La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant
Last inspected: Feb 23, 2026
78
Score
The health department has logged four inspections at La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant, the earliest from 2024. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 23, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around two violations compared to roughly six violations earlier on.
“Food-contact surfaces” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.
Restaurants in Buford average 92, so La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant trails the local norm. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
4
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 23, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
8-2B - toxic substances properly identified, stored, used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: 511-6-1.07(6)(g) - Chemical Sanitizers, Criteria (P) (g) Chemical Sanitizers, Criteria. Chemical sanitizers, including chemical sanitizing solutions generated on-site, and other chemical antimicrobials applied to food-contact surfaces shall: 1. Meet requirements specified in 40 CFR 180.940 Tolerance exemptions for active and inert ingredients for use in antimicrobial formulations (Food-contact surface sanitizing solutions) P, or 2. Meet the requirements as specified in 40 CFR 180.2020 Pesticide Chemicals Not Requiring a Tolerance or Exemption from Tolerance-Non-food determinations. P A sanitizer bucket of chlorine was observed at more than 100ppm when meausred with a chemical test kit.
511-6-1.07(6)(g)
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The Dish machine measured less than 50ppm of Chlorine when measured with a chemical Test kit. The dish machine had run out of chlorine sanitizer.
511-6-1.05(6)(n)
78
Aug 7, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Observed encrusted material on can opener blade. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Corrective Actions: PIC immediately placed can opener at 4-compartment sink to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
2-2A - management knowledge, responsibilities, reporting
Inspector notes: The PIC could not provide documentation or otherwise satisfactorily demonstrate during the inspection, that all food employees and conditional employees are informed of their responsibility to report to management information about their health and activities as it relates to diseases that are transmissible through food. All employee health agreements shown were blank with no signatures from employees. Food employees and conditional employees are informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibility to report in accordance with the Chapter, to the person in charge, information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food. Corrective Actions: PIC will have all employees sign a copy of the employee health agreements to ensure all emplo...
511-6-1.03(2)(o)
15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used
Inspector notes: Observed door to walk-in cooler to remain partially opened when not in use. PIC stated the walk-in cooler door will not completely seal unless it is physically locked. 1. Equipment shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements specified under subsections (1) and (2)of this Rule. 2. Equipment components such as doors, seals, hinges, fasteners, and kick plates shall be kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. Corrective Actions: PIC stated walk-in cooler door will be repaired to ensure it remains tightly closed when not in use.
511-6-1.05(6)(a)
17B - garbage/refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: Observed lid to dumpster to be in disrepair. Areas, Enclosures, and Receptacles, Good Repair. Storage areas, enclosures, and receptacles for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be maintained in good repair. Corrective Actions: PIC stated waste removal company will be contacted to repair/replace dumpster.
511-6-1.06(5)(k)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: Observed gaskets to cooler drawer under grill to be torn/in disrepair. Observed vents in restroom and main kitchen area to have dust accumulation. Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and by methods that prevent contamination of food products. Corrective Actions: PIC stated gaskets will be cleaned and replaced and all vents will be cleaned and maintained to prevent dust accumulation.
511-6-1.07(5)(a)
70
Dec 11, 2024
Routine
6 minor violations. 6 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
11C - approved thawing methods used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple ROP fish still sealed while in the thawing process. Reduced oxygen packaged fish that bears a label indicating that it is to be kept frozen until time of use shall be removed from the reduced oxygen environment. Note: PIC voluntarily slit all ROP fish so that they may thaw properly.
511-6-1.04(6)(c)
12A - contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed tortilla taco shells stored on top shelf with no cover to prevent any dust or debris. Except as specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this subsection, food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food: (i) In a clean, dry location; (ii) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination. Note: PIC voluntarily covered food item to prevent any contamination from occurring.
511-6-1.04(4)(q)
14A - in-use utensils: properly stored
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed scoops without handles stored in non-TCS foods. Scoops shall be stored in food that is not time/temperature control for safety food with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon. COS: PIC obtained scoops with handles and properly stored them in the non-TCS food containers.
511-6-1.04(4)(k)
17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed phone, keys, and headphones stored in food prep area. Designated Areas for Employee Activity. Note: PIC voluntarily moved all personal items to a designated area.
