The La Unica Market on Chester Avenue in Bakersfield has been closed by the Kern County Health Department has been closed due to multiple health code violations.

The biggest issue involved the market's walk-in freezer which was packed so full with frozen meats it was impossible to get into it. The meat was stacked on the floor and shelves as high as 5 feet. In addition, multiple types of meat were not separated and were piled together.

Inspectors also noted that there was no hot water for cleaning equipment and utensils and no warm water for employees to wash their hands. The owner confirmed that the hot water boiler has broken for two weeks.

Employees also did not understand the health risks posed by the lack of hot water needed to remove grease and disease-causing bacteria from hands and surfaces.