Inspection Report

Business Name
TACO NIGHT & TEQUILA
Business Address
3121 W PEORIA AVE PHOENIX AZ 85029
Permit Number
FD-23-06514
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
2/3/2026
Grade
B
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Completed

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: No certified Food Manager was present at the time of inspection. In Compliance with the Food Code, Maricopa County requires a Food Manager present during operating hours. Emailed Maricopa Policy changes and additional resources on where to acquire a Food Manager Certification. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 20

Repeat Violation

Description: Proper Cooling Time and Temperatures

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.14 - Priority: Cooling. 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: SECOND CONSECUTIVE. Observed tamales (84°F) cooked a little over an hour prior, sitting out on the counter. Staff stated the tamales were in the process of cooling. Discussed the importance of switching to ACTIVE cooling once foods reach 135°F. Staff moved the tamales to the walk-in at the time of inspection. Also observed cooked bacon (52°F) tightly wrapped in cellophane in the walk-in. Staff stated the bacon had been cooked 7 hours prior. Staff unwrapped the bacon and placed it in the freezer to quickly come down to 41°F. Discussed the importance of leaving all cooling foods UNCOVERED until they reach 41°F. Also observed two large buckets of salsa (47-50°F), which were made the night prior (see embargo). Staff stated the salsa sat at room temperature overnight to cool prior to being put in the walk-in first thing this morning. Both buckets of salsa were discarded at time of inspection. Discussed time and temperature parameters and active cooling methods with staff. Cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Discussed farm-raised shrimp used in ceviche. Establishment to verify with the distributor that the shrimp is pellet-fed, and keep the verification letter on file.

"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.