Merced seafood restaurant receives failing grade in inspections. See the latest

One Merced County business received a failing grade for health and safety during inspections by the Department of Environmental Health from July 29 through Aug. 12.

Bag O’ Crab MC LLC, located 455 W. Olive Avenue in Merced, received an “unsatisfactory” rating on July 29, after having previously received a “satisfactory” rating with one violation in March 2024.

Eight other businesses that were inspected between July 29 and Aug. 12 received “good” ratings with three of those businesses receiving zero violations. Businesses receive a “good” rating if they have zero to six violations. Those with seven to 13 violations receive a rating of “satisfactory” while businesses that have more than 14 violation points get an “unsatisfactory” rating.

Major violations are “violations that are very likely to get people sick” and must be corrected immediately, or the business or part of the business must close until the issue is corrected, according to the Merced County Division of Environmental Health. If a business fails an inspection, a reinspection is required at a later date.

Minor violations are “violations that are likely to get people sick but does not require the location to close,” according to the Merced County Division of Environmental Health.

Bag O’ Crab MC LLC, located at 455 W. Olive Avenue in Merced Received 31 violation points

• A prep refrigerator was observed to have an ambient temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of the food was taken and it was observed that muscles, clams and shrimp were all above 41 degrees, but within 10 degrees. All food within 10 degrees was moved to a refrigerator with appropriate temperature. 
• It was observed that the facility had been using bowls and cups as scoops for rice, flour and other dry goods. These items were observed to have the hand contact side touching the food. All cups and bowls were removed and all affected food was removed. 
• A lack of visibly posted notice to inform patrons the facility is inspected by the local health department was observed. 
• A container was located in the floor sink, under the ice machine. This was to be removed to ensure a one inch air gap is present between the floor sink and drain pipe. 
• Items were observed inside the basin of sinks. Hand wash sinks are not storage units and should be kept clear in order to encourage regular hand washing. 
• Staff were observed to be changing gloves without washing hands. 
• The seal of a three-compartment dish sink was observed to be black with mold and grime. The door handle of a walk in freezer was observed to be covered in grime. 

Five businesses received “good” ratings with only a single violation

Taraskos, located at 1645 Center Avenue in Dos Palos

• A screen located in the back of the kitchen that leads to the outside was observed to be torn. 

Carniceria El Cerrito, located at 1155 Bellevue Road in Atwater

• Sponges were observed by a three compartment sink. 

Cousins Corner, located at 260 W. 18th Street in Merced

• The location must provide chlorine test strips and high temp test strips for verification of sanitation. 

Sybil Crookham School, located at 7160 Walnut Avenue in Winton

• The inspector observed there was no non-reversible thermometer or high temperature test strips to verify the sanitizing temperature of an automative washing machine. 

Kind Neighbor, located at 1717 M Street in Merced

• An inspector observed tile missing grout and a grease interceptor that was not fully sealed to the ground. 

Black Bear Diner, located at 955 W. Pacheco Boulevard in Los Banos received a “satisfactory” grade with four violations for a total of 12 violation points.

• The accumulation of rust was observed on the inside of a door to a walk in refrigerator. This was noted as a repeat violation. All walk in refrigerator doors had damage to the bottom corner. This was noted as a repeat violation. A kitchen stove was observed to have a buildup of grime between the stove and in cooking line. A spatula not in use on the stove was found to have food residue on it. A milkshake emulsifier was found to have ice cream residue. Mold and mildew were observed on the rim of a juice machine. 
• Food throughout the facility was found to be stored without a protective cover. This was noted as a repeat violation. Uncovered raw fish was observed being stored on a plate above uncovered sliced produce. Butter chips in a bar area and side kitchen were observed to be labeled “keep refrigerated” were stored at room temperature.
• Butter in a container on a food preparation table in the food line was stored at room temperature. A refrigerator preparation table with salad bar had a room temperature reading of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Salad bar items that included sliced cucumbers, lettuce and salad dressing were voluntarily discarded. The inspector also observed eggs being stored at room temperature on top of a preparation table. 
• A rag was observed being used to catch drips from a side kitchen drink dispenser. 

The inspections represent a snapshot of conditions that were found at the time of a visit and may not indicate a pattern of good or bad safety practices.

A database of Merced County’s Environmental Health Division restaurant and food inspections can be found online on the Merced County Environmental Health webpage.

This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 3:08 PM.