Inspection Report
Santa Madre Taco Shop
1320 W ELLIOT RD TEMPE AZ 85284
FD-32022
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Food Routine Inspection
8/6/2025
A
0
Completed
Violations
Violation #: 47
Repeat Violation
Description: Food and Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed and Used
Comments:
4-402.11 - Core: Fixed Equipment, Spacing or Sealing-Installation Addl Notes: Observed separated/missing caulking or black organic matter on existing caulking along the fixed equipment: men's bathroom, front and back hand wash sinks including splash guards, three-compartment sink, and prep sink. Discussed with Person in Charge (PIC) all fixed equipment shall be sealed with caulking to create a smooth and easily cleanable surface to prevent accumulation of contaminants. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection. 2nd Consecutive Violation
Violation #: 56
Repeat Violation
Description: Adequate Ventilation and Lighting; Designated Areas Used
Comments:
6-501.14 - Core: Cleaning Ventilation Systems, Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition Addl Notes: Observed heavy black grease buildup, dust and there are signs of drippage on the ventilation system, Per PIC the system was cleaned approximately 3 months prior to inspection. Discussed with PIC to clean at a frequency that prevents accumulation of dust, grease and grease drippage. Also observed missing/ separated and dangling high temperature caulking of the ventilation system. Discussed to replace the high temperature caulking on all fixed parts of the ventilation system to prevent accumulation of grease build up and drippage. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection. 2nd Consecutive Violation
Comments/Details
No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Of Note: Discussed with PIC all chemicals shall be labeled with common name and stored in a way that prevents contamination of lines, single use items, cutting boards, equipment, food and food contact surfaces. >>>>>Observed establishment with an Eating & Drinking (E&D) Class 3 permit cooking and cooling items such as red salsa, green salsa, jalapenos, shrimp with tomato (The Govenor), refried beans, Spanish rice, and barbacoa. Advanced prepping and cooling require an E&D Class 4 permit. Establishment is operating as an E&D Class 4 permit; permit has been adjusted, and fee changes have been discussed with PIC.
"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.
| 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.