Google Earth image of Arcata’s Red Roof Inn.

Less than two weeks after Ray’s Food Place in Hoopa shut down forever over disputes spawned by a rat infestation, county health inspectors have shut down the kitchen facility at Arcata’s Red Roof Inn for the same reason — rampant rodents.

In a food facility inspection report completed yesterday, inspectors noted a number of violations in the motel’s kitchen, most notably the rat infestation. Rodents (or evidence of them) were found behind the cook-line, in the utensil wash, in a side prep area and other locations, according to the report. 

“Close the kitchen,” the report states. “Do not serve or prepare food.”

The motel’s kitchen prepares only continental breakfasts, including bagels, donuts, cereal and bread items, according to Kam Patel, a front desk manager. He said the facility has been closed but management plans to have it reopened by tomorrow.

The food facility inspection report also noted that there is currently no food safety manager and routine cleaning is not being done in the kitchen of the Valley West business. Inspectors from the Environmental Health Division of the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services ordered the business to thoroughly clean and sanitize all surfaces and hire a licensed pest control company to get rid of the rats. 

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DOCUMENT: Food Facility Inspection Report