Inspection Report

Business Name
La Mexicana Tortillas

Business Address
1722 S 27TH AVE PHOENIX AZ 85009

Permit Number
FD-04162

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Food Production

Inspection Purpose
CI Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
4/2/2026

Grade
Not Participating

Priority Violation
1

Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 28

Description: Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly Stored

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-201.11 - Priority: Separation-Storage

Addl Notes: -- Observed can of non-food grade lubricant (WD-40) being stored above corn tortilla machinery. Reviewed with the PIC the following: Chemicals must be stored away from food, utensils, and single service items at all times to prevent contamination. All chemicals were relocated and properly stored by PIC at time of inspection. Reminders/Discussions with PIC: Lubricants and other substances that contact food, such as countertops, cutlery, or food-processing machinery are required to be food grade. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 38

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

6-202.15 - Core: Outer Openings, Protected Addl Notes: -- Multiple doors throughout the facility were kept open without air curtains or sufficient screens to protect from potential entry of pests. Outer openings of a food establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by: o Filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings; o Closed, tight-fitting windows; and o Solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 40

Description: Personal Cleanliness

Comments:

2-303.11 - Core: Prohibition-Jewelry Addl Notes: -- Employees observed working with exposed foods (kneading masa) with bracelet on wrists. Reviewed jewelry restrictions with the PIC: Except for a plain ring such as a wedding band, while preparing food, food employees may not wear jewelry including medical information jewelry on their arms and hands. Requested jewelry be removed or restrained by glove (if wearing for religious purposes) at the time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 47

Description: Food and Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed and Used

Comments:

4-101.11 (B-E) - Core: Characteristics- Multiuse; Durable, Nonabsorbent, Smooth, Easily Cleanable Addl Notes: -- Observed towels being used to absorb moisture for flour tortillas in processing machine. Observed belts on machinery with significant breakage/damage due to wear. All food-contact surfaces must be smooth, non-absorbent, and easily cleanable. Repair or replace equipment prior to the next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 51

Description: Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow Devices

Comments:

5-205.15 (B) - Core: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained Addl Notes: -- Pipe under 3-compartment sink for corn tortilla side leaks significantly when in use. All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 53

Description: Toilet Facilities: Properly Constructed, Supplied, Clean

Comments:

5-501.17 - Core: Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered Addl Notes: -- No closed trash receptacles for women's restrooms. Uni-sex and female toilet rooms requires a covered waste receptacle. Provide for every stall prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

"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.