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SALT LAKE CITY — Health department officials closed Salt Lake eatery African Restaurant Wednesday after finding cockroaches and 18 other health violations that posed an "imminent health hazard."
The restaurant, located at 1878 S. Redwood Road, was home to "live cockroaches of varying sizes, including nymphs," the health report reads.
Salt Lake County Health Department spokesman Nicholas Rupp said pest and vermin inside food establishments are actually a typical problem for restaurants.
The other 18 violations included, in part, the restaurant not sanitizing dishes or having equipment to test whether they are sanitized, shoes being placed near food, no certified food safety manager on staff, a general lack of cleanliness and other health hazards, according to the report.
The report also states the restaurant does not have the proper equipment to store food at a commercial level.
The restaurant will remain closed until health department officials determine it is safe to reopen.
African Restaurant is the third Salt Lake County restaurant to close because of health violations in the last month. Mexican restaurant La Frontera closed in late April, reopening soon after, and South Jordan restaurant Riced closed early May.
