Health Officials Cite Dozens of Skid Row-Area Businesses for Sanitation Violations

Excessive trash, rodents and poor sanitation in businesses near the Skid Row area have caused the LA County Public Health officials to issue violations.

Eighty-five businesses in the downtown Los Angeles Skid Row area were cited by county health inspectors for violations of storage and trash-removal regulations during a recent sweep, the county Department of Public Health announced Wednesday.

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The sweep was conducted last week in response to health concerns stemming from conditions in the Skid Row area, according to health officials.

The cleanliness and maintenence of these businesses will be monitored by Public Health inspectors to ensure businesses who received violations are taking steps to correct these problems.

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Public Health inspectors plan to revisit the cited businesses this week to ensure corrective measures are taken.

Conditions in the Skid Row area have been a focus of growing concern, thanks to recent cases of typhus in the area, along with a 2017 outbreak of hepatitis A.

According to LA County Public Health, the hepatitis A outbreak from two years ago, as well as the countywide increase in flea-borne typhus cases in recent years is what sparked the need to address these health and sanitation issues.

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The Public Health inspectors will continue monitoring these areas and addressing any public concerns about sanitation.

Businesses in this area are held responsible for their premises and must comply with sanitation and health regulations to avoid issues with trash dumping or rodents.

According to the county, health inspectors also conducted a survey of 62 blocks in the Skid Row area and "noted locations of overflowing dumpsters, trash-strewn alleys and streets and rodent burrows."

"This information is being shared with the city of (Los Angeles) in support of their significant efforts to address violations of illegal trash dumping by businesses and implement a rodent-control plan," according to the health department.

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The county noted that businesses are responsible for "maintaining sanitation on their premises and must appropriately dispose of all trash," and they can be subject to fines for violations.

Any location with a rodent or sanitation concern is asked to contact 3-1-1 for the city of Los Angeles. For other cities, call LA County 2-1-1.