Inspectors order the restaurant closed
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kern County Public Health ordered Pho Hut at 5404 California Avenue closed after an August 20 inspection documented what officials described as a severe vermin infestation.
According to the county inspection findings reported by BakersfieldNow, inspectors observed German cockroaches in multiple stages of development on a food-preparation surface, floors and walls. The restaurant received a score of 74 percent and was issued a closure order.
The findings describe conditions observed during that inspection. No illness has been publicly linked to the restaurant in the available reporting, and the closure should not be presented as proof that a customer became sick.
Read the source: BakersfieldNow: Inspection findings and Pho Hut closure ↗
The latest inspection marks a sharp decline
Pho Hut received a 91 percent score during a June 25 inspection, according to the published report. The lower August score and documented cockroach activity resulted in the more serious enforcement action.
Health inspections evaluate conditions at a particular time. A previous passing score does not override newer violations, while a closure order does not necessarily mean the business will remain closed permanently.
A restaurant generally must correct the violations and receive authorization from health officials before reopening. Diners should consult Kern County's Safe Diner records for the current status rather than relying on an older social-media post.
Read the source: Kern County Public Health: Safe Diner inspection records ↗
What customers should know
The restaurant is located near California Avenue and Lennox Avenue. Customers should not assume it has reopened unless Kern County Public Health posts a new inspection result or the restaurant can show that the closure order has been lifted.
Anyone who believes they became ill after eating at a restaurant should seek appropriate medical advice and report the concern through Kern County Public Health. Symptoms alone do not establish which meal caused an illness, so health investigators rely on timing, testing and exposure information.
What's the Scoop With Broach will update this report if county records show that Pho Hut has passed a follow-up inspection and received permission to reopen.
Read the source: Kern County Public Health: Food safety program ↗
Sources and further reading
BakersfieldNow: Inspection findings and Pho Hut closure ↗