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Restaurant · Wake County, NC

Carmen's Cuban Cafe

108 Factory Shops Rd

Last inspected Jun 25, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Score 94.5

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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

5 inspections

1 - Inspection

Jun 25, 2026

Score 94.5

Official score: 94.5 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

notedCode 3-501.16 (A) (1) Time / Temperature Control for Safety FoodFood temperature

Official wording

Proper hot holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (1) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food; Hot and Cold Holding (P) Container of rice was maintained below 135F within steam table. Temperature controlled for safety foods shall be maintained at 135F or greater. CDI: Rice was placed on burners to reheat to 165F.

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
notedCode 3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety FoodFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food; Hot and Cold Holding (P) Multiple TCS items within walk-in cooler were maintained above 41F. Walk-in cooler ambient temperature fluctuating from 42-46F. Temperature controlled for safety foods shall be maintained at 41F or less. CDI: PIC voluntarily discarded food prepared prior to today. Food prepared today was prepared within 6 hours of inspection (arroz con pollo x4 and boiled potatoes x7) and was relocated to tall reach-in cooler to cool to 41F. Raw food was allowed to be maintained within walk-in cooler as repairs had begun prior to inspection's end.

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
notedCode —Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-201.11 Separation - Storage (P) Bucket of sanitizer was stored above dry storage items on make-line. Poisonous or toxic materials shall be stored so they can not contaminate exposed food or equipment. CDI: Bucket relocated.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
majorCode 4-301.11 CoolingFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

4-301.11 Cooling; Heating; and Holding Capacities - Equipment (Pf) Walk-in cooler was unable to keep temperature controlled for safety foods at 41F or less. Ambient temperature was fluctuating at 42-46F. Equipment for cooling and heating food; and holding cold and hot food shall be sufficient in number and capacity to maintain necessary food temperatures. REHS will verify that walk-in cooler is repaired. PIC called repair technician and he arrived prior to end of inspection. Technician stated that a component of the cooler must be replaced for long-term restoration; but a temporary fix has been used to keep the cooler capable of maintaining food at 41F or below. REHS verified that cooler had an ambient temperature of 40F after repair. REHS will verify status of cooler to ensure cooler continues maintaining temperatures of 41F or less.

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
notedCode —Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11 Maintain equipment in good repair. Reach-in freezer had a leak along back piping. Repair leak.

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
notedCode 6-501.11 Repairing - PremisesCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.11 Repairing - Premises; Structures; Attachments; and Fixtures - Methods (C) Ceiling tile above mop sink was leaking. Physical facilities shall be maintained in a state of good repair. PIC stated that the leak was noticed by management on Monday and repairs have already been scheduled. He stated that the leak was due to a failure of a release valve above mop sink. Repair leak.

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

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jun 25, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Oct 29, 2025

Score 96

Official score: 96 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

notedCode —Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11 Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils - Frequency (C) Ice machine in the cafe area had accumulations of pink residues. Equipment such as ice makers and ice bins shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residue. Clean the ice machine more frequently.

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 3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety FoodFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food; Hot and Cold Holding (P) Tomatoes; cheese; beans; chicken; pork; beef; milk; and cream within walk-in cooler were maintained above 41F. Temperature controlled for safety foods shall be maintained at 41F or less. CDI: TCS foods were moved to other coolers to rapidly cool to 41F. Raw food was unable to be moved to other prep units and will remain in walk-in cooler with ice bags until repairs are complete.

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
notedCode —Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-102.11 Common Name - Working Containers (Pf) Two bottles of degreaser were not labeled. Working containers used for toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material. CDI: Labels were added to containers.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
majorCode 4-301.11 CoolingFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

4-301.11 Cooling; Heating; and Holding Capacities - Equipment (Pf) Walk-in cooler was unable to keep temperature controlled for safety foods at 41F or less. Ambient temperature was fluctuating at 42-44F. Equipment for cooling and heating food; and holding cold and hot food shall be sufficient in number and capacity to maintain necessary food temperatures. REHS will verify that walk-in cooler is repaired. PIC called repair technician and stated he will arrive before close of business.

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
notedCode 6-501.12 CleaningCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12 Cleaning; Frequency and Restrictions (C) Tiles around vent above make-line and steam table had accumulations of dust on them. Physical facilities shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to keep them 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 problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Oct 29, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jun 27, 2025

Score 96

Official score: 96 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3-501.16 (A) (1) Time / Temperature Control for Safety FoodFood temperature

Official wording

Proper hot holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (1) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food; Hot and Cold Holding (P) container of onions was maintained below 135F in steam table. Temperature controlled for safety foods shall be maintained at 135F or greater. CDI: Onions were voluntarily discarded. REHS discussed implementation of time as a public health control for this product and provided template procedures.

