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Restaurant · Wake County, NC

El Jimador

7425 Knightdale Blvd

Last inspected Jul 10, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Score 95.5

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

1 - Inspection

Jul 10, 2026

Score 95.5

Official score: 95.5 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3-501.14 Cooling (P)- Observed a large container of refried beans with temperatures ranging from 52- 48F. According to the Person in Charge (PIC)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling time & temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.14 Cooling (P)- Observed a large container of refried beans with temperatures ranging from 52- 48F. According to the Person in Charge (PIC); the beans had been cooled overnight from the previous evening. Cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135 F to 70 F within 2 hours and from 135 F to 41F or below within a total of 6 hours. Discussed proper cooling procedures with the PIC; including dividing food into smaller; shallow containers and leaving them loosely covered to promote adequate airflow and rapid cooling. Corrected During Inspection (CDI): The refried beans were voluntarily discarded.

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) (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) In the hot hold cabinet; a pan of cooked rice was temping between 112 - 118 F. Noted pan of rice was cooked roughly an hour and half prior to inspection. Except during preparation; cooking; or cooling; or when TPHC is used; TCS FOOD shall be maintained at 135 F or above; except that roasts may be held at 130 F or above. CDI- Pan of rice was reheated to 166/165 F and placed back into hot holding.

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)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Observed multiple items (see chart above) that were above 41 degrees inside the cooler drawer and cold rail line during time of inspection. TCS foods that are stored for cold holding shall maintain a temperature of 41 degrees or less.- CDI- Temperature was adjusted to cold rail unit. TCS items were either discarded on ice down or voluntarily discarded. Person in charge stated they would contact a technician to service both units as soon as possible.

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

4-502.11(A) An accumulation of ice build-up covering the evaporator in walk-in freezer unit. Remove ice build-up and repair unit as needed.

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 6-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.11; Core; Need to regrout the floor tiles various areas throughout the prep kitchen. Particularly near the cook line and dish machine area.

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, Jul 10, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jan 27, 2026

Score 93

Official score: 93 · Understand this area’s scale

10 recorded violations

notedCode 2-401.11 (A) Employees shall eatEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Proper eating; tasting; drinking or tobacco use

Inspector’s notes

2-401.11 (A) Employees shall eat; drink; or use any form of tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination of exposed food; clean equipment and utensils; and other items needing protection can not result. Observed employee with drink on working food surface. CDI by placing drink on bottom shelf serv table.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode —Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf. Observed slicer with food debris under the blade guard. Observed containers with sticker residue on the clean equipment and air drying rack. CDI placing items in ware washing area.

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 3-403.11 (A)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper reheating procedures for hot holding

Inspector’s notes

3-403.11 (A);(D) Reheat all TCS foods to 165F within 2 hours if food is to be hot held until service. -P Observed two pans of rice in the stream cabinet that were between 100-111F over the 2 hour reheat parameter. CDI by discarding both pans of rice.

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 3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expiredFood source and labeling

Official wording

Proper date marking & disposition

Inspector’s notes

3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired; if it is not been labeled; or if the label is incorrect. -P - Observed food items in walk in cooler that exceeded the 7 day holding period at 41F. Reference temperature chart for food items.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 3-501.13 (E ) Reduced oxygen packaged fishFood temperature

Official wording

Approved thawing methods used

Inspector’s notes

3-501.13 (E ) Reduced oxygen packaged fish; required to be kept frozen until time of use per labeling; shall be removed from the reduced oxygen environment prior to thawing under refrigeration or upon completion of thawing using running water. Salmon packages not being cut open prior to thawing. Repeat.

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 3-305.11 Store food in a cleanContamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11 Store food in a clean; dry location; not exposed to contamination. Keep at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed containers of sour cream and lard on the floor of walk in.

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 3-304.14(B) Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth being stored on prep table. 4-901.12 Wiping ClothsCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14(B) Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth being stored on prep table. 4-901.12 Wiping Cloths; Air Drying Locations (C) Wiping cloths laundered in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT that does not have a mechanical clothes shall be air-dried in a location and in a manner that prevents contamination the wiping cloths. observed multiple drying cloths being dried on SS rack inside the dumpster area.

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
minorCode —Other

Official wording

Washing fruits & vegetables

Inspector’s notes

3-302.15 Washing Fruits and Vegetables (C) Wash all fruits and vegetables prior to be being prepared and placed in service. Observed multiple avocados cut and whole inside preparation unit with stickers.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 4-903.11(A)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(A); (B) and (D); Core; Utensils with the food/mouth portion up. Clean equipment and utensils shall be inverted to protect from contamination. Repeat.

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 issues
notedCode 4-501.18 Maintain washCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing facilities: installed; maintained & used; test strips

Inspector’s notes

4-501.18 Maintain wash; rinse; and sanitize solutions clean. Observed food debris in sanitizer and rinse water on three compartment sink. 4-501.19 During manual warewashing; maintain the wash solution at a minimum of 110F or as otherwise allowed by the detergent manufacturer label. -Pf Observed wash water at a temperature of 95F. CDI by draining compartment and refilling with a temperature of 115F.

