Inspection Report

Business Name
Tacos El Rojo Phx

Business Address
5044 W PEORIA AVE GLENDALE AZ 85302

Permit Number
FD2502801

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
3/19/2026

Grade
Not Participating

Priority Violation
1

Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 1

Description: Person in Charge Present, Demonstrates Knowledge, and Performs Duties

Comments:

2-102.11(A-B) and (C)(1), (4)-(16) - Priority Foundation: Demonstration; Demonstration of Knowledge Addl Notes: Observed a chub of pork (83°F) on an inactive spit which was placed on the rotisserie grill at 9. The manager turned on the spit at time of inspection. Also observed shelled eggs above cabbage. No direct contamination observed. Manager was unable to articulate hot holding temperatures and food storage requirements. A person-in-charge is required onsite at all times, must demonstrate adequate knowledge, and perform all duties as required. No certified Food Manager was present at the time of inspection. In Compliance with the Food Code, Maricopa County requires a Food Manager present during operating hours. Emailed Maricopa Policy changes and additional resources on where to acquire a Food Manager Certification. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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 no soap, paper towels at either handwashing sink. Also observed a sanitizer bucket in one of the handwashing sink basins. An employee replaced the soap and paper towels and removed the sanitizer bucket at time of inspection. Discussed maintaining soap, paper towels, and a trash basin near ALL the handwashing sinks. Handwashing sinks to be ALWAYS maintained unobstructed and accessible. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 21

Description: Proper Hot Holding Temperatures

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(1) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot 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/4614/AMC-Toolbox---Hot-Holding.

Addl Notes: Observed cooked potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil (86°F) on the cold side of the grill. Alerted manager who stated the potatoes had been on the grill for less than 1 hour. Staff stated these potatoes are typically left on the grill until ordered. Staff began cooling the potatoes at time of inspection. If left on the potatoes are to be reheated to 165°F and then left at 135°F to hot hold until ordered. Otherwise, these pre-cooked potatoes should be cooked to order. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 48

Description: Warewashing Facilities, Installed, Maintained, Used, Test Strips

Comments:

4-603.16 - Core: Rinsing Procedures Addl Notes: Observed the three compartment sink set up to wash, sanitize and then rinse dishes. Alerted manager and retrained on requirements. Staff to wash, rinse and then sanitize dishes. The sink was set up correctly at time of inspection and dishes were redone. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 51

Repeat Violation

Description: Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow Devices

Comments:

5-205.15 (B) - Core: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained Addl Notes: SECOND CONSECUTIVE. Observed a black pipe extending into the floor drain from the three-compartment sink. Re-educated manager on air gap requirements. Establishment to trim drain line for 3-compartment sink so there is a one-inch gap above floor. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details

No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Discussed employee foods storage, food storage requirements, thawing practices, and date marking requirements with staff.

"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.