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Restaurant · Minneapolis, MN

Colita

5400 Penn Ave S

Last inspected Aug 24, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Verrec

Aug 24, 2026

Complete

Official score: 96 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

majorCode MN Rule 4626.1720AFood temperature

Official wording

Submit a Food Plan Review application to Minneapolis Development Review before: • Remodeling a food or beverage area • Plumbing work • Mechanical ventilation work • Adding ventless cooking equipment • Changing the type of food business Find more information on the Minneapolis Food Plan Review web page.

Inspector’s notes

Not observed- verification report of a separate corrected violation.

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 temperature
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1475AFacility maintenance

Official wording

Provide sufficient mechanical tempered make-up air and exhaust ventilation to keep rooms free of grease, excessive heat, steam condensation, vapors, obnoxious or disagreeable odors, smoke, and fumes according to State Building and Mechanical codes.

Inspector’s notes

Not observed- verification report of a separate corrected violation.

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 issues
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0442BFood temperature

Official wording

The consumer advisory disclosure must include either: • A description of the food as raw or undercooked • An asterisk to a footnote describing the food as raw or undercooked

Inspector’s notes

Not observed- verification report of a separate corrected violation.

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 temperature

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Aug 24, 2026 · Original Source

Routine

Jul 1, 2026

Complete

Official score: 92 · Understand this area’s scale

7 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.1395AOther

Official wording

Doors and windows for all outside openings should be self-closing and tight-fitting. Seal openings along the outside of the building.

Inspector’s notes

Observed gap under backdoor. Install door sweep.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1720AFood temperature

Official wording

Submit a Food Plan Review application to Minneapolis Development Review before: • Remodeling a food or beverage area • Plumbing work • Mechanical ventilation work • Adding ventless cooking equipment • Changing the type of food business Find more information on the Minneapolis Food Plan Review web page.

Inspector’s notes

A food plan review is required for installation of a ventilation hood. Other upgrades may be included in the food plan review, as well. Find the application form and process information at: https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/businessassistance/ run/food-safety/food-plan-review/

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 temperature
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1475AFacility maintenance

Official wording

Provide sufficient mechanical tempered make-up air and exhaust ventilation to keep rooms free of grease, excessive heat, steam condensation, vapors, obnoxious or disagreeable odors, smoke, and fumes according to State Building and Mechanical codes.

Inspector’s notes

Observed a countertop fryer in use that is not kept under a hood while using. Deep fryers must be under a ventilation hood. Remove fryer and discontinue 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 issues
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1110ABHandwashing

Official wording

Keep handwashing sinks accessible at all times. Make sure they are only used for handwashing.

Inspector’s notes

Observed a hand sink in corner of server area blocked with towels and other items making it inaccessible. Instructed to relocate items.

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 problems
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0710BFood temperature

Official wording

Have an item to verify the surface temperature of dishes reaches 160 degrees F inside mechanical hot water dishwashers.

Inspector’s notes

Obtain device to measure rack temperature of utensils in dish machine. For example: Waterproof lollipop thermometer , 160 degree temperature labels , dish plate- plate stimulation dishwasher thermomete r. These are all examples, feel free to get any brand or variation.

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 temperature
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0955AContamination

Official wording

Store all clean equipment, utensils, linens, in a clean dry location where not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination and at least six inches above the floor.

Inspector’s notes

Observed ice scoop stored on top of ice machine. Relocate to a clean pan.

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 contamination
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0442BFood temperature

Official wording

The consumer advisory disclosure must include either: • A description of the food as raw or undercooked • An asterisk to a footnote describing the food as raw or undercooked

Inspector’s notes

Missing disclosure statement on menu. Include an asterisk in front of the food items that are served raw or undercooked with a footnote on the menu stating: Full example: *These items are served raw or undercooked. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness. Include updates on in house and online menus.

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 temperature

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Jul 1, 2026 · Original Source

Routine

Jun 5, 2025

Complete

Official score: 90 · Understand this area’s scale

8 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.1395AOther

Official wording

Doors and windows for all outside openings should be self-closing and tight-fitting. Seal openings along the outside of the building.

Inspector’s notes

Observed gap on bottom of door near liquor storage. Install proper door sweep.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0390BFood temperature

Official wording

While TCS foods are cooling, keep containers uncovered, unstacked, and spread out.

Inspector’s notes

Observed pickled onions and jalapeños covered while in cooling mode. Instructed to uncover. Corrected on site.

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 temperature
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0415BOther

Official wording

A business needs to submit a HACCP plan to obtain a variance to cure foods with curing agents.

Inspector’s notes

Pink curing salt is used in chicken liver pate. Nitrate curing salts are not allowed for use without an approved HACCP plan. Instructed to discard product and remove from menu. Discontinue using curing salt until a HACCP plan is approved. See templates on website: Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point - City of Minneapolis

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1445Handwashing

Official wording

Keep at each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks one of: • A supply of disposable towels • A continuous towel system • An approved air temperature hand drying device

Inspector’s notes

Observed paper towels missing at hand sink. Instructed to stock. Corrected on site.

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 problems
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0955AContamination

Official wording

Store all clean equipment, utensils, linens, in a clean dry location where not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination and at least six inches above the floor.

