Inspection Report
Taco Chilango
16811 N 145th AVE Surprise AZ 85374
FD2600493
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Food Routine Inspection
3/31/2026
Not Participating
2
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: At time of inspection 2 of 2 handwashing sinks in the kitchen were obstructed, one blocked by floor mats and beverage boxes, the 2nd with a water bottle sitting in the basin. PIC had obstructions at both sinks cleared at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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: In the walk-in refrigerator, 3 pans of refried beans filled 6 - 8 inches deep prepared the night prior to inspection measured with internal temperatures ranging from 43°F and 45°F. 1 container of cooked beef cheek filled 6 - 8 inches deep and covered with cooled fat measured with internal temperature of 63°F. Per PIC, these items had been prepared the night prior to inspection and had been in these containers since preparation. All items recommended for discard, see embargo. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.. Reviewed cooling procedures with PIC, recommended using shallow pans for all cooked and cooled products. PIC confirmed additional shallow pans had been ordered for delivery tomorrow.
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: At the cook line, single door standing refrigerator measured with ambient temperature of 51°F. TCS foods including cooked beef tripas, cooked pork belly, queso cheese and crema measured with internal temperatures ranging from 48° to 51°F. Per PIC these items had been in unit for approximately 2 hours and were moved to alternate refrigeration for cooling and storage. Adequate alternative refrigeration available for use, PIC agreed to keep TCS foods in other units until repairs/adjustments completed. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Comments/Details
Predefined Comment: 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.
| 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.