LOS ANGELES -- In a crackdown under a new state law, inspectors have issued citations to five Southern California salons, putting them on probation for clipping toenails and soaking feet in unsanitary conditions, it was reported Wednesday.

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Salons in Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Buena Park and Santa Ana are among 10 cited by inspectors from the state Board of Barbering and Cosmetology in Sacramento, the Los Angeles Times reported. Five citations were issued in Northern California. Each salon was also fined $500.

In January, a new law gave the board the power to immediately put on probation any salon violating state hygiene rules for pampering patrons' feet. Previously, a hearing was required before a suspension could be imposed.

State Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, wrote the law because of concern about cases in which people getting pedicures also contracted foot infections, according to The Times. Bacterial infections can affect the body's immune system and lead to more serious health issues.

The board is focusing on the use of small whirlpool baths in which the feet are soaked as part of a pedicure. Many customers shave their legs before a pedicure, and bacteria may enter the body through small cuts, Kristy Underwood, the barbering and cosmetology board's executive officer, told The Times.

The Southern California salons whose citations were announced Tuesday include Laser Nails in Huntington Beach, KC Nails in Anaheim, Top Hair Salon in Buena Park, LyLy Hair and Nails and another salon in Huntington Beach, according to The Times.