Inspection Report

Business Name
El Pollo Loco
Business Address
6535 W INDIAN SCHOOL RD PHOENIX AZ 85033
Permit Number
FD-88015
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
CI Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
8/18/2026
Grade
A
Priority Violation
0
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: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) was not on site at the time of inspection. A CFPM is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 38

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

6-501.112 - Core: Removing Dead or Trapped Birds, Insects, Rodents and other Pests Addl Notes: -- Multiple dead American cockroaches observed throughout the facility. No live pest activity observed at the time of inspection. The person in charge provided the most recent pest control reports from 7/2/26. Establishment must be maintained free of pests and all pest control measures must be conducted by a licensed pest control specialist. Eliminate current pest control problem and obtain pest control services from a certified and licensed pest control specialist. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 55

Description: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and Clean

Comments:

6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions Addl Notes: -- Observed raw chicken/marinade drippings and raw chicken food debris inside floor sink under chicken marinade machine. PIC was able to clear, clean, and sanitize clogged drain. The drain was clogged due to significant chicken food debris accumulation on grate. After debris removal, the drain cleared and appeared to be functioning properly. Advised PIC to ensure drain remains clear and clog free at all times to prevent cross-contamination risk onto floors and food-contact surfaces/equipment. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

6-501.11 - Core: Repairing -Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods Addl Notes: -- Observed multiple areas in floors, walls, and ceilings in disrepair at the time of inspection: • There are damaged and missing floor tiles observed throughout the kitchen • There are damaged and open holes in the walls near dry storage area and stove area behind fryers. • Damaged grout in floor tiles throughout establishment. Floors, walls, ceilings, and attached equipment must be maintained in good repair. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


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.