Lexington health department closed two specialty groceries in a month. Here’s why
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Two specialty markets in Lexington were closed this month by health inspectors.
- Cited issues included partial power loss at one and spoiled, uncovered foods at the other.
- Both stores reopened after corrective actions and improved follow-up inspection scores.
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department closed two specialty groceries in town in the last month: a popular Asian market and a location of a Latin market.
These were the only establishments closed, according to the department.
Restaurants are closed when the health department finds an imminent risk to public health, such as insect or rodent infestation, lack of running water or sewage contamination. Restaurants can also be closed if the establishment scores too low during an inspection.
What happens when a restaurant is closed
When the health department closes a restaurant, a red sign is placed on the door to notify potential customers that food service has been halted. But the health department does not publicize that restaurants have been closed.
Restaurants must correct the issues to pass re-inspection before they can re-open.
Establishments that score below 60 on an inspection are also immediately closed.
Supermercado Aguascalientes
The health department closed Supermercado Aguascalientes at 2220 Nicholasville Rd. in the Zandale Shopping Center on Jan. 21 “due to imminently dangerous conditions,” according to Luke Mathis, environmental health team leader.
On that date, during an enforcement action visit, an inspector found the establishment was “still operating without partial power with milk/dairy products out and no plan for how to move supplies to maintain 41 degree temps,” according to the report.
The store had scored a 99 on inspection on Nov. 11, 2025.
The store reopened on Jan. 22, according to Mathis.
Yu Yu Asian Market
Yu Yu Asian Market, 393 Waller Ave., Unit 1, was closed after scoring 82 on a regular inspection on Feb. 4.
According to the report, the inspector found spoiled fruits, vegetables or other foods; oysters in the same containment as conchs; open air seafood not stored covered while on display; food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized; establishment did not have any sanitizer on site that can be sued to properly sanitize food contact surfaces; cut jackfruit left on counter near checkout without proper refrigeration; ready-to-eat foods not properly date marked; food improperly stored; accumulation of algae in fish tanks and leaking ceiling with buckets to catch dripping water, among other issues.
The store reopened on Feb. 4 after scoring 94.
