[Editor’s note: The reports referenced in this article reflect conditions observed during inspections conducted on June 12 and do not represent the establishments’ current or future status.]
A routine health inspection was conducted at The Ranch Sports Grill and Simply Pho on June 12, by the Orange County Health Department. During the inspection, the restaurants were cited for multiple health and safety code violations.
WhatNow has reached out to the restaurants for comment and will update the story upon receiving a response.
Simply Pho
- When: June 12, 2026
- Where: 23775 El Toro Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Simply Pho is a Vietnamese restaurant in Lake Forest serving diners of all cultures and ethnicities. The restaurant was inspected in response to a complaint, and a routine inspection was also conducted. The following violations were observed:
- According to the report, food employees were unable to demonstrate the required food safety practices and principles relevant to their assigned duties. The inspector provided education and informational bulletins relating to the food safety knowledge discussed during the inspection.
- The report stated that not all of the food handlers possess a California Food Handler Card. The inspector instructed the facility to provide food handler cards for each employee. Each food handler shall maintain a valid California Food Handler Card for the duration of his or her employment as a food handler.
- A food employee was observed pre-soaking bowls and plates at the utensil sink. Upon completing this task, the employee wiped his hands using a single-use paper towel and scooped soup at the cook’s line.
- Upon the inspector’s instructions, the food employee washed his hands in an approved manner. The utensil used to scoop soup was cleaned and sanitized with 100 ppm sanitizer solution.
- Proper cold holding temperatures were not maintained at the facility. The person in charge stated that all food was held for more than 4 hours. According to the report, the food holding less than 4 hours was transferred to the 3-door upright refrigerator. The food that had been held over 4 hours was voluntarily discarded.
- The facility did not provide written procedures for foods being held under time as a public health control. The inspector observed the rice noodles at the spring roll station on time as a public health control, not marked or otherwise identified with signage or stickers. The person in charge chose to discard the noodles.
- The report noted that pasta in the walk-in cooler had a temperature of 50°F.
- The person in charge stated that the pasta was cooked 6 hours ago and was stored in the walk-in cooler. The staff was advised to discontinue the improper cooling of potentially hazardous food.
- According to the report, the mung beans registered temperatures between 110°F and 117°F, cooling in large plastic pitchers on the food preparation table by the washware area. The person in charge stated that the mung bean had been left to cool for less than 2 hours. The mung bean was placed inside the walk-in cooler in a smaller container.
- The food employee washing food container lids at the 3-compartment sink without the use of sanitizer solution. The sanitizer solution was not set up. The staff was advised to immediately discontinue improper washing of multi-use equipment.
- Live cockroaches were observed at the cook’s line and food preparation area. The report also cited cockroaches on the wall by the TV and seating area.
- According to the report, moist re-used wiping cloth towels were observed on all food preparation counters at the cook’s line. The inspector instructed staff to discontinue storing wiping cloths in this manner.
- The wall under the mop sink to be deteriorated and advised repairing the wall to provide a smooth surface for easy cleaning and eliminating vermin harborage.
A detailed inspection report of Simply Pho is available here…