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Mobile Food · Wake County, NC

Taqueria El Pinito (Wcid #990)

3587 Maitland Dr

Last inspected Jul 31, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Score 97

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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 31, 2026

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

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; Cold-Holding: Most TCS foods in the prep unit cold-holding above 41F as shown in above grid. Maintain cold Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods at 41F and less. CDI- TCS foods exceeding 41F voluntarily discarded by PIC during inspection. Recommend using more metal pans in this space; and individual plastic pan lids with handles for the TCS items. Have unit serviced; air intakes professionally cleaned; and temperature reduced to ensure foods maintained at 41F and less. [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 6-501.111Pests

Official wording

Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111; Core; A few flies observed in the prep/cook area. The PREMISES shall be maintained free of insects; rodents; and other pests. Increase pest control measures. Try to keep window screen closed as much as possible. An oscillating fan pointing out towards the service window may also reduce flies getting in.

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

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jul 31, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Mar 11, 2026

Score 98.5

Official score: 98.5 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

notedCode 5-205.11Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-205.11; Priority Foundation; Damp wiping cloths hanging off of splash guard of handwashing sink. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. CDI- Cloths moved during 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 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; Cold-Holding: Several TCS foods at the prep line cold-holding above 41F as shown in above grid. All foods observed in thick plastic pans and no lids. Maintain cold Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods at 41F and less. CDI- TCS foods exceeding 41F voluntarily discarded by PIC during inspection. Recommend using more metal pans in this space; and individual pan lids for TCS items that are harder to keep cool.

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 3-305.11Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11; Core; Crate of whole onions and box of cooking oil observed stored on the floor. FOOD shall be protected from contamination by storing the FOOD: In a clean; dry location; where it is not exposed to splash; dust; or other contamination; and At least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor. Move these items up off the floor.

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, Mar 11, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Dec 15, 2025

Score 99

Official score: 99 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

notedCode 3-302.11Other

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

3-302.11; Priority: Raw shell eggs stored above salsa in tall cooler. FOOD shall be protected from cross contamination by: Arranging each type of FOOD in EQUIPMENT so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented; raw meats in order of final cook temperature; and cooked foods and produce above raw meats. CDI- Eggs moved during inspection.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 7-202.12Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-202.12; Priority; Sanitizer concentration too high; tested at 800ppm chlorine. POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS shall be Used according to LAW; Food Code; and Manufacturer use directions included in labeling. Maintain chlorine sanitizer at 50-200ppm. CDI- Sanitizer adjusted during inspection and retested to verify 50-200ppm.

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

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Dec 15, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Nov 13, 2024

Score 98

Official score: 98 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

notedCode 2-103.11(O)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Management; food & conditional employee; knowledge; responsibilities & reporting

Inspector’s notes

2-103.11(O); Priority Foundation; PIC unable to locate Employee Health Policy. The PERMIT HOLDER shall require FOOD EMPLOYEES and CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES to report to the PERSON IN CHARGE information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through FOOD. CDI- Employee Health Policy provided to PIC. Maintain a copy on the MFU.

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 2-501.11Other

Official wording

Procedures for responding to vomiting & diarrheal events

Inspector’s notes

2-501.11; Priority Foundation; PIC does not currently have written procedures available to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events that involve the discharge of vomitus or fecal matter onto surfaces in the food establishment. CDI- Written procedures and educational material provided to PIC. Maintain a copy on the MFU.

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; Hot-Holding: Several cooked TCS foods in the hot wells not holding at a hot enough temperature; as shown in above chart. Maintain hot Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods at 135F and above. When preparing TCS (Temperature Control for Safety) foods at the Commissary; use your food probe thermometer to verify correct final cook or final reheat (165F) temperatures are reached. Maintain these foods hot during transport; 135F and greater. When arrive at site; ensure hot wells have a chance to heat up before moving the hot held foods into them. CDI- Products reheated to at least 165F corrective.

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 3-302.12Food source and labeling

Official wording

Food properly labeled: original container

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12; Core; Labeling missing on a couple squeeze bottles of food ingredients. Working containers holding FOOD or FOOD ingredients that are removed from their original packages for use in the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT; such as cooking oils; flour; herbs; potato flakes; salt; spices; and sugar shall be identified with the common name of the FOOD. Add labeling to these 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 3-304.13Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-304.13; Core; Cloth towels being used to wrap tortillas. LINENS and napkins may not be used in contact with FOOD unless they are used to line a container for the service of FOODS and the LINENS and napkins are replaced each time the container is refilled for a new CONSUMER. Cloth towels may not be used for this purpose. Recommend using aluminum foil; food container; or food paper instead. Return the towels to laundry.

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 CoreOther

Official wording

Washing fruits & vegetables

Inspector’s notes

Core; Observed containers of whole avocados with stickers still in place; whole tomatoes and whole onion. Mobile Food Unit (MFU) permit requires produce to be washed and prepared at the commissary. 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. Follow your Permit requirements. CDI- PIC to return these items to the Commissary for proper preparation; before returning them to the MFU.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Nov 13, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jul 22, 2024

Score 99.5

Official score: 99.5 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

minorCode 3-304.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14; Core; Sanitizer bucket stored on the floor. Store sanitizer up off floor. CDI- Bucket moved to low shelf.

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 4-302.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing facilities: installed; maintained & used; test strips

Inspector’s notes

4-302.14; Priority Foundation; Test kit not available for the quat sanitizer in use (quat). VR-VERIFICATION REQUIRED. Obtain quat test kit within 10 days and text picture to your REHS; Joanne Rutkofske 919-623-0459; for verification.

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; Employee beverage stored above and comingled with restaurant foods. Keep employee food/beverages in separate/designated space. Recommend label bin -Employee Use Only- to use for employee foods/beverages.

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, Jul 22, 2024 · Original Source

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