The Southern Nevada Health District closed the popular Panda Garden Asian food restaurant, located at 12 West Mesquite Boulevard, on April 19. Photo by Barbara Ellestad

According to its website, the Southern Nevada Health District ordered the Panda Garden Asian food restaurant closed on April 19 based on a routine food inspection that found severe violations of food handling requirements.

The popular restaurant located at 12 W. Mesquite Blvd. had a history of poor grades on previous inspections dating back as far as 2005. Most recently the restaurant received a “B” grade on two previous occasions in August and January 2017 and a “C” grade with 39 demerits in January 2016.

According to the Health District’s online report the restaurant’s inspection last week found violations of food wholesome, not spoiled, contaminated, or adulterated; food protected from potential contamination during storage and preparation; effective pest control measures, animals restricted as required; and grade/card signs posted, consumer advisory.

A restaurant employee was seen removing supplies from the building on Monday afternoon but refused comment. The restaurant has posted a for sale sign on the front entrance.