Merced County, CA (February 4, 2026) — series of routine inspections conducted throughout January across Merced, Atwater and Winton resulted in “Good” ratings for nearly every facility reviewed, according to inspection records. One exception was Applebee’s at 1734 W. Olive Ave. in Merced, which received an Unsatisfactory rating on Jan. 26, 2026 and was marked “reinspection required.”
Inspection records show the rating system is based on point totals: 0–6 points (Good), 7–13 points (Satisfactory), and 14+ points (Unsatisfactory). Applebee’s received 16 total points on the Jan. 26 inspection, placing it in the Unsatisfactory category.
According to the inspection report, one of the primary issues cited at Applebee’s involved potentially hazardous foods not being held at safe temperatures, which accounted for 14 points. The report states the coleslaw, macaroni, cooked rice, and cheese measured 55°F or above in the north section of a refrigerator. The foods were voluntarily discarded, and the report advised the facility not to use the refrigerator until it can maintain 41°F or below. The inspection also documented facility-condition concerns, including a repeat observation of water accumulation on the bar floor and a second repeat issue involving missing kitchen tiles contributing to waste water accumulation, with a directive to repair flooring to allow proper cleaning.
The Jan. 26 inspection follows a prior Unsatisfactory rating for Applebee’s on Nov. 25, 2025 (23 points), which cited multiple issues including temperature control, sanitation/sanitizer strength, handwashing supplies, facility conditions, and pest-related concerns, based on the inspection record. Applebee’s most recent inspection before those unsatisfactory ratings was marked Good on April 5, 2024 (5 points), according to the same record.
Other January inspections in the area were rated Good, including restaurants, markets, schools, and retail food facilities.
Details of inspections in Merced County are available at their website, https://apps.co.merced.ca.us/PublicApplets/pages/FoodInspect/FoodInspect.aspx
