Inspection Report

Business Name
Carolina's Mexican Food

Business Address
1202 E MOHAVE ST PHOENIX AZ 85034

Permit Number
FD-03699

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Food Catering

Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
9/22/2026

Grade
B

Priority Violation
1

Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

Violation #: 10

Description: Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and Accessible

Comments:

5-202.12 (A) - Priority Foundation: Handwashing Sinks, Installation. Proper temperature, Mixing Faucet. 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/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing. Addl Notes: Observed handwashing sink reaching a maximum of 80*F at time of inspection. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection on 10/01/26

Violation #: 22

Description: Proper Cold Holding Temperatures

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. 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/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding.

Addl Notes: Observed walk-in cooler with internal temperature of 55*F at time of inspection. Observed several TCS foods with internal temps ranging from 45-55 at time of inspection, PIC stated foods had been prepped more than 4 hours prior. Pooled eggs measured 48*F degrees at time of inspection. All TCS foods improperly cold held were discarded by PIC at time of inspection - see embargo list. All TCS foods within 4 hour window were relocated to alternative functioning refrigeration unit to rapidly cool to 41°F at time of inspection. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. Eggs not treated to destroy Salmonellae can be stored in equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F or below. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 33

Description: Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature Control

Comments:

4-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Cooling, Heating, and Holding Capacities-Equipment. 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/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling. Addl Notes: Observed main source of refrigeration out of temp at 55*F ambient at time of inspection. Observed various temperature control for safety items such as raw meats, pooled eggs, and cooked beans in the walk-in cooler, all of which were prepared more than 4 hours prior to inspection, measuring between 45-55 degrees F. These items were discarded- see embargo list for details. Discussed cold holding requirements. Alternative refrigeration is available to operate safely, available are four freezers, 2 prep tables, and 1 refrigerator. Corrective Action: Correct prior to 24hr re-inspection.

Violation #: 38

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

6-202.15 - Core: Outer Openings, Protected Addl Notes: Observed large gaps in doors of storage area and walls of employee restroom. Observed light gap in back door of the establishment. Outer openings of food establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 55

Description: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and Clean

Comments:

6-501.11 - Core: Repairing -Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods Addl Notes: Observed the flooring in the kitchen being in disrepair and having areas exposing the aggregate. Some areas are gathering liquid and food debris. All floors, walls, and ceilings must be maintained and repaired such that it is smooth and easily cleanable. Repair physical facility prior to next routine inspection. 7th Consecutive Violation Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details

No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Provided cooling methods guidance.

"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.
Violation Category	Grade A	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade C	Grade C	Grade C	Grade C	Grade C	Grade C	Grade D	Grade D
Priority	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	0	1	1	2	2	2	more than 2	more than 3
Priority Foundation	0	1	2	3	4	0	1	2	5	3	4	0	1	2	more than 3	more than 0

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