Inspection Report

Business Name
El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant
Business Address
10839 E MAIN ST APACHE JUNCTION AZ 85120
Permit Number
FD-86655
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Meat Market
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
2/26/2026
Grade
B
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 15

Description: Food Separated and Protected

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-302.11 (A1-2) - Priority: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; Protection from Cross Contamination. 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/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination.

Addl Notes: Observed bags of raw pork stored above packages of queso fresco. All raw meat must be stored below ready-to-eat food to prevent cross contamination. Pork was moved below cheese at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 49

Description: Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Clean

Comments:

4-602.13 - Core: Nonfood Contact Surfaces Addl Notes: Observed racks in the meat walk-in cooler with accumulated food debris. Discussed regularly wiping racks down to keep them clean. Please keep racks clean prior to the next routine inspection. Observed food debris on the outside of the meat grinder. Discussed wiping the outside of the meat grinder to keep it clean. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 55

Description: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and Clean

Comments:

6-201.11 - Core: Floors, Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability Addl Notes: Observed two holes in the wall in the meat cutting area. Walls in food preparation areas must be smooth and easily cleanable. Please repair holes so that wall is smooth prior to the next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Discussed fly trap use and preventing flies from entering the establishment. Inspection report emailed.

"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.