Popular Chinese Restaurant Shut Down by Health Department

DOH Chronicles covers restaurant inspections by the Southern Nevada Health District that earn 39 or more demerits. More than 40 demerits or an imminent health hazard calls for the immediate closure of a restaurant.

China Mama, the Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and mapo tofu at 3420 S. Jones Blvd., was shut down by the Southern Nevada Health District after a routine inspection on April 9 revealed 46 demerits, five more than necessary for the health department to require a restaurant to close.

Inspectors found staff not properly washing their hands, spoiled food, food held at the wrong temperature, food unprotected from potential contamination, ineffective pest control measures, reused single-use items, and more.

This marks the fifth time since 2008 that the restaurant earned a C grade from the health department. In 2010, the restaurant came within two points of being shut down.

The health district conducts unannounced inspections at least once a year. Inspections are posted online about five days after the inspection. The Southern Nevada Health District routinely shuts down restaurants that receive more than 40 demerits. Restaurants have the option of requesting a re-inspection before the next scheduled inspection.

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