Public Health – Seattle & King County has ordered the closure of Empapados, a food business in White Center, after inspectors identified multiple violations, including operating without hot water and without a valid permit.

According to Public Health, Empapados, located at 10434 16th Ave SW, was closed at 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 25.

Health officials cited three reasons for the closure:

  • Operating without a valid permit
  • Failing to use an approved commissary kitchen for food preparation
  • Equipment cleaning, and operating without hot water available

Public Health classified the lack of hot water as an imminent health hazard.

“Reasons for closing an establishment may be due to food code violations and failure to follow the permitting process,” Public Health says on its website. “Depending on the type of closure, additional information may include the date the facility was shut down, whether the establishment has reopened, the date it reopened, and additional notes.”

Information for restaurants closed by Public Health will remain online for a minimum of 7 days after the establishment is reopened.