Inspection Report

Business Name
Los Toritos Mexican Food
Business Address
3218 E MCDOWELL RD PHOENIX AZ 85008
Permit Number
FD-53090
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
8/5/2025
Grade
B
Priority Violation
0
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 10

Description: Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and Accessible

Comments:

6-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Handwashing Cleanser, Availability. 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 handsoap available at one of the kitchen handwashing sinks. The battery was dead. Corrected by owner. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 35

Description: Approved Thawing Methods Used

Comments:

3-501.13 - Core: Thawing Addl Notes: Raw shrimp was thawing in a bucket of cold water in the food-prep sink. The water was not running. The owner then put the shrimp in a strainer basket and turned on the cold water. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 39

Description: Contamination Prevented during Food Preparation, Storage and Display

Comments:

Violation #: 43

Description: In-Use Utensils; Properly Stored

Comments:

3-304.12 - Core: In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage Addl Notes: The ice scoop at the soda fountain was laying down, with the handle touching the ice. Corrected by manager. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 54

Description: Garbage/Refuse Properly Disposed; Facilities Maintained

Comments:

5-501.111 - Core: Area, Enclosures and Receptacles, Good Repair Addl Notes: One of the dumpster lids has been burned off and must be replaced.

5-501.113 - Core: Covering Receptacles Addl Notes: The grease-bin lid was left open. Maintain closed at all times. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 56

Description: Adequate Ventilation and Lighting; Designated Areas Used

Comments:

6-303.11 - Core: Intensity-Lighting Addl Notes: The interior of the walk-in cooler is very dimly lit. It was difficult to see the food without a flashlight. Install a brighter light bulb, or install more lights. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


Predefined Comment: 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.
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.