Inspection Report
Los Cerritos Mexican Food
4730 E INDIAN SCHOOL RD PHOENIX AZ 85018
FD-81886
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Food Routine Inspection
2/19/2026
B
1
Completed
Violations
Violation #: 28
Description: Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly Stored
Comments:
PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-207.11 (B) - Priority: Restriction and Storage-Medicine; Storage & labeling
Addl Notes: Observed pain medication (Tylenol) being stored on top of meat slicer which is also over avocados. All medicines must be stored away from food, utensils, and single service items to prevent contamination. All medicines were relocated and properly stored by PIC at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Violation #: 33
Description: Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature Control
Comments:
3-501.15 (A) - Priority Foundation: Cooling Methods. 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: Observed cooked tomatoes for salsa cooling in the walk in cooler but cooling a deep bucket. Person in charge states they usually add ice to the product once it gets blended which is what they state they were in the process of doing. TCS foods must be cooled in: uncovered/loosely covered, shallow containers less than 4 inches deep, in equipment designed to rapidly cool, by using an ice bath, by using ice as an ingredient, or another effective means. All TCS foods being cooled in deep containers were transferred to shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Violation #: 48
Description: Warewashing Facilities, Installed, Maintained, Used, Test Strips
Comments:
4-603.12 - Core: Precleaning Addl Notes: Observed "clean" containers being used with old date markings still on the containers. Discussed the importance of precleaning all utensils to ensure that all parts are cleaned properly. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
Comments/Details
No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Reviewed sour cream container procedures.
"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.