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Restaurant · Wake County, NC

La Cocina #6

1221 Timber Dr E

Last inspected Jul 23, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Score 97

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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

Jul 23, 2026

Score 97

Official score: 97 · 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) In the walk-in freezer raw fish was stored above ice cream. In the walk-in freezer raw beef was stored above vegetables and other ready-to-eat products. Food must be stored according to the final cook temperature. Food must be stored in a manner to prevent contamination. Store all ready-to-eat foods above raw food items. CDI... All ready-to-eat food items were stored above raw food items.

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)(2) Except during preparationFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A)(2) Except during preparation; cooking; or cooling; or when TPHC is used TCS FOOD shall be maintained at 41F or less. P Beef; chicken; and shrimp were stored in a cold make line at 45F. These potentially hazardous foods must be held at 41F or below. The food was packed tight in the cold hold unit. CDI..The meat was removed from the drawers and placed in the walk-in cooler to cool down. It is suggest not to fill the food over the approved line in the food containers. The food was cooled down to 41F before the end of the 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 4-203.12 Temperature Measuring DevicesEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Thermometers provided & accurate

Inspector’s notes

4-203.12 Temperature Measuring Devices; Ambient Air and Water - Accuracy (Pf) There was a unit that held milk items but; there was no thermometer in the unit. All units that hold potentially hazardous items must have an accurate thermometer in the unit. CDI.. A thermometer was placed in the unit.

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 3-304.12 In-Use UtensilsEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-use utensils: properly stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.12 In-Use Utensils; Between-Use Storage In the sugar container the handle of the scoop was stored inside the sugar. The handle of the scoop must be stored out of the food item. During pauses in FOOD preparation or dispensing; FOOD preparation and dispensing UTENSILS shall be stored: (A) In the FOOD with their handles above the top of the FOOD and the container; (B) In nonTCS FOOD with their handles above the top of the FOOD within containers that can be closed; such as bins of dry goods; (C) On a clean; sanitized surface. CDI... The handle of the scoop was taken out of the food item.

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 4-901.11 Equipment and UtensilsEquipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-901.11 Equipment and Utensils; Air-Drying Required (C) Cross stack the dishes to allow the air-drying process to take place. There were a few dishes that were stacked wet.

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

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jul 23, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Dec 11, 2025

Score 98

Official score: 98 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

notedCode —Other

Official wording

Procedures for responding to vomiting & diarrheal events

Inspector’s notes

2-501.11 There was no written procedure to address the clean up of a vomiting or diarrheal event. A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. -Pf CDI... A form was given to the manager on duty.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode —Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-205.11 (B) There was a plastic container in the handwashing sink beside the cold hold station on the line. A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing Pf. This is a repeat item but not severe enough to take full credit.. CDI... The item was removed out of the hand washing 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
minorCode 4-601.11 (B) and (C) EquipmentCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11 (B) and (C) Equipment; Food-Contact Surfaces; Nonfood Contact Surfaces; and Utensils (C) Clean the air-drying shelves. Clean around the cooking equipment. Equipment must be cleaned at frequency necessary to remove the build-up of debris.

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 6-201.11 FloorsCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11 Floors; Walls and Ceilings - Cleanability (C) There were some damaged and cracked floor tiles throughout the dish machine area. Floors must be in good repair . Floors must be smooth and easily cleanable. This has been repeat item on the last couple inspection.

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, Dec 11, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jun 18, 2025

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

notedCode —Handwashing

Official wording

Hands clean & properly washed

Inspector’s notes

2-301.14 When to Wash (P) A male cook handled raw chicken with his gloves on. The employee went on to touch other items in the kitchen before being instructed to remove his gloves and wash his hands. Employees must wash their hands after they engage in activities that can contaminate the hands. CDI.. The employee was instructed on when hand washing needs to take place. The employee was properly washing his hands before the end of the inspection.

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 5-205.11 (B) A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing Pf. There were bucketsHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-205.11 (B) A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing Pf. There were buckets; hand towels; and other items in three of handwashing sinks in the kitchen. A handwashing sink must not be used for any other purpose other than handwashing. CDI... The items were moved out of the handwashing.

