Inspection Report

Business Name
El Gordo Mexican Grill
Business Address
6730 W CACTUS RD PEORIA AZ 85381
Permit Number
FD-88611
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
9/24/2024
Grade
C
Priority Violation
2
Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

Violation #: 20

Description: Proper Cooling Time and Temperatures

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.14 - Priority: Cooling. 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 red salsa (48-50°F) and cooked beef (50°F), which had been cooked last night above 41°F in the walk in (see embargo). Staff were instructed to discard the beef and red salsa from that batch as it had not cooled down properly. Provided temperature logs electronically. Discussed keeping temperature logs to identify when items start the cooling process. Time Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods must cool from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours and from 135°F and 41°F or less within a total of 6 hours. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 22

Description: Proper Cold Holding Temperatures

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. 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/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding.

Addl Notes: Observed Time Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods ex. cooked meats (44°F), salsas (44°F), beans (44°F), etc. all cold holding above 41°F. The walk-in measured 43.7°F with the min/max thermometer. Alerted the manager who called maintenance to come out and service the walk-in. Both thermometers used were calibrated onsite with staff. Foods that could be moved to alternative refrigeration were moved. Staff were instructed to cool all remaining TCS foods with ice until the walk-in can be serviced. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 33

Description: Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature Control

Comments:

4-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Cooling, Heating, and Holding Capacities-Equipment. 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 the walk-in measuring at 43.7°F with the min/max thermometer. Alerted the manager who called maintenance to service the walk-in. Staff were instructed to move TCS foods to alternative refrigeration and ice the remaining TCS foods in the walk-in. Establishment to promptly fix the walk-in and make sure it can maintain temperatures at or below 41°F. A reinspection on the walk-in will occur in 24 hours. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-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.