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Restaurant · Wake County, NC

El Tapatio

13200 Falls Of Neuse Road

Last inspected Aug 10, 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

7 inspections

1 - Inspection

Aug 10, 2026

Score 94.5

Official score: 94.5 · Understand this area’s scale

8 recorded violations

notedCode 5-205.11(B)Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-205.11(B); Priority Foundation; At the start of the inspection; handwashing sink was used to store a knife and cloth. A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. CDI- Items were removed from the handwashing sink basin.

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
notedCode 3-501.16(A)(2)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(2); Priority; All TCS foods in walk-in cooler and prep cooler on the line found holding above 41F. Ambient air of walk-in cooler temped at 50F while the ambient air of the prep cooler temped around 55F. Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. CDI- All TCS foods that were temperature abused in these refrigeration units were voluntarily discarded and refrigeration technician showed up during the inspection to conduct necessary repairs. He stated that the condenser unit for both the walk-in cooler and prep cooler were extremely dusty and could be due to the kitchen being so hot. EHS will return tomorrow morning to verify cooler 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 temperature
notedCode 4-301.11Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

4-301.11; Priority Foundation; Walk-in cooler and prep cooler on the make line are unable to hold foods at safe temperatures. The only equipment capable of holding food at 41F and below are the refrigerated drawers under the grill and the walk-in freezer. Equipment for cooling and holding cold food shall be sufficient in number and capacity to provide correct food temperatures (41F or below). CDI- Refrigeration technician visited during the inspection and was able to begin necessary repairs. EHS will return tomorrow morning to verify cooler 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 temperature
notedCode 6-501.111Pests

Official wording

Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111; Core; Several flies observed in back prep area of kitchen. The premises shall be maintained free of insects; rodents; and other pests. The presence of insects; rodents; and other pests shall be controlled to eliminate their presence on the premises by eliminating harborage conditions. Increase pest control measures.

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 3-305.11Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11; Core; Crate of individual pizzas were found on the floor in the walk-in freezer along with a bucket of sauce. In the back prep area; found a bag of maseca on the floor. Food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food in a clean dry location at least 6 inches above the floor. CDI- Containers of food were relocated above the floor. 3-305.12; Core; Ice has accumulated in a container of prepped vegetables in the walk-in freezer directly under the evaporator unit. Food may not be stored under leaking water lines; under lines on which water has condensed; or under other sources of contamination. Place a container under the unit to catch the drip until unit is repaired and functioning as intended. CDI- Vegetables were voluntarily 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; Metal food containers and bowls that were stored as clean in the warewashing area were found stacked while still wet. Cleaned equipment and utensils shall be stored in a self draining position that allows air drying. Ensure these containers are completely dry before stacking together.

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 4-101.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-101.11; Core; Molcajete bowls made from lava rock are pitted and not approved for direct food contact. Molcajete bowls are used for one menu item. Food contact surfaces must have a smooth; easily cleanable surface. Ensure these bowls are not used for food that is served to the customers.

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 5-205.15Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15; Core; Discharge pipe under handwashing sink in warewashing area leaks water when water flows through. A plumbing system shall be maintained in good repair. Ensure plumbing under this handwashing sink is repaired.

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 problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Aug 10, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Nov 24, 2025

Score 94

Official score: 94 · Understand this area’s scale

7 recorded violations

notedCode 3-101.11Contamination

Official wording

Food in good condition; safe & unadulterated

Inspector’s notes

3-101.11; Priority; Container of cooked esquite (corn) found in the walk-in cooler with microbial growth present. Food shall be safe; unadulterated; and honestly presented. CDI- Esquite was voluntarily discarded during the inspection.

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 3-302.11 (A)(2)Other

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

3-302.11 (A)(2); Priority; In walk-in cooler; raw chicken found stored above raw beef and raw fish found stored above queso dip. In prep cooler; container of raw fish found stored on shelf above milk. In walk-in freezer; prepped raw beef found stored above ready-to-eat food. Food shall be stored to prevent cross contamination. Store food according to final cook temperature. CDI- All foods were rearranged during the inspection.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 3-501.16(A)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(1); Priority; Several TCS foods in the steam table measured below 135F (see temperature chart). Queso dip in the kettle warmer was holding between (108F-114F). It was determined that the steam table was not turned on. Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. CDI- All TCS foods in steam table and queso dip in kettle warmer were reheated and measured above 165F prior to placing back in holding units.

