Politics & Government
Is it Safe to Dine Al Fresco at the Farmers' Market?
The Weho market may not receive an official grade, but rest assured—booths are inspected twice a year for health code violations, according to an LA County Department of Public Health official.
Spring is in the air at the . With warmer weather and blue skies, locals are opting to eat outside. But ever wonder how safe the food really is?
Most of us are familiar with the alphabet grade system restaurants nationwide receive. By law, an A, B or C rating must be displayed in an eatery's window. But when it comes to health inspections, officials say the Farmers' Market is a whole other ball game.
Manager Beth Smith said the West Hollywood market in 's north parking lot is inspected approximately twice a year by the LA County Department of Public Health. Inspectors keep an eye out for live animals or pets present at the market, the proximity of restrooms and hand-washing facilities to food stalls, and how garbage is disposed.
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But perhaps the biggest assessment, according to Chief Environmental Health Specialist Maria Kharadjian, is whether the food is being stored at the correct temperatures. “If it isn’t, that’s how people can get sick,” she said.
Over at The Grill Master truck, officials pay special attention to the way the poultry is prepared.
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“I have to make sure my chickens are hot and cooked all the way through,” said Chef John Phillips. “But once it leaves the market, it is out of my control. People must reheat it if it has been off the truck for a long period of time.”
Samples are another health hazard to watch out for.
“Since we don’t serve hot food, I am allowed to give out samples," said Morgan Fone, who runs the Dave’s Gourmet Korean Food stand, "but they must be covered in the correct storage case with a sneeze guard.”
In order to meet health codes and stay popular, some stalls are getting creative.
The Gama Farm stall's answer is a tasting bar. A simple plastic office storage rack now serves a selection of tangerines, oranges and grapefruits. It not only satisfies the health code for samples, but also encourages shoppers to stop by and stay for while.
The West Hollywood Farmers' Market will continue to be routinely inspected by the LA County Department of Public Health. “Our mission is to protect health, prevent disease, and promote health and well-being," said Kharadjian.
The West Hollywood Farmers' Market is held every Monday (rain or shine) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Plummer Park, 1200 N. Vista St.