Inspection Report

Business Name
Mercado Latino
Business Address
3102 W VAN BUREN ST PHOENIX AZ 85009
Permit Number
FD-05730
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Re-Inspection
Inspection Date
11/4/2025
Grade
R
Priority Violation
0
Inspection Status
Re-Inspection Completed

Violations

Violation #: 10

Description: Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and Accessible

Comments:

5-203.11 - Priority Foundation: Handwashing Sinks - Numbers and Capacities. 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 outdoor grill hand sink with leak at plumbing line. Outdoor grill is required to have a hand sink properly installed and in good working conditions for adequate hand washing during time of operations. Discussed replacing bricks under hand sink with a more permanent solution for elevating hand sink. Ensure to repair plumbing issues at hand sink for adequate hand washing. 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: 2nd consecutive violation: Observed spray nozzle with leak at three compartment sink. Ensure to repair leak and keep spray nozzle stored at least 1"above basin of three compartment sinks to provide air gap. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 55

Description: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and Clean

Comments:

6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions Addl Notes: Observed organic black matter in floors, walls and ceilings of walk-in refrigeration unit. Ensure to detail clean and sanitize all areas. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
One person in charge has applied to obtain a valid Certified Food Protection Manager Certification and plans to take it within 30 days.
Will verify during AMC training.

Will conduct a Food Handlers audit during the AMC training. All employees handling open and/or TCS foods are required to have a Food Handler Certificate.

Discussed hand sink approval for outdoor grill by plan review. Ensure repairs to leaks and removal of bricks and replace under hand sink for stability.

Time as a Control Policy was written and reviewed during re-inspection. Policy was approved and copy shall be kept onsite for future inspections.

Flies were severe outside of establishment, requested at time of inspection that dumpster lid be closed.

"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.