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 3-501.17Food source and labeling

Official wording

Proper date marking & disposition

Inspector’s notes

3-501.17; Priority Foundation; Container of beans with a date label that was not legible. TCS foods shall be date marked if held longer than 24 hours. CDI- Date of when beans were cooked was known and allowed to be datemarked. 3-501.18; Priority; Several salsas found with prep dates of (10/4); (10/20); and (11/4) in the walk-in cooler. Container of cooked esquite (corn) in the walk-in cooler with a prep date of (10/9). Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) food shall be discarded once it exceeds its date for time/temperature safety (7 days from preparation or opening if held at 41F or below). Remember that the prep date is Day 1. CDI- Food was voluntarily discarded during the inspection.

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 4-101.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-101.11; Core; Molcajete bowls made from lava rock are pitted and not approved for direct food contact. Molcajete bowls are used for one menu item. Food contact surfaces must have a smooth; easily cleanable surface. Ensure these bowls are not used for food that is served to the customers.

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 6-501.12Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12; Core; Floor and lower portion of wall in walk-in cooler needs cleaning to remove the accumulated salsa. Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Clean physical facilities of walk-in cooler.

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 6-501.110Facility maintenance

Official wording

Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used

Inspector’s notes

6-501.110; Core; Employee phone was stored on cutting board of prep cooler. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be used for the orderly storage of employee items and other possessions. Designate a better location for employee belongings or keep in pocket. CDI- Phone was removed.

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, Nov 24, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jun 11, 2025

Score 90

Official score: 90 · Understand this area’s scale

11 recorded violations

notedCode 2-401.11Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

Proper eating; tasting; drinking or tobacco use

Inspector’s notes

2-401.11; Core; One closed employee beverage was found on cutting board of prep unit at the start of the inspection. An employee shall eat; drink; or use any form of tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination of exposed food; clean equipment; utensils; and linens; unwrapped single-service and single-use articles; or other items needing protection can not result. CDI- Employee beverage was relocated.

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 2-301.12 & 2-301.14Handwashing

Official wording

Hands clean & properly washed

Inspector’s notes

2-301.12 & 2-301.14; Priority; Observed employee place raw chicken on the grill; then rinse gloves off in the handwashing sink and dry with a paper towel. Gloves shall not be washed to reused and handwashing procedures shall be as follows: rinse under warm; clean running water; apply soap; rub together for at least 10-15 seconds; thoroughly rinse under warm running water; dry hands with hand drying provision. Hands shall be washed during food preparation; as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination; and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks. CDI- Food employee and PIC educated.

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
notedCode 3-302.11 (A)(2)Other

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

3-302.11 (A)(2); Priority; In walk-in cooler; raw meat was stored over strawberries; raw shell eggs were stored over buckets of salsa; and raw fish was stored over salsa on another shelf. Box of raw chicken stored on shelf above bucket of sauce that was stored on the floor under shelving in the walk-in freezer. Food shall be stored to prevent cross contamination. Store food according to final cook temperature. CDI- Due to temperature issues; TCS foods in walk-in cooler were voluntarily removed and discarded. Bucket of sauce in the walk-in freezer was relocated.

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; Hand dicer; three knives; and metal food containers stored as clean found with food residue still present. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI- All soiled utensils were taken to the warewashing sink to be cleaned and 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 problems
notedCode 3-501.16(A)(2)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(2); Priority; All TCS foods in walk-in cooler and prep cooler on the line found holding above 41F. Ambient air of walk-in cooler temped between 44F-45F while the ambient air of the prep cooler temped at 50F. Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. CDI- All TCS foods that were temperature abused in these refrigeration units were voluntarily discarded and refrigeration technician showed up during the inspection to conduct necessary repairs. Temperature was dropping to around 41F in both coolers prior to leaving establishment. EHS will return tomorrow morning to verify cooler 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 temperature
notedCode 3-501.17Food source and labeling

Official wording

Proper date marking & disposition

Inspector’s notes

3-501.17; Priority Foundation; Several prepped; TCS foods were lacking a date label in the walk-in cooler. TCS foods shall be date marked if held longer than 24 hours. CDI- TCS foods were voluntarily discarded. 3-501.18; Priority; Salsa chipotle (6/2-6/8) found holding longer than 7 days from preparation. Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) food shall be discarded once it exceeds its date for time/temperature safety (7 days from preparation or opening if held at 41F or below). Remember that the prep date is Day 1. CDI- Food was voluntarily discarded during the inspection.

