Inspection Report

Business Name
Tequila Cocina and Cantina
Business Address
4818 N 7TH ST PHOENIX AZ 85014
Permit Number
FD-90313
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
7/22/2026
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
0
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 10

Description: Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and Accessible

Comments:

5-205.11 - Priority Foundation: Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance. 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/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing. Addl Notes: Observed handwashing sink in the kitchen blocked by a strainer holding meat. Observed handwashing sink in the bar blocked by a strainer. Informed person in charge (PIC) that handwashing sinks should not be blocked and should only be used for handwashing purposes. PIC will ensure establishment discontinues use of handwash sink for all activities that are not for handwashing. PIC relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 14

Description: Required Records Available: Shellstock Tags, Parasite Destruction

Comments:

3-203.12 - Priority Foundation: Shellstock, Maintaining Identification. 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/4619/AMC-Toolbox---Approved-Source. Addl Notes: Observed oysters on the menu and in the walk-in cooler, but person in charge (PIC) cannot provide tags for any of the batches received in the last 90 days. Informed PIC that shellstock tags must be kept with shellstock until sold, dated with final sale date, and maintained in chronological order for 90 days onsite. PIC received electronic tag for latest batch from supplier at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 37

Description: Food Properly Labeled; Original Container

Comments:

3-203.11 - Core: Molluscan Shellfish, Original Container Addl Notes: Observed oysters in an unlabeled metallic bin in the walk-in cooler. Molluscan shellfish should not be removed from the container in which they are received other than immediately before sale or preparation for service. Person in charge (PIC) stated that oysters were received in a box yesterday and box was thrown away. At time of inspection, oysters were not being prepared for service. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
*Discussed time as a control for sushi rice, sanitizer concentration in warewashing machine, and reheating 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.
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.