Who can shut down a restaurant in LA County? Ask the lawer

Q: Seems like every week I read about restaurant closures, but who does that and under what authority?
-B.K., Gardena
Ron Sokol
A: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (District Surveillance and Enforcement) inspects retail food facilities, including restaurants. A letter grade is issued, depending upon certain criteria. DSE has the authority to enforce the California Retail Food Code, the Los Angeles County Code (Title 11), and the Sherman Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law. The inspecti