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 4-301.11Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

4-301.11; Priority Foundation; Walk-in cooler and prep cooler on the make line are unable to hold foods at safe temperatures. The only equipment capable of holding food at 41F and below are the refrigerated drawers under the grill and the walk-in freezer. Equipment for cooling and holding cold food shall be sufficient in number and capacity to provide correct food temperatures (41F or below). CDI- Refrigeration technician visited during the inspection and was able to make necessary repairs. Temperature was dropping to around 41F in both coolers prior to leaving establishment. EHS will return tomorrow morning to verify cooler 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 temperature
notedCode 3-501.13Food temperature

Official wording

Approved thawing methods used

Inspector’s notes

3-501.13 ; Priority Foundation; Frozen; refried beans (23F) and two containers of queso dip (57F) were thawing on the drainboard of the prep sink at room temperature. Time/Temperature control for safety (TCS) foods shall be thawed in refrigerator at 41F or less OR under cold running water (70F or less) with sufficient velocity to float off loose particles OR as part of the cooking process. CDI- Food was returned to the walk-in freezer due to temperature issues in other refrigeration units.

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 6-501.111Pests

Official wording

Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111; Core; Flies observed in back prep area of kitchen. The premises shall be maintained free of insects; rodents; and other pests. The presence of insects; rodents; and other pests shall be controlled to eliminate their presence on the premises by eliminating harborage conditions. Increase pest control measures.

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 3-305.11Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11; Core; Box of raw chicken and buckets food found stored on the floor under shelving in the walk-in freezer. Food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food in a clean dry location at least 6 inches above the floor. CDI- Containers of food were relocated above the floor. 3-305.12; Core; Ice is beginning to accumulate on hermetically sealed boxes of food in the walk-in freezer directly under the evaporator unit. Food may not be stored under leaking water lines; under lines on which water has condensed; or under other sources of contamination. Place a container under the unit to catch the drip until unit is repaired and functioning as intended.

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 4-101.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-101.11; Core; Molcajete bowls made from lava rock are pitted and not approved for direct food contact. Molcajete bowls are used for one menu item. Food contact surfaces must have a smooth; easily cleanable surface. Ensure these bowls are not used for food that is served to the customers. 4-501.11; Core; Ice is accumulating and dripping at evaporator fan in the walk-in freezer. Water is dripping from the evaporator fan in the walk-in cooler; there is a container placed under the source to catch the drip. Equipment and components shall be maintained in a state of good repair and condition. Submit a work order for the repair of the walk-in freezer and walk-in cooler components.

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 11, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Feb 24, 2025

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

7 recorded violations

notedCode 6-301.12Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

6-301.12; Priority Foundation; The handwashing sink in the dish area did not have any papertowels. Handwashing sinks shall be supplied with individual; disposable towels or a hand-drying device. CDI - Papertowels were added to the papertowel dispenser.

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 3-305.11Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11; Core; Containers of margarita mix are stored under the dry goods shelving in the kitchen. Food/drinks shall be stored at least six inches above the floor. Store all food on shelving; pallets or dollies.

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; Clean spoons are being stored with their handles in the container and bowls in the to-go area are stored with their food contact surfaces exposed. Utensils (silverware) and dishes shall be stored covered or inverted. Ensure eating utensils are stored with their handles up and bowls are inverted.

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 4-601.11(C )Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(C ); Core; The outsides of some of the light globes need cleaning; the inside of the microwave; the serving line area needs wiping down due to food debris and there is sticky residue on some of the beverage syrup boxes. Non-food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned as often as necessary to prevent a buildup of soil residues. Clean these items 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
notedCode 5-501.111Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector’s notes

5-501.111; Core; The trash dumpster is missing its drain plug. Dumpsters are required by law to have a drain plug. Have your landlord contact your waste management company for a replacement.

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
notedCode 6-501.12Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12; Core; The floor of the walk-in freezer has food debris on it. The physical facilities shall be maintained clean. Clean the floors; walls and ceilings on a more frequent basis. *Points not increased due to the walk-in cooler floor being 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
minorCode 6-303.11Facility maintenance

Official wording

Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used

Inspector’s notes

6-303.11; Core; Several bulbs in the hood are blown or very dim. Areas where food is being cooked/prepared shall have at least 50 foot candles of lighting. Replace blown and dim bulbs.

