Saigon Alley Kitchen and Bar in Natomas was slapped with a yellow health placard after a county inspection on Monday uncovered a string of major food safety violations. Inspectors cited unsafe temperatures, improper food storage and unsanitary prep-area conditions that all have to be fixed before the next check.
According to the county report, inspectors measured rice and egg noodles at 56°F and 55°F, two trays of chicken wings at 77°F and an egg-roll tray at 84°F, while a tray of shrimp spring rolls registered 64°F. All of those readings exceeded the 41°F limit for potentially hazardous foods. The report also found several potentially hazardous items stored above ready-to-eat foods and five trays of raw beef stacked above prepared items inside the walk-in. Inspectors noted ice buildup with boxes stored underneath it and a handwashing station blocked by a rolling cart. Some items were discarded on the spot and employees moved other foods back into refrigeration during the inspection, as reported by WhatNow.
What the yellow placard means
Under Sacramento County’s Green-Yellow-Red placard program, a yellow placard is a conditional pass that signals two or more major violations were observed and triggers a mandatory follow-up inspection within 24 to 72 hours. The county also requires restaurants to post the placard near the main entrance and to complete all corrections before requesting a reinspection, according to the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department.
On-site fixes and cleanup orders
Inspectors noted that staff repaired a nonfunctional hand-soap dispenser and corrected low sanitizer levels during the visit, and several unsafe food items were thrown away immediately. The report ordered the restaurant to clean equipment and refrigerators within seven days and to clear ice buildup inside the walk-in freezer within 15 days. A reinspection will be conducted to verify those corrections, as reported by WhatNow.
Local context
Saigon Alley is part of a local restaurant group, and the owners are expanding with a fast-casual offshoot called Sit Lo Saigon, an opening that was detailed in coverage of the group’s plans for an Arden Arcade takeover earlier this year. The Natomas location remains open under the conditional yellow placard but must complete the county’s required corrections to avoid further enforcement.
How to view the report
Full inspection reports and placard guidance are posted by Sacramento County’s Environmental Management Department, which will reinspect Saigon Alley to confirm that all ordered corrections are completed. For details on the placard program and what comes next, see the county’s Green-Yellow-Red information page from the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department.
