Food safety violations including insect infestations, rodent droppings and other problems resulted in the temporary closure of several restaurants or food businesses last month in Fresno and Clovis.
The closures by Fresno County Department of Public Health inspectors happened at Tutis Fruties in downtown Fresno, the Fruit Truck commissary in southeast Fresno, Maharaja Sweets and Spices in Clovis, and Little Fat Dumpling and Heirloom in northeast Fresno.
During a Sept. 5 visit to at Maharaja Sweets and Spices near Clovis and Herndon avenues, an inspector ordered the restaurant closed after finding insects in dry goods, as well as large amounts of vermin droppings. The inspection also revealed excessive buildup of grime and grease on equipment. The restaurant reopened on Sept. 11 after passing a reinspection visit.
The other September closures were:
- Tutis Fruties on Fulton Street near Tulare Street. A Sept. 4 inspection revealed that the business was operating without a valid permit. A lack of electricity throughout the building was also factored in the closure. The health department reports that the restaurant remains closed as of Oct. 17.
- The Fruit Truck commissary on Butler avenue near Orange Avenue. A Sept. 4 inspection at the commissary for the food truck resulted in a closure because the business was operating without a permit. It was authorized to reopen two days later.
- Little Fat Dumpling on Friant Road between Fresno Street and Audubon Drive. A Sept. 10 inspection discovered cockroaches in the restaurant’s kitchen. The business reopened Sept. 12 following a reinspection visit.
- Heirloom at Fresno Street and Friant Road. A Sept. 17 inspection found that a clogged grease trap interceptor was causing an overflow in the parking lot and drains inside the restaurant to back up, prompting a closure. The restaurant reopened the next day.