Restaurants shut down due to Cockroach / Rodent infestations

One restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley and one in Whittier were temporarily closed last week due to major public health hazards.

Between Feb. 1 and Feb. 7, those facilities had their health permits suspended cockroach and rodent infestations, according to a report from the Los Angeles County Public Health Department.

Restaurants and markets whose permits are suspended must close until another inspection determines the problems have been fixed. Closures can occur during routine and owner-initiated inspections, complaint investigations, and reinspections.

The department did not provide details about the nature of the cockroach infestations — like the number of cockroaches and wherein the facility they were found.

Major health hazards that cause restaurant closures only cost facilities four points, so facilities could receive A grades at the time they are shut down. A recommendation to change that result, among other aspects of the inspection system, is being considered by county health officials.

Here are the food facilities that were temporarily closed. Unless otherwise noted, the grades listed for the facilities were received on the same day they were closed.

• PHO HAI NOODLE & GRILL

Location: 1638 Puente Ave., Baldwin Park, CA 91706

Closure reason: inadequate food temperature, adult cockroaches, no use of sanitizer in dishwasher

Closure date: Feb. 2

Reopen date: Feb. 5

Grade: B (80)

• THE RUSTY MONK

Location: 6749 Greenleaf Ave., Whittier, CA 90601

Closure reason: rodent droppings

Closure date: Feb. 3

Reopen date: Feb. 6

Grade: A (91)