Four restaurants get ‘unsatisfactory’ ratings in latest Merced County inspections
Four Merced County businesses evaluated by inspectors from the county Division of Environmental Health received an “unsatisfactory” grade during the latest round of inspections from April 7-8.
Of the latest businesses to be evaluated, six received a rating of “good” and three received a rating of “satisfactory.”
What the ratings mean
Businesses that accumulate zero to six violation points during an inspection receive a “good” rating. A rating of “satisfactory” is given to businesses that accumulate seven to 13 points. Businesses that accumulate 14 points or greater receive an “unsatisfactory” rating.
Violations recorded by inspectors can range in severity from minor to major. Major violations are “very likely to get people sick” and must be corrected immediately or the business, or parts of the business, must close until the issue is corrected, according to the Division of Environmental Health. If a business fails an inspection, a reinspection is required at a later date.
The Division of Environmental Health said a minor violation is one “likely to get people sick but does not require the location to close.”
Details from ‘Unsatisfactory’ report
Here is a look at the “unsatisfactory” report from April 7-8:
La Hacienda Mexican Grill, 802 W. 16th St., Merced
La Hacienda Mexican Grill received an “unsatisfactory” rating (14 points) during an inspection April 8, 2026. Here are the violations as observed by the health inspector:
- Observed multiple food in the buffet bar not under proper temperature control (under 41 degrees or over 135) and not under time control. Adjust equipment so food can be maintained in the required temperature range or implement a time control plan. All food out of temperature control was voluntarily discarded.
- Observed a container of tortilla chips in the buffet line not covered. Provide cover to prevent cross contamination.
- Observed an expansion of operation without submission of plans. Cease use until approvals are obtained.
- Observed the use of a 5-gallon utility bucket to store sauce. Use only food-grade containers.
- Observed the use of buffet warmers and coolers not approved for use. Submit equipment specifications for review.
- Repeat: Observed the paint of the cabinet under the soda dispenser has worn down near to the wood and is no longer nonabsorbent to liquids. Reseal to provide a nonabsorbent finish.
- Observed the lack of a sneeze guard for one of the buffet lines. Provide a sneeze guard.
Sansei, 705 Merced Mall, Merced
Sansei received an “unsatisfactory” rating (20 points) during an inspection April 8, 2026. Here are the violations as observed by the health inspector:
- Repeat: Observed the temperature of the steamed vegetables measuring at 120 degrees. Observed the temperature of the water in the steam table measured at 150 degrees. Use a combination of deeper wells, cover and more water to make contact with the bottom of the pans.
- Repeat: Observed the lack of paper towels in the dispensers. Keep paper towel dispenser stocked.
Yummy Thai, 2961 Beachwood Drive, Merced
Yummy Thai received an “unsatisfactory” rating (14 points) during an inspection April 8, 2026. Here are the violations as observed by the health inspector:
- Observed the accumulation of syrup on the prep table in the rear of the kitchen. Improve cleaning.
- Observed wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer. Keep wiping towels in sanitizer in between uses.
- Observed the use of an ice chest to store ice. An ice chest is not certified to be a food contact surface as it is not easily cleanable. Cease use of ice chests.
- Observed the use of cardboard as a work table liner. Cardboard is not easily cleaned. Remove from use.
- Observed a container of frozen meat thawing at room temperature.
- Observed bean sprouts and eggs not stored under temperature or time control. Food was voluntarily discarded. Keep sprouts and eggs under refrigeration.
- Observed paper towels not stored in the dispenser at the kitchen hand-washing station. Keep paper towels in the dispenser.
El Pollo Loco #3424, 613 W. Olive Ave., Merced
El Pollo Loco #3424 received an “unsatisfactory” rating (17 points) during an inspection April 7, 2026. Here are the violations as observed by the health inspector:
- Repeat: Observed the temperature of the salsa in the ice bin staging area measuring at 51 degrees. Observed the refrigeration system is not adequately cooling the sides to allow cooling of the top portion of the bins storing salsa. Cease use of the equipment until it is repaired to provide adequate cooling to all portions of the bin or an administrative control is put into place for use of the equipment that meets the requirements in Health and Safety Code.
- Observed the soap dispenser for the hand-washing station in the rear of the kitchen is damaged. Repair or replace the dispenser.
Businesses that received ‘Good’ ratings
- The Sensory Lab by ASIP, 847 W. Main St., Merced
- Amaya’s Aguas Frescas Mexicanas, 851 Olive Ave., Suite 206, Merced
- Best Western Andersen’s Inn, 12367 S Highway 33, Santa Nella
- Champion Grill Buffet, 475 W. Olive Ave., Merced
- Hotel Mission De Oro, 13070 Highway 33, Santa Nella
- PAQ Inc. DBA Rancho San Miguel, 1930 Yosemite Parkway, Merced
Businesses that received ‘Satisfactory’ ratings
- Teriyaki Don, 755 E. Yosemite Ave., Suite H, Merced
- Applegate Stop N Shop, 1619 Sycamore Ave., Atwater
- Brothers Royal Crown, 2689 N. Buhach Road, Atwater
Next steps for Merced businesses
According to the Division of Environmental Health, some problems found by inspectors can be fixed at the time of the inspection. In other instances, violations an inspector deems more serious may result in the closure of the business at the time of the inspection.
The inspections represent a snapshot of the conditions that were observed by health inspectors at the time of their visit and may not indicate a pattern of either good or bad safety practices.
The Merced County Division of Environmental Health maintains a database of restaurant and food inspections, which can be found online at the Merced County Environmental Health website.
This story was originally published April 10, 2026 at 6:00 AM.
