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
11/25/2025
Grade
B
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

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 cooked shredded beef and chicken sitting on the prep counter (48°F-51°F) without staff available to actively prep these foods (items placed out around 30 minutes before temperature measurement). Also observed diced cooked beef (76°F) sitting out on top of the hot table. Staff stated they placed the beef out during the lunch rush (around an hour prior). All TCS foods improperly cold-held were relocated to an alternative functioning refrigeration unit to rapidly cool to 41°F at the time of inspection. Discussed the importance of maintaining cold holding foods under 41°F unless ACTIVELY prepping them. Also observed cream-based sauces (47°F), bags of shredded cheese (47°F), an opened can of cooked chili (47°F), cooked beef (48°F), cold holding in the standing refrigerator between the cook line and the walk-in, above 41°F. Time Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods that had been in the standing refrigerator for over 6 hours were discarded (see embargo). The standing refrigerator was measuring 47.4°F on the min/max. After adjusting the standing refrigerator measured 39.5°F on the min/max thermometer. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control, all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. Discussed the importance of routinely checking cold-holding foods. Calibrated thermometers with staff. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of 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.