Inspection Report

Business Name
La Salsitas Taco Shop

Business Address
922 N 16TH ST PHOENIX AZ 85006

Permit Number
FD2501562

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
3/2/2026

Grade
B

Priority Violation
0

Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

Violation #: 25

Description: Consumer Advisory Provided for Raw or Undercooked Food

Comments:

3-603.11 - Priority Foundation: Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw, Undercooked, or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens. 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/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources. Addl Notes: Observed ceviche cooked using lemon juice and items that can be ordered with an undercooked egg listed on the menu. The menu is missing a consumer advisory reminder statement and disclosure method. Discussed with PIC that a consumer advisory is required to be added to be menu, including any online menus. Must added consumer advisory prior to reinspection on 03/12/2026. Offering and serving undercooked proteins requires an approved consumer advisory at all points of sale; and must contain an approved disclosure method and reminder statement. Must provide approved consumer advisory at all points of sale prior to re-inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection on 3/12/2026.

Violation #: 33

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

Comments:

3-501.15 (A) - Priority Foundation: Cooling Methods. 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 metal pans of cooked chopped beef and chicken with internal temperatures ranging 68*F-84*F, sitting out at room temperature. PIC stated that the food was cooked about an hour prior and trays were cooling and would go into the walk-in soon. Informed PIC that the proper cooling needs to be conducted under refrigeration. PIC moved the cooling foods into the walk-in at time of inspection. Provided cooling documents via email. TCS foods must be cooled in: uncovered/loosely covered, shallow containers less than 4 inches deep, in equipment designed to rapidly cool, by using an ice bath, by using ice as an ingredient, or another effective means. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 50

Description: Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure

Comments:

5-103.11 - Priority Foundation: Capacity-Quantity and Availability Addl Notes: Observed no hot water available at time hand sink at time of inspection. PIC stated that the hot water was turned off due to a noise the faucet was making. Informed PIC that hot water is required to be available at the hand sinks at all times. PIC turned on the hot water at time of inspection. Hot water of: 100°F is required at all handwash sinks; 110°F at all other sinks; 120°F at mechanical warewashing units sanitizing with chemicals; and 140°F at mechanical warewashing units sanitizing with high temperature. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Comments/Details

No County legal action will result from this inspection.
1. Discussed ceviche is to be treated as raw because it is cooked with lemon juice and not heat step. 2. Discussed date marking food items with the date they were pulled to thaw to keep track of days. Provided date marking document. 3. Discussed test strip requirements. 4. Discussed that thawing must occur under refrigeration or under cool running water.

"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.
Violation Category	Grade A	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade C	Grade C	Grade C	Grade C	Grade C	Grade C	Grade D	Grade D
Priority	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	0	1	1	2	2	2	more than 2	more than 3
Priority Foundation	0	1	2	3	4	0	1	2	5	3	4	0	1	2	more than 3	more than 0

Any legal action for a pattern of non-compliance or permit suspension results in a D.