LOS BANOS, CA (Sept. 9, 2025) – Two Los Banos restaurants have improved their food safety performance, passing recent inspections after previously receiving failing scores from the Merced County Division of Environmental Health.
Villa’s Taqueria, located at 225 Mercey Springs Road, Suite C, received a “satisfactory” rating with seven violation points during an inspection on August 25. Among the violations cited was a refrigerator near the stove measuring 57 degrees Fahrenheit—well above the safe holding temperature of 41 degrees. Chicken found at 54 degrees Fahrenheit was voluntarily discarded, and other items were moved to a functioning unit. By August 29, county inspectors confirmed the refrigerator had been repaired. The restaurant had previously received an “unsatisfactory” rating with 21 points in July.
Wendy’s, located at 503 Pacheco Blvd. in Los Banos, was also part of the latest inspection round and received a “good” rating with zero violations, indicating full compliance with health regulations. The restaurant had previously failed inspection but corrected its issues before the follow-up visit.
Under Merced County’s grading system, restaurants earning zero to six violation points receive a “good” rating; those with seven to 13 points receive “satisfactory,” and those with 14 or more are rated “unsatisfactory.” Major violations must be corrected immediately, and businesses may be temporarily closed if they pose a risk to public health.
In total, six food businesses were inspected across Merced County between August 12 and August 28. All six passed. Of the group, five received a “good” rating and one received a “satisfactory.” Other businesses that received “good” ratings with zero or minimal violations include:
- Starbucks Coffee, 5 E. 23rd St., Merced
- Bag O’ Crab MC LLC, 455 W. Olive Ave., Merced
- Valley Eats, 1997 W. Olive Ave., Merced
- Great America Gas, 1312 Court St., Livingston
These inspections are part of Merced County’s ongoing efforts to ensure public health and food safety.
A searchable database of Merced County Environmental Health Division restaurant and food inspections can be found online at the Merced County Environmental Health website.
