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Restaurant · Wake County, NC

El Salsa's Mexican Grill

18 W Third St

Last inspected Jul 9, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Score 97.5

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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

3 inspections

1 - Inspection

Jul 9, 2026

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3-302.11 Packaged and Unpackaged Food - SeparationOther

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

3-302.11 Packaged and Unpackaged Food - Separation; Packaging; and Segregation (P)- Noted raw shelled eggs stored above loaves of bread and hamburger buns in the walk-in cooler. Keep raw animal proteins ( including raw shelled eggs) below ready-to eat food items. CDI-items re-arranged.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 4-602.11(E) Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils - Frequency - C- The interior surface of the soda gun nozzles were significantly soiled. Except when dry cleaning methods are usedCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11(E) Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils - Frequency - C- The interior surface of the soda gun nozzles were significantly soiled. Except when dry cleaning methods are used; surfaces of UTENSILS and EQUIPMENT contacting non-TCS FOOD shall be cleaned: (1) At any time when contamination may have occurred; (2) At least every 24 hours for iced tea dispensers and CONSUMER self-service UTENSILS such as tongs; scoops; or ladles; (3) Before restocking CONSUMER self-service EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS such as condiment dispensers and display containers; and (4) In EQUIPMENT such as ice bins and BEVERAGE dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of EQUIPMENT such as ice makers; cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines; BEVERAGE and syrup dispensing lines or tubes; coffee bean grinders; and water vending EQUIPMENT: (a) At a frequency specified by the manufacturer; or (b) Absent manufacturer specifications; at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. .

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) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -PFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P; Noted multiple TCS items cold holding above 41 F in the walk-in cooler unit (see temperature chart). Noted ambient air for walk-in cooler was reading at 40 F during time of inspection. Except during preparation; cooking; or cooling; or when TPHC is used TCS FOOD shall be maintained at 41F or less. CDI - ambient air adjusted to 38 F. Noted TCS items decreased in temperature by 2+ degrees by the end of inspection.

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)- Noted label missing for a working spray bottle of oven cleaner near the 3 compartment sink. Working containers used for storing POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS such as cleaners and SANITIZERS taken from bulk supplies shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material. CDI- Spray bottle relabeled.

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
criticalCode 3-305.11 Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises - Found a couple of cases of raw chicken being stored on the ground in the walk-in cooler unit. Keep all TCS items at least 6 inches off the ground. A)Except as specified in par. (B) and (C) of this sectionContamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11 Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises - Found a couple of cases of raw chicken being stored on the ground in the walk-in cooler unit. Keep all TCS items at least 6 inches off the ground. A)Except as specified in par. (B) and (C) of this section; FOOD shall be protected from contamination by storing the FOOD:(1) In a clean; dry location;(2) Where it is not exposed to splash; dust; or other contamination; and (3) At least 6 inches above the floor. (B) FOOD in packages and working containers may be stored less than 6 inches above the floor on case lot handling EQUIPMENT as specified under sec. 4-204.122 . (C) Pressurized BEVERAGE containers; cased FOOD in waterproof containers such as bottles or cans; and milk containers in plastic crates may be stored on a floor that is clean and not exposed to floor moisture.

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 Wake County Environmental Services, Jul 9, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jan 13, 2026

Score 98.5

Official score: 98.5 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

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. Several plates and bowls stored clean have food debris on them. CDI: Placed in dish washing area for rewashing.

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) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -PFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P; Black beans prepped previous day and not used today 56F. CDI: Beans 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

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jan 13, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Oct 28, 2025

Score 99.5

Official score: 99.5 · Understand this area’s scale

1 recorded violation

notedCode —Cleaning 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. Wet cloths on tables throughout kitchen.

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 28, 2025 · Original Source

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