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 3-304.14 Wiping ClothsCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14 Wiping Cloths; Use Limitations (C) There were hand towels stored on the handwashing sink. Wiping cloths must be stored in a manner to prevent contamination. CDI... The hand towels were placed in the dirty linen container.

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 —Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Toilet facilities: properly constructed; supplied & cleaned

Inspector’s notes

5-501.17 Provide a covered waste bin in female restrooms. There was no covered receptacle in the employees restroom. A restroom used by females must have a covered receptacle.

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 6-201.11 FloorsCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11 Floors; Walls and Ceilings - Cleanability (C) There were a few damaged and cracked floor tiles throughout the dishmachine area. Floors in this area must be clean and in good repair.

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 18, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jan 31, 2025

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3-501.16(A)(2) Found a large container of Queso sauce temping 58 F in the prep kitchen area. According to the containerFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(2) Found a large container of Queso sauce temping 58 F in the prep kitchen area. According to the container; noted item was prepared the day prior. Also found a container of chicken nuggets temping at 60 F on a prep cart. Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. CDI- items 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 3-501.15 Cooling Methods (Pf)- Noted double stacked tightly closed containers of carnitas cooling in the walk-in cooler unit. Noted carnitas temping between 56-57 F. Carnitas were cooked roughly 3.5 hours prior to inspection. Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pansFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15 Cooling Methods (Pf)- Noted double stacked tightly closed containers of carnitas cooling in the walk-in cooler unit. Noted carnitas temping between 56-57 F. Carnitas were cooked roughly 3.5 hours prior to inspection. Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans; large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. CDI- Noted carnitias were loosely covered and transferred to walk-in freezer unit for rapid cooling. .

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 4-903.11 (A) - Found a container of serving utensils being stored in the employee restroom. Store cleaned equipmentEquipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11 (A) - Found a container of serving utensils being stored in the employee restroom. Store cleaned equipment; utensils; linens in a clean; dry location; where they are not exposed to splash; dust; or other contamination; and at least 6 inches above the floor.

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 5-501.114Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector’s notes

5-501.114; Core; Noted drain plug missing from outside recyclable dumpster unit. Drains in receptacles and waste handling units for REFUSE; recyclables; and returnables shall have drain plugs in place.

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 6-201.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11; Core;Noted a few damaged and cracked floor tiles throughout the dishmachine area. Except as specified under sec. 6 201.14 and except for antislip floor coverings or applications that may be used for safety reasons; floors; floor coverings; walls; wall coverings; and ceilings shall be designed; constructed; and installed so they are SMOOTH and EASILY CLEANABLE.

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 31, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Oct 15, 2024

Score 99

Official score: 99 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

notedCode —Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-102.11 Common Name - Working Containers (Pf)-Noted labels missing for working spray bottles of concentrated bleach and degreaser . Label working containers of toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers. CDI- Spray bottles relabeled during inspection.

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 —Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Thermometers provided & accurate

Inspector’s notes

4-204.112 (B) -Ambient air thermometer missing for the prep cooler located across from the cookline. Provide and position correctly an air thermometer in cold/hot holding equipment. Replace ambient air thermometer.

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 3-304.14(B) - Noted Quaternary Sanitizer reading at 0 ppm for sani-buckets throughout the prep kitchen. Further discussion determine the Quat sanitizer dispenser was not functioning properly. Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. Maintain Quaternary sanitizer between 200-400 ppm. Discussed contacting AutoChlor to have sanitizer dispenser repaired/ recalibrated. In the meantimeCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14(B) - Noted Quaternary Sanitizer reading at 0 ppm for sani-buckets throughout the prep kitchen. Further discussion determine the Quat sanitizer dispenser was not functioning properly. Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. Maintain Quaternary sanitizer between 200-400 ppm. Discussed contacting AutoChlor to have sanitizer dispenser repaired/ recalibrated. In the meantime; facility will prepare sanitizer manually until dispenser repaired.