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, Feb 24, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Nov 7, 2024

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

notedCode 5-205.11Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-205.11; Priority Foundation; The handwashing sink at the kitchen door entrance that the waitstaff uses when getting drinks/ chips and salsa for those dining in had cloth on its splash guard and an employee wrung out a wiping cloth at the handwashing sink by the cookline. Handwashing sinks shall only be used for handwashing. CDI- Education by PIC and cloth removed.

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
notedCode 6-501.111Pests

Official wording

Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111; There are several flies in the back of the kitchen; PIC states they come in when the delivery door is opened. The premises shall be maintained free of pests and insects. CDI - All of the flies were killed with a fly swatter; employee swept them up and washed their hands.

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 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; Clean forks are being stored with their handles in the container. Utensils (silverware) shall be stored covered or inverted. Ensure eating utensils are stored with their handles up.

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 5-501.111Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector’s notes

5-501.111; Core; The garbage dumpster is missing its drain plug. Dumpsters are required by law to have a drain plug. Have your landlord contact your waste management company for a replacement.

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, Nov 7, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

May 7, 2024

Score 95

Official score: 95 · Understand this area’s scale

9 recorded violations

majorCode 5-205.11Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-205.11; Priority Foundation; The handwashing sink at the kitchen door entrance that the waitstaff uses when getting drinks/ chips and salsa for those dining in had ice in it. Handwashing sinks shall only be used for handwashing. CDI- Education by PIC.

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; Raw; portioned chicken in a metal container with lid was stored above a metal container of raw shrimp that was sitting directly on oranges. Cross contamination shall be prevented by storing foods by species and final cook temperature. CDI- Container of shrimp and chicken were relocated.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 4-501.114Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-501.114; Priority; The dish machine tested at <10 ppm for chlorine-based sanitizer; very little sanitizer was in the line and the chlorine container was full. Chlorine based sanitizer shall maintain a concentration between 50-200ppm. CDI- Dish machine was primed and tested between 100-200 ppm. No points taken due to none of the dishes having been washed and dishwasher not scheduled to arrive until after 5pm.

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 3-305.11Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11; Core; A container of tortilla chips was stored on the floor and a portion of the lid was missing. Foods shall be protected from contamination and stored at least six inches above the floor where it is not exposed to splash; dust or other sources of contamination. CDI - Chips were put on shelving and container wrapped in aluminum foil.

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 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; The freezer is not keeping foods frozen - it fluctuates between 38-42F; most of the foods are frozen; but the foods around the door are beginning to thaw. None of the foods temped above 39F. All equipment shall be maintained in good repair. The walk-in freezer is scheduled for service at 6pm today; door is to remain closed as much as possible and foods around door kept on ice. A follow up visit will be made no later than Thursday; May 9; 2024.

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 4-601.11(B) and (C)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; The light globes and vents in the hood have a build-up of dust and debris. Non-food contact surfaces shall be cleaned as often as necessary to prevent a buildup of soil residues. Clean these items 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
minorCode 5-501.111Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector’s notes

5-501.111; Core; The trash dumpster is missing its drain plug. Dumpsters are required by law to have a drain plug. Have your landlord contact your waste management company for a replacement.

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
minorCode 6-501.12Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12; Core; The floor of the walk-in freezer had trash and debris and there is pooled water around the door of the walk-in cooler. The physical facilities shall be maintained clean. CDI- The floor was mopped

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 6-403.11Facility maintenance

Official wording

Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used

Inspector’s notes

6-403.11; Core; An employee's Gatorade was stored on the top shelf of the walk-in cooler. Employee food/drinks shall be stored in a manner that prevents the restaurant's food and supplies from becoming contaminated. CDI- Gatorade was moved to bottom shelf

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, May 7, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jan 12, 2024

Score 99

Official score: 99 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

minorCode 3-302.15Other

Official wording

Washing fruits & vegetables

Inspector’s notes

3-302.15; Core; Several avocados found stored in the prep cooler with sticker remaining on them. Raw fruits and vegetables shall be thoroughly washed in water to remove soil and other contaminants before being cut; combined with other ingredients; cooked; served; or offered for human consumption in READY-TO-EAT form. Ensure all fruits and vegetables are washed prior to use.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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; A few stacks of plates and one stack of single use bowls found stored with the food contact side up. Clean EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS shall be stored covered or inverted. CDI: PIC covered items.

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 4-601.11(B) and (C)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Small spill found inside prep cooler and some food debris on gasket. Non-food contact surfaces shall be maintained clean. Increase cleaning.

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 12, 2024 · Original Source

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