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, Jan 27, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jul 9, 2025

Score 96.5

Official score: 96.5 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

notedCode 4-501.114 Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize. -PCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-501.114 Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize. -P; Employee not sanitizer dishes while washing them in 3 comp. CDI: Dishes ran through dish machine and 3 comp set up.

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 3-501.13 (E ) Reduced oxygen packaged fishFood temperature

Official wording

Approved thawing methods used

Inspector’s notes

3-501.13 (E ) Reduced oxygen packaged fish; required to be kept frozen until time of use per labeling; shall be removed from the reduced oxygen environment prior to thawing under refrigeration or upon completion of thawing using running water. Salmon packages not being cut open prior to 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
notedCode 6-501.111 Controlling PestsPests

Official wording

Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111 Controlling Pests; Flies in kitchen. Seek more aggressive controls.

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 insects
notedCode 3-305.11 Store food in a cleanContamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11 Store food in a clean; dry location; not exposed to contamination. Keep at least 6 inches above the floor. Flies on container of fried chicken wings. CDI: Chicken discarded.

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
notedCode 4-903.11(A)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(A); (B) and (D); Core; Observed wet stacking of dishes and utensils with the food/mouth portion up.- Clean equipment and utensils shall be stored in self draining position that allows air drying. They shall also be inverted to protect from contamination. Repeat.

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 issues
notedCode —Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-502.11(A) Maintain utensils in good repair. Ice build up in freezer and shelving units inside walk in rusty.

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, Jul 9, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jan 29, 2025

Score 94.5

Official score: 94.5 · Understand this area’s scale

7 recorded violations

notedCode 2-102.12 (A) CorePermits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

2-102.12 (A) Core; No one at time of inspection was a certified food protection manger.- The person in charge shall be a certified food protection manager and be present at all times of preparation or cooking.- Please make sure someone at all times is here and is a certified food protection manager.

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
notedCode 3-302.11(A)(1) PriorityOther

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

3-302.11(A)(1) Priority; Observed multiple packs of raw eggs being stored above ready to eat food.- Raw animal food shall be separated by order of final cooking temperature and away from ready to eat foods.- CDI; items were rearranged to meet requirements.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 4-601.11 (A)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Observed metal pans and utensils that were deemed clean with food debris still on them.- EQUIPMENT FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be clean to sight and touch.- CDI; items moved to be cleaned.; 4-602.11; Core; Ice machine has buildup inside.- In equipment such as ice bins; they shall be cleaned at the frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soils and mold.- Please clean ice bin and do so more often.

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 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Observed multiple items (see chart above) that were above 41 degrees F.- TCS foods that are stored for cold holding shall maintain a temperature of 41 degrees or less.- CDI; ice was added to unit and items that were out were voluntarily discarded.

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 3-304.12 (A) Observed bowls being used as scoops.- In-use utensils in TCS foodEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-use utensils: properly stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.12 (A) Observed bowls being used as scoops.- In-use utensils in TCS food; must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container.- Please make sure that scoops have handles so they can sit out of the food.

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 issues
notedCode 4-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11; Core; Observed gasket torn on produce walk in cooler.- Equipment shall be maintained in a good state of repair and condition.- Please repair gasket.

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 6-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.11; Core; There is a hole in the corner of the produce walk in cooler.- Facility shall be kept in good repair.- Please repair hole.

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, Jan 29, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Aug 30, 2024

Score 96

Official score: 96 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

majorCode 4-601.11 (A)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Observed metal pans that were deemed clean with food debris still on them.- EQUIPMENT FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be clean to sight and touch.- CDI; items moved to be cleaned.; 4-602.11; Core; Ice machine has buildup inside.- In equipment such as ice bins; they shall be cleaned at the frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soils and mold.- Please clean ice bin and do so more often.

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)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Observed multiple items (see chart above) that were above 41 degrees F.- TCS foods that are stored for cold holding shall maintain a temperature of 41 degrees or less.- CDI; all units turned down.

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 3-501.13Food temperature

Official wording

Approved thawing methods used

Inspector’s notes

3-501.13 ; Priority Foundation; Observed food thawing on countertop at room temperature.- Thawing shall be obtained by one of the following methods- completely submerged under cool running water; in refrigeration; thawed in microwave; ect...- CDI; items were moved to walk in.

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 4-903.11(A)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(A); (B) and (D); Core; Observed wet stacking of dishes and utensils with the food/mouth portion up.- Clean equipment and utensils shall be stored in self draining position that allows air drying. They shall also be inverted to protect from contamination.

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 issues
minorCode 4-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11; Core; Walk in freezer has ice buildup inside.- Equipment shall be maintained in a good state of repair and condition.- Please repair walk in freezer to remove ice

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
minorCode 6-501.110Facility maintenance

Official wording

Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used

Inspector’s notes

6-501.110; Core; Observed employee bags and drinks being stored along with dishes.- Lockers or suitable facilities shall be used for storage of employee belongings.- CDI; items moved to new location.

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, Aug 30, 2024 · Original Source

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