Inspection Report

Business Name
Mercado Latino
Business Address
3102 W VAN BUREN ST PHOENIX AZ 85009
Permit Number
FD-05741
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Meat Market
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
5/12/2025
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

Violation #: 10

Repeat Violation

Description: Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and Accessible

Comments:

6-301.12 - Priority Foundation: Hand Drying Provision. 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: No paper towels available at hand wash sink in meat department during time of inspection. Operator proceeded to locate paper towels used for drying hands at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 16

Description: Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and Sanitized

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-602.11 (A-D) - Priority: Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency. 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/4574/AMC-Toolbox---Food-Contact-Surfaces.

Addl Notes: Observed pieces of meat on blade and surfaces of meat cutting machine in meat department. Operator stated that equipment was cleaned last night. Discussed that blades of equipment and surfaces shall be cleaned and sanitized at least every 4hours to prevent bacterial growth. Instructed operator to clean and sanitize equipment. Operator proceeded to take equipment apart for adequate cleaning and sanitizing at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 38

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

6-501.111 (C) - Priority Foundation: Controlling Pests; Approved Trapping Methods/Existence Addl Notes: Observed live german roaches, one in exterior of meat deli display refrigeration and another in prep-sink basin located in rear kitchen. Ensure contact pest control company to properly treat for german roaches and detail clean and sanitize areas as necessary. A re-inspection will be conducted to verify ongoing treatment for german roaches. A pest control with today's date or later must be presented prior to re-inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

Comments/Details


Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Provide updated copy of pest control indicating adequately treating for German roaches. Ensure to detail clean and sanitize all areas of kitchen and meat department including: Floors, walls and ceilings. Ensure to make necessary repairs to plumbing to prevent pooling water.

Kitchen area shall be free of grease and black debris including floors, walls and ceilings. Ensure to seal any gaps on walls and keep rear door closed to prevent fly entry.

"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.