Inspector’s notes

Observed clean utensils stored on a shelf inside bins that are not clean- crumbs and debris observed. Clean and sanitize bins and utensils.

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 contamination
minorCode MCO 188.390Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

The business license must be posted where it can be easily seen.

Inspector’s notes

License not posted in customer area. Post.

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 issues
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1520ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean all physical facilities (floors, walls, ceilings). Keep them clean.

Inspector’s notes

Observed floor under shelves in server area soiled. Clean and maintain.

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 problems
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0125Contamination

Official wording

Remove all unsafe and adulterated foods from the premises.

Inspector’s notes

Observed tepache inside walk-in cooler. Instructed to discard and discontinue practice. The alcohol concentration of tepache is known to be high and would need to comply with the DPS statutes and city alcohol license. Discontinue this practice unless it is tested for pathogens, alcohol content, and complies with DPS statutes.

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 contamination

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Jun 5, 2025 · Original Source

Follow-Up

Jun 4, 2024

Complete

Official score: 98 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.1475AFacility maintenance

Official wording

Provide sufficient mechanical tempered make-up air and exhaust ventilation to keep rooms free of grease, excessive heat, steam condensation, vapors, obnoxious or disagreeable odors, smoke, and fumes according to State Building and Mechanical codes.

Inspector’s notes

A deep-frying station was observed set up in the back room, near the prep sink, with no ventilation hood. Use of a ventless hood could be approved if certain criteria are met- such as the hood being UL 710B listed, and obtaining and HVAC evaluation to verify that the heat and moisture from the deep fryer/ventless hood is included in the sensible and latent cooling load calculation for the buildings HVAC capacity. (This information would be evaluated during the food plan review process).

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 issues
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1720AFood temperature

Official wording

Submit a Food Plan Review application to Minneapolis Development Review before: • Remodeling a food or beverage area • Plumbing work • Mechanical ventilation work • Adding ventless cooking equipment • Changing the type of food business Find more information on the Minneapolis Food Plan Review web page.

Inspector’s notes

A food plan is required for installation of a ventilation hood. Find the application form and process information at: https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/business-assistance/run/food-safety/food-plan-review/

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 temperature

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Jun 4, 2024 · Original Source

Routine

May 22, 2024

Complete

Official score: 90 · Understand this area’s scale

7 recorded violations

majorCode MN Rule 4626.0408AOther

Official wording

Before using Time as a Public Health Control for TCS food develop, follow and keep written procedures onsite.

Inspector’s notes

Establishment is using ice for cold holding numerous items on the expo line. Complete a Time as a Public Health Control form to outline process to ensure food is not kept over 4 hours(or 6 if less than 70 degrees) and TCS food is discarded afterwards. Form sent with report.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1475AFacility maintenance

Official wording

Provide sufficient mechanical tempered make-up air and exhaust ventilation to keep rooms free of grease, excessive heat, steam condensation, vapors, obnoxious or disagreeable odors, smoke, and fumes according to State Building and Mechanical codes.

Inspector’s notes

A deep-frying station was observed set up in the back room, near the prep sink, with no ventilation hood. Use of a ventless hood could be approved if certain criteria are met - such as the hood being UL 710B listed, and obtaining an HVAC evaluation to verify that the heat and moisture from the deep fryer / ventless hood is included in the sensible and latent cooling load calculation for the building's HVAC capacity. (This would information would be evaluated during the food plan review process.)

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 issues
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1720AFood temperature

Official wording

Submit a Food Plan Review application to Minneapolis Development Review before: • Remodeling a food or beverage area • Plumbing work • Mechanical ventilation work • Adding ventless cooking equipment • Changing the type of food business Find more information on the Minneapolis Food Plan Review web page.

Inspector’s notes

A food plan review is required for installation of a ventilation hood. Other upgrades may be included in the food plan review, as well. Find the application form and process information at: https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/business-assistance/run/food-safety/food-plan-review/

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 temperature
minorCode MCO 204.30AOther

Official wording

Provide containers for food or beverages prepared for takeout or to be eaten immediately. Containers must be reuseable, recyclable or compostable.

Inspector’s notes

Observed black plastic to go containers on site. Black plastic is no longer recyclable since January 1st, obtain recyclable or compostable to go containers.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0395A1Food temperature

Official wording

Maintain all hot, TCS foods at 135 degrees F or hotter. (Roast beef may be held at 130 degrees F or hotter, if it is cooked according to Part 4626.0340 item B or reheated according to Part 4626.0360, item E.)

Inspector’s notes

Measured ribs(128*F) below 135* degrees in hot holding unit. Temperature was increased on unit.

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 temperature
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0725ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Place fixed equipment to allow access for cleaning or, seal to adjoining equipment or walls.

Inspector’s notes

Observed hand sink, 2 comp sink, and dish area steel pulling away from wall. Re-caulk.

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 problems
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0390BFood temperature

Official wording

While TCS foods are cooling, keep containers uncovered, unstacked, and spread out.

Inspector’s notes

Observed sweet potatoes and carrots in containers covered with plastic wrap while still in cooling mode. Instructed to uncover. Person in charge moved to speed rack for cooling. Corrected on site.

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 temperature

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, May 22, 2024 · Original Source

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