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 5-501.113 Covering Receptacles (C) - The sliding door on the outside dumpster was left opened. Keep top lid and sliding doors closed on outside dumpsterFacility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector’s notes

5-501.113 Covering Receptacles (C) - The sliding door on the outside dumpster was left opened. Keep top lid and sliding doors closed on outside dumpster; in between use.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Oct 15, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

May 30, 2024

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

7 recorded violations

criticalCode 3-501.18Food source and labeling

Official wording

Proper date marking & disposition

Inspector’s notes

3-501.18; Priority; Found containers of carnitas and poblano sauce held past there 7 day maximum (5-19-24). Potentially hazardous food items shall not be held past 7 days from the date prepped. CDI- items discarded. ; 3-501.17; Priority Foundation. Found a few containers of vegetable soup were missing date marking labels in the walk in cooler. TCS items prepared and held longer than 24 hours must be properly date marked; counting the prep date as day one. CDI- item relabeled.

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
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 soiled cutting knives stored as being clean on the magnetic knife racks. Also noted an accumulation of build-up along the can opener blade.EQUIPMENT FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI-Noted knives sent back to dish pit for recleaning.

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 3-307.11Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11; Core; Noted pans of tortillas and taco shell stored uncovered near the make line. FOOD shall be protected from contamination that may result from a factor or source not specified under Subparts 3 301 - 3 306.

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 2 door reach in cooler is no longer working. Noted reach in cooler not in use. All food already relocated to alternate cooler units. Person in charge has placed work order. Facility awaiting parts for repair. Work order placed 5-28-24.EQUIPMENT shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements specified under Parts 4 1 and 4-2.

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 4-602.13Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13; Core; Observed some dust build up along the bottom storage shelves in the dry ingredients area. NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.

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 5-501.114Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector’s notes

5-501.114; Core; Noted drain plug missing from outside dumpster unit. Drains in receptacles and waste handling units for REFUSE; recyclables; and returnables shall have drain plugs in place.

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 6-202.11Facility maintenance

Official wording

Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used

Inspector’s notes

6-202.11; Core; Noted light shield missing for the light panel above the walk in cooler entrance and dishmachine area. xcept as specified in par. (B) of this section; light bulbs shall be shielded; coated; or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed FOOD; clean EQUIPMENT; UTENSILS; and LINENS; or unwrapped SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. Replace light cover in noted areas.

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 30, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jan 2, 2024

Score 96.5

Official score: 96.5 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

majorCode 3-302.11Other

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

3-302.11; Priority Foundation; Found a opened box of raw hamburger patties stored above enchilada sauce in the walk-in cooler unit. Ensure raw animal protein items are stored below ready-to eat food items to minimize the risk of contamination. CDI- items rearranged.

In plain English

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

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

Official wording

Proper hot holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(1) ; Priority; Found a deep pan of stewed chicken temping between 128-129 F inside the hot holding cabinet. Ensure all TCS items are held at 135 F or above for hot holding. CDI- Items reheated to 197 F and placed back in to hot hold cabinet. Temperature adjusted on unit.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
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; Found carafes of salsa (stored closely near the front of the reach-in unit) reading between 43-44 F in the glass reach in cooler unit. Discussed ensuring all TCS items are stored at 41 F or below for cold holding. CDI- PIC pushed remaining cups of salsa toward to the back of the cooler to maximize cold air flow around product.

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 3-305.11Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11; Core; Noted pans of raw shrimp and tilapia stored on the floor in the walk-in freezer unit. Ensure all food is kept at least 6 inches off the floor and stored in a clean; dry location. CDI- PIC relocated noted pans of food.

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 3-304.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14; Core; Noted Quat sanitizer was reading less than 200 ppm inside multiple sani buckets. Ensure wet wiping cloths are maintained in Quat sanitizer at concentration between 200-400 ppm.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 4-202.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-202.11; Priority Foundation; Several wooden platters used to serve fajita steak are heavily scored; damaged and no longer easily cleanable. Multi-use food contact surfaces shall be smooth; free of breaks; open seams; cracks; chips; inclusions; pits; and similar imperfections. CDI- REHS instructed PIC to replace wooden platters.

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 2, 2024 · Original Source

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