NORTHERN CAFE

128 N GARFIELD AVE # B · Monterey Park

Owner-requested re-check · a clean A

A surprise inspection on Dec 2025 scored 70, flagging food not in safe, wholesome condition. The 95 above is the owner-requested re-check on Jan 2026.

Food not in safe, wholesome condition

It means food was contaminated or in bad condition, which can actually make you sick.

LA County code F114 · 4 pts

Food held at an unsafe temperature

Food kept too warm or not cold enough lets bacteria grow, which is a real illness risk.

LA County code F108 · 4 pts

Cutting boards and surfaces not sanitized

Dirty food-contact surfaces can pass germs to your food, so this one matters.

LA County code F115 · 4 pts

Several serious violations at once

Multiple serious problems together add up to a higher overall risk to your health.

LA County code F153 · 3 pts

Non-food surfaces need cleaning Minor · 1 pt

Frozen food thawed improperly Minor · 1 pt

Cleaning chemicals not stored or labeled right Minor · 1 pt

Equipment or utensils worn or not approved Minor · 1 pt

Ventilation or lighting not adequate Minor · 1 pt

Plumbing or drainage issue Minor · 1 pt

Premises or pest-proofing needs attention Minor · 1 pt

Garbage not handled properly Minor · 1 pt

Equipment, utensils, or linens stored improperly Minor · 1 pt

Wiping cloths not used or stored right Minor · 1 pt

Floors, walls, or ceilings need repair Minor · 1 pt

Staff couldn't show food-safety knowledge Paperwork · 2 pt

Food safety manager not certified Paperwork · 2 pt

The bottom line

Currently 95, a clean A, from an owner-requested re-inspection. But a surprise visit scored 70, the worst issue being food not in safe, wholesome condition. Worth a closer look, since the re-check was owner-requested, not a surprise.