 2, 2024. For example: IMPOUNDMENT OF UNSANITARY EQUIPMENT OR FOOD

• 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 once on February 2, 2024. For example: PROPER COOLING METHODS

• 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 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on September 22, 2026. For example: EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS APPROVED: INSTALLED; GOOD REPAIR; CAPACITY

• 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 September 22, 2026. For example: FLOORS, WALLS AND CEILINGS PROPERLY BUILT, MAINTAINED AND CLEAN

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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