Re-inspection
Aug 13, 2026
Not scored
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Aug 13, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant Food Facility · San Diego County, CA
Cotixan Mexican Restaurant
538 N 02Nd St
Last inspected Aug 13, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
21 inspectionsRoutine
Aug 13, 2026
A Grade
Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale
2 recorded violations
minorCode 7Food temperature
Official wording
Proper hot & cold holding temperatures
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperatureminorCode 27Other
Official wording
Food separated and protected
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Aug 13, 2026 · Original Source
Routine
Aug 7, 2026
C Grade
Official score: 77 · Understand this area’s scale
11 recorded violations
minorCode —Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
1a. Food Safety Certification & Exp. Date
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesminorCode —Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
1b. Food Handler Training
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuescriticalCode 5Handwashing
Official wording
Hands clean & properly washed; gloves used properly
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsminorCode 6Handwashing
Official wording
Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemscriticalCode 7Food temperature
Official wording
Proper hot & cold holding temperatures
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturecriticalCode 14Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Food contact surfaces clean & sanitized
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode 27Other
Official wording
Food separated and protected
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 33Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Nonfood contact surfaces clean
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode 35Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment / Utensils -approved, installed, good repair, capacity
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesminorCode 40Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Wiping cloths -properly used, stored
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode 44Pests
Official wording
Premises, personal / cleaning items, vermin-proofing
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsOfficial record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Aug 7, 2026 · Original Source
Re-inspection
Oct 7, 2025
Not scored
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Oct 7, 2025 · Original Source
Routine
Sep 30, 2025
A Grade
Official score: 90 · Understand this area’s scale
5 recorded violations
minorCode —Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
1a. Food Safety Certification & Exp. Date
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuescriticalCode 13Contamination
Official wording
Food in good condition, safe & unadulterated
In plain English
Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.
More about food not protected from contaminationminorCode 23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds or animals
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsminorCode 30Other
Official wording
Food storage; food storage containers identified
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 33Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Nonfood contact surfaces clean
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Sep 30, 2025 · Original Source
Status Verification
Aug 14, 2025
Not scored
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Aug 14, 2025 · Original Source
Re-inspection
Jul 30, 2025
Not scored
1 recorded violation
minorCode 28Other
Official wording
Fruits & vegetables washed
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Jul 30, 2025 · Original Source
Routine
Jul 23, 2025
Closed
The health department recorded a closure at this inspection.
7 recorded violations
criticalCode 9Food temperature
Official wording
Proper cooling methods
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturecriticalCode 22Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Sewage & wastewater properly disposed
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsminorCode 23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds or animals
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsminorCode 27Other
Official wording
Food separated and protected
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 35Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment / Utensils -approved, installed, good repair, capacity
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesminorCode 40Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Wiping cloths -properly used, stored
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode 44Pests
Official wording
Premises, personal / cleaning items, vermin-proofing
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsOfficial record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Jul 23, 2025 · Original Source
Re-inspection
Jul 23, 2025
Not scored
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Jul 23, 2025 · Original Source
Re-inspection
Jul 23, 2025
Not scored
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Jul 23, 2025 · Original Source
Routine
Jul 23, 2025
A Grade
Official score: 95 · Understand this area’s scale
4 recorded violations
minorCode 23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds or animals
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsminorCode 27Other
Official wording
Food separated and protected
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 35Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment / Utensils -approved, installed, good repair, capacity
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesminorCode 44Pests
Official wording
Premises, personal / cleaning items, vermin-proofing
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsOfficial record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Jul 23, 2025 · Original Source
Re-inspection
Jul 8, 2025
Not scored
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Jul 8, 2025 · Original Source
Routine
Jul 8, 2025
A Grade
Official score: 91 · Understand this area’s scale
6 recorded violations
minorCode —Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
1a. Food Safety Certification & Exp. Date
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesminorCode 6Handwashing
Official wording
Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsminorCode 23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds or animals
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsminorCode 27Other
Official wording
Food separated and protected
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 39Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Thermometers -provided, accurate
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesminorCode 44Pests
Official wording
Premises, personal / cleaning items, vermin-proofing
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsOfficial record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Jul 8, 2025 · Original Source
Re-inspection
Apr 16, 2025
Not scored
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Apr 16, 2025 · Original Source
Re-inspection
Apr 2, 2025
Not scored
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Apr 2, 2025 · Original Source
Routine
Apr 2, 2025
A Grade
Official score: 95 · Understand this area’s scale
4 recorded violations
minorCode —Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
1a. Food Safety Certification & Exp. Date
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesminorCode 27Other
Official wording
Food separated and protected
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 33Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Nonfood contact surfaces clean
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode 35Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment / Utensils -approved, installed, good repair, capacity
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesOfficial record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Apr 2, 2025 · Original Source
Routine
Apr 1, 2025
Closed
The health department recorded a closure at this inspection.
6 recorded violations
criticalCode 14Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Food contact surfaces clean & sanitized
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemscriticalCode 23Pests
Official wording
No rodents, insects, birds or animals
In plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsminorCode 27Other
Official wording
Food separated and protected
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 33Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Nonfood contact surfaces clean
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode 35Equipment and utensils
Official wording
Equipment / Utensils -approved, installed, good repair, capacity
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesminorCode 45Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Floor, walls and ceilings - built, maintained, clean
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Apr 1, 2025 · Original Source
Routine
May 23, 2024
A Grade
Official score: 91 · Understand this area’s scale
6 recorded violations
minorCode —Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
1a. Food Safety Certification & Exp. Date
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesminorCode 6Handwashing
Official wording
Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsminorCode 7Food temperature
Official wording
Proper hot & cold holding temperatures
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperatureminorCode 27Other
Official wording
Food separated and protected
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 30Other
Official wording
Food storage; food storage containers identified
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 34Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Warewashing facilities -installed, maintained, used; Test strips available
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, May 23, 2024 · Original Source
Re-inspection
May 23, 2024
Not scored
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, May 23, 2024 · Original Source
Routine
Apr 21, 2023
A Grade
Official score: 90 · Understand this area’s scale
6 recorded violations
minorCode —Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
1a. Food Safety Certification & Exp. Date
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesminorCode —Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
1b. Food Handler Training
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesminorCode 6Handwashing
Official wording
Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsminorCode 7Food temperature
Official wording
Proper hot & cold holding temperatures
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperatureminorCode 33Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Nonfood contact surfaces clean
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsminorCode 38Facility maintenance
Official wording
Adequate ventilation/ Lighting - designated areas, use
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesOfficial record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Apr 21, 2023 · Original Source
Re-inspection
Apr 21, 2023
Not scored
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Apr 21, 2023 · Original Source
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