Community Corner

Health Inspectors Shut Down El Nopal Mercado

The San Juan Capistrano market had a rodent infestation, among many other problems.

Originally posted at 8:32 a.m. Oct. 3, 2013.

Rodent infestation shut down El Nopal Mercado in San Juan Capistrano last month.

Inspectors from OC Environmental Health visited El Nopal Sept. 4 and found numerous violations, the most serious of which were rodent infestation and adulterated or contaminated food.

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Other, less serious violations included:

  • Evidence of vermin activity/presence of animals/Insects
  • Inoperable/lack of food thermometer
  • Lack of/improper handwashing/handwashing supplies
  • Unsanitary equipment/utensil/linen/plumbing
  • Facility not fully enclosed/open door/air curtain
  • Lack of unsanitary walls/floors/ceilings
  • Signs/labels/menu board/trans-fat missing/incorrect/lack of food handler card
  • Change room improper use/lack of
  • Water temp (100F-119F)/wash temp <100F/cross contamination
  • Restroom in disrepair/unclean/improperly used/supplied
  • Improper holding temperatures

But the actual reason for shutdown was the rodent infestation, according to OC Environmental Health.

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Inspectors have returned twice since then and have found minor violations, but nothing that would shut down the market again.

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