511-6-1.07(4)(b)
4-2A - food stored covered
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed salsa cold-holding in ice bath uncovered. Observed containers of guacamole, brisket, raw steak, and tomatoes all uncovered while cold-holding in the reach in cooler. Food shall be stored in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination. COS: PIC covered all foods mentioned immediately.
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
11A - proper cooling methods used: adequate equipment for temperature control
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed container of queso in cooling process stored on table at room temperature. Observed raw chicken and raw steak cooling in large container fully covered. Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(d) by using one or more of the following methods depending on the type of food being cooled: (i) Placing the food in shallow pans; (ii) Separating the food into smaller or thinner portions; (iii) Using rapid cooling equipment; (iv) Stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath; (v) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; (vi) Adding ice as an ingredient; or (vii) Other effective methods. When placed in cooling or cold holding equipment, food containers in which food is being cooled sha...
511-6-1.04(6)(e)
74
Jun 27, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 8 minor violations. 6 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Observed accumulation of dark substance on interior of ice machine. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Note: PIC will drain and wash, rinse, & sanitize interior of ice machine at COB.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed chlorine sanitizer solution bucket with concentration of 0 ppm upon arrival to facility. Chlorine sanitizer solution shall have minimum concentration of 50 ppm. COS: PIC made new chlorine sanitizer solution at proper concentration.
511-6-1.05(6)(n)
4-2A - food stored covered
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed salsa cold-holding in ice bath uncovered. Observed containers of maraschino cherries, sliced lemon, and sliced lime uncovered at the bar and server area. Food shall be stored in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination. COS: PIC covered all foods mentioned immediately.
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
11A - proper cooling methods used: adequate equipment for temperature control
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed container of queso in cooling process stored on table at room temperature. Observed raw chicken cooling in large container fully covered. Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(d) by using one or more of the following methods depending on the type of food being cooled: (i) Placing the food in shallow pans; (ii) Separating the food into smaller or thinner portions; (iii) Using rapid cooling equipment; (iv) Stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath; (v) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; (vi) Adding ice as an ingredient; or (vii) Other effective methods. When placed in cooling or cold holding equipment, food containers in which food is being cooled shall be: (i) Arr...
511-6-1.04(6)(e)
12C - wiping cloths: properly used and stored
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed wiping cloths used for food contact surfaces stored on prep top and in 4-compartment sink at bar when not in use. Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces shall be: (i) Held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution at a concentration specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(6)(n). COS: PIC replaced wiping cloths and placed them in sanitizer solution.
511-6-1.04(4)(m)
14A - in-use utensils: properly stored
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed scoops without handles stored in non-TCS foods. Scoops shall be stored in food that is not time/temperature control for safety food with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon. COS: PIC obtained scoops with handles and properly stored them in the non-TCS food containers.
511-6-1.04(4)(k)
14B - utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried, handled
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed metal food containers stacked while still wet. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils: 1. Shall be air-dried or used after adequate draining before contact with food; and 2. May not be cloth dried except that utensils that have been air-dried may be polished with cloths that are maintained clean and dry. COS: PIC arranged metal pans to allow air-drying.
511-6-1.05(10)(a)
16B - plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Observed hand sink next to mop sink not draining properly. A plumbing system shall be repaired according to law; P and maintained in good repair. Note: PIC will contact appropriate personnel to repair hand sink drainage issue.
511-6-1.06(2)(r)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: Observed hand sink next to mop sink hanging off wall. Observed hole in ceiling tile above hand sink next to mop sink. Observed accumulation of food debris on metal wire shelving in walk-in cooler. Observed missing filter panel on ventilation exhaust hood. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and by methods that prevent contamination of food products. Note: PIC will contact appropriate personnel to repair hand sink and hole in ceiling tile. PIC will clean metal wire shelving and implement more frequent cleaning schedule. PIC will replace missing filter panel on ventilation exhaust hood.
511-6-1.07(5)(a)
17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Observed missing light fixture under front cook line ventilation exhaust hood. The light intensity shall be: At least 50 foot candles (540 lux) at a surface where a food service employee is working with food or working with utensils or equipment such as knives, slicers, grinders, or saws where employee safety is a factor. Note: PIC will install missing light fixture.
511-6-1.07(3)(f)
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant on file is from Feb 23, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surfaces” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant.
How does La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Buford?
La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is lower than the Buford average of 92.
Has La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Cazuela Mexican Restaurant is inspected around two times per year on average.
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