Inspection Report

Business Name
El Norteno
Business Address
1002 N 7TH AVE PHOENIX AZ 85007
Permit Number
FD-01267
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
6/4/2025
Grade
B
Priority Violation
0
Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

Violation #: 2

Description: Certified Food Protection Manager

Comments:

2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants Addl Notes: Provide copy of Food Protection Manager Certification, one person in charge shall have a valid certificate. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 24

Description: Time as a Public Health Control: Procedures and Records

Comments:

3-501.19 (A1, B2, C2-3) - Priority Foundation: Time as a Public Health Control; Documentation. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources. Addl Notes: Observed Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items like enchiladas stored at room temperature at time of inspection. Observed lack of written procedures to be utilized for using Time as a Public Health Control (TPHC). This method requires written procedures on file. Instructed operator for food to be marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point the TCS food was removed from temperature control. This shall be used when using TPHC for cold food at 41*F or below or hot foods 135*F or above. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

Violation #: 55

Description: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and Clean

Comments:

6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions Addl Notes: Observed grease on filters under exhaust hood including on sides of equipment at cook line. Ensure to detail clean and sanitize all areas maintain as needed. Observed hole in ceiling by three compartment sink ensure to repair any leaks and seal any holes.

Comments/Details


Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Discussed with operator to ensure adequate sanitizing concentrations of Chlorine 50ppm to 100ppm and Quaternary ammonium 150ppm to 400ppm.

A re-inspection will be conducted within 6/18/25.

"A" for Food Safety

Through our grading system, Maricopa County Environmental Services Department provides at-a-glance indications of how food establishments perform during food safety inspections. This system is designed to grade food establishments in terms of food safety requirements and provide recognition to those who choose to participate.

How does it work?

The issuance of grade cards to food establishments is based on voluntary participation. The person in charge, who is present during the inspection, will be asked whether they would like to participate in the Grading System. This will be decided prior to each inspection. If an establishment does not participate in the Grading System, Not Participating or NP will appear on the inspection report, and the inspection will still occur. If an establishment does participate, a grade of A, B, C, or D will be determined at the conclusion of the inspection using the Grading System chart below. Participating establishments will then be provided with a grade card that can be posted in the establishment. The status of the establishment’s grade will also appear on the Restaurant Ratings page of the department’s website.

How can I determine the grade?

The Grading System chart can be used to determine grades earned for establishments that do not participate. Grades are determined by the number of Priority and Priority Foundation violations received at the time of inspection. Violation types are defined in general terms below.

Definitions

Priority Violation
Major violation that directly contributes to increasing the risk of foodborne illness or injury (e.g. Food employees do not properly wash hands when required).
Priority Foundation Violation
Minor violation that does not directly contribute to an increased risk of foodborne illness but failure to correct this violation may lead to the occurrence of a priority violation. For example, hand washing soap and paper towels not available at hand wash sink (may lead directly to food employees not properly washing hands when required).
Core Violation
Minor violation that relates to general maintenance and sanitation (e.g. No sign reminding employees to wash hands).
Cutting Edge Program
All county food-related establishments can partner with Maricopa County to implement a proactive approach to reducing foodborne illness risk factors by implementing food safety systems that include policies, training, and verification processes. Partners enrolled in the Cutting Edge Program receive an A+ when an A is earned.
Grading System The matrix below is used to grade food inspections under the voluntary grading system.
A B B B B B B B C C C C C C D D
Priority 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 2 2 2 3
Priority Foundation 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 5 3 4 0 1 2 3 0

Any legal action for a pattern of non-compliance or permit suspension results in a D.