19 September, 2025
turkish-restaurant-in-california-shut-down-for-health-violations

Halaloglu, a Turkish restaurant located in Fountain Valley, California, was ordered to close following a health inspection that revealed multiple violations. On September 17, 2025, inspectors from the Orange County Health Care Agency identified unsanitary conditions, including the presence of cockroaches, prompting immediate action to suspend the establishment’s health permit.

Inspection Findings and Violations

The inspection report detailed significant issues within the restaurant. Inspectors found both live and dead cockroaches throughout the facility, including a live specimen near the cold-top reach-cooler by the front counter. Additionally, dead cockroaches were noted in various locations, such as behind the soda station and under cooking equipment.

Further sanitation concerns were raised when inspectors observed old food residues on kitchen equipment, including the unused deli slicer and the ice chute at the soda station. The presence of these contaminants raised alarms about the restaurant’s food handling practices.

Notably, the inspection also revealed that not all food handlers possessed a valid California Food Handler Card. A large metal cart obstructed the handwash station, impeding proper hygiene practices, while missing labels on food containers contributed to the violations.

Required Actions for Reopening

In response to these findings, Halaloglu was instructed to take immediate corrective action, including sealing cracks and crevices within the facility, removing clutter, and ensuring that a pest control service was employed. A receipt for this service must be provided for review by health department officials before any reinspection can be scheduled.

The restaurant must address all noted violations to regain its health permit. Once the necessary steps are completed, Halaloglu may request a reinspection by contacting the local health department.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining health and safety standards within food establishments. The health of patrons relies heavily on strict adherence to sanitation regulations, and enforcement agencies play a critical role in ensuring compliance.

As of now, Halaloglu remains closed until further notice from health officials, and the restaurant’s future health inspection status will depend on the successful resolution of the violations observed during the recent inspection.