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
notedCode 3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety FoodFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food; Hot and Cold Holding (P) Milk in server flip top cooler was maintained above 41F. Temperature controlled for safety foods shall be maintained at 41F or less. CDI: Milk was purchased within 2 hours of inspection and was moved to freezer to rapidly cool to 41F. Repeat; Half-points deducted due to noted improvements in holding 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 temperature
notedCode —Food temperature

Official wording

Approved thawing methods used

Inspector’s notes

3-501.13 Thawing (Pf) Bag of frozen cooked vegetables was thawing on prep table without running water or refrigeration. Temperature controlled for safety foods shall be thawed under refrigeration capable of maintaining 41F or below or under 70F running water with sufficient velocity to agitate and float off loose particles in an overflow. CDI: Food was moved to thaw under refrigeration.

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
notedCode 6-501.12 CleaningCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12 Cleaning; Frequency and Restrictions (C) Vents above make-line and steam table had accumulations of dust on them and surrounding tiles. Physical facilities shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to keep them clean. Clean vents.

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
notedCode 6-403.11 Designated Areas - Employee Accommodations for eating / drinking / smoking (C) Employee food was stored with facility food in kitchen and server prep coolers. Areas designated for employees to eatFacility maintenance

Official wording

Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used

Inspector’s notes

6-403.11 Designated Areas - Employee Accommodations for eating / drinking / smoking (C) Employee food was stored with facility food in kitchen and server prep coolers. Areas designated for employees to eat; drink; and use tobacco shall be located so that food and equipment are protected from contamination. Store employee food in designated areas where contamination may not occur.

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

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jun 27, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Dec 12, 2024

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3-501.16 (A) (1) Time / Temperature Control for Safety FoodFood temperature

Official wording

Proper hot holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (1) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food; Hot and Cold Holding (P) One container of onions was maintained below 135F in steam table. Temperature controlled for safety foods shall be maintained at 135F or greater. CDI: Onions were sent to make-line to be reheated to 165F.

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
notedCode 3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety FoodFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food; Hot and Cold Holding (P) Tomatoes; lettuce; and cooked veggies within rear flip-top cooler were maintained above 41F. Temperature controlled for safety foods shall be maintained at 41F or less. CDI: Food was moved to walk-in cooler for cooling and repair technician was called for servicing.

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
notedCode —Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-102.11 Common Name - Working Containers (Pf) Two bottles of degreaser were not labeled. Working containers used for toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material. CDI: Labels were added to containers.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
notedCode 3-501.15 Cooling Methods (Pf) Cooked pork was tightly packed into a shallow metal pan when cooling within reach-in freezer. Food shall be cooled using shallow pansFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15 Cooling Methods (Pf) Cooked pork was tightly packed into a shallow metal pan when cooling within reach-in freezer. Food shall be cooled using shallow pans; separated into smaller portions; using rapid cooling equipment; by stirring the food placed in an ice bath; using containers that facilitate heat transfer; or adding ice as an ingredient. CDI: Pork split into multiple shallow containers and placed back into reach-in freezer.

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
notedCode —Food temperature

Official wording

Approved thawing methods used

Inspector’s notes

3-501.13 Thawing (Pf) Chicken was thawing in sanitizing basin of 3-compartment sink without running water. Pork was thawing in prep sink without running water. Temperature controlled for safety foods shall be thawed under refrigeration capable of maintaining 41F or below or under 70F running water with sufficient velocity to agitate and float off loose particles in an overflow. CDI: Water was turned on for thawing. EHS reminded staff that 3-compartment sink basins must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after being used for thawing.

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 Wake County Environmental Services, Dec 12, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Apr 16, 2024

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

majorCode 5-205.11Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-205.11; Priority Foundation; Found a metal pitcher inside the handwashing sink located near the walk-in cooler. A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. CDI - PIC moved the pitcher for rewashing in 3-com sink.

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
criticalCode 3-302.11Other

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

3-302.11; Priority; Observed raw shell eggs stored above sweet plantain in the walk-in cooler; also; raw beef was stored above tilapia in the small reach-in cooler. Food shall be protected from cross contamination by separating raw animal foods during storage; preparation; holding; and display from raw and cooked ready-to-eat foods. CDI - PIC rearranged foods in cold holding equipment.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 4-602.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11; Core; Observed small amount of pink residue inside the ice machine (front room). Equipment such as ice makers and ice bins shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residue. Clean the ice machine more frequently.

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

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Apr 16, 2024 · Original Source

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