Carniceria Ponderosa 3

1909 W Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023

Grocery / Market

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Jan 16, 2026

100

Score

Low Risk

Inspectors have visited Carniceria Ponderosa 3 five times, with records going back to 2025. On Jan 16, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around zero violations compared to roughly four violations earlier on.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “time/temperature control for safety food, hot holding”, showing up three times.

Among Phoenix restaurants, the typical score is 97; Carniceria Ponderosa 3 is comfortably above that bar. Taken together, the history is a positive one.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 16, 2026

Reinspection

No violations found.

100

Jan 8, 2026

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 4 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed the cooked TCS food items with internal temperature between 90-115F in the deli hot case. TCS items included ribs, chicken, tamales, chile relleno, sauteed onions/peppers, rice, beans, chicharron, carnitas, and carne asada, fish. The person in charge stated items were placed for hot holding beginning 930am, more than 4 hours ago. The food items were embargoed at the time of inspection

3-501.16(A)(1)

Records, Creation & Retention; Raw as Ready-to-Eat Fish

Inspector notes: Observed establishment prepare an serve raw marinated shrimp ceviche as ready to eat but have no updated parasite destruction letter

3-402.12

Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures

Inspector notes: Observed hot case with maximum internal ambient temperature of 120F with sections of the hot case as low as 108F as measured by inspector min/max thermometer. Observed temperature setting displays of the hot case that did not operate or display digital setting. Observe the heating elements covered by aluminum foil under the food pans. The person in charge discontinued use of the hot case and placed a work order for service

4-301.11

Handwashing sign not posted

Inspector notes: Observed no hand wash signage at hand wash sinks used by employees in food prep areas or toilet rooms. A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands shall be provided at all handwashing sinks used by food employees and shall be clearly visible to food employees

6-301.14

Oct 16, 2025

Routine

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 corrected on site.

View 3 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: *2nd repeat* Observed Hot bar holding jalapenos, pork skins, chicharrons, onions, carnitas, fried shrimp, fried tilapa, and chile relleno, 96-127*f degrees. Per PIC item had been placed inside case last then 2 hours prior

3-501.16(A)(1)

Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Todays date 10/16. Observed one batch carnitas dated 10/6 and three batches of barbacoa dated 10/8 inside main walk-in cooler

3-501.18

No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed hand sink behind cookline wall no paper towels

6-301.12

May 29, 2025

Reinspection

No violations found.

100

May 28, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed the following hot case items improperly hot holding between 108-118*f degrees, halfed whole chicken, chicharrons, fried tilapa, prawns, onions, mixed cooked pork, and ribs. Per PIC items had been prepared with-in the last 2 hours

3-501.16(A)(1)

Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures

Inspector notes: Observed main large food service walk-in fridge holding ambient air temp of 50*f degrees holding TCS foods. Establishment is able to operate safely with the retail walk-in fridge and meat walk-in fridge at this time. Observed main cookline reach-in holding ambient air temperature of 45*f degrees holding TCS food items

4-301.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Carniceria Ponderosa 3 last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Carniceria Ponderosa 3 on file is from Jan 16, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Carniceria Ponderosa 3?

Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food, hot holding” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Carniceria Ponderosa 3.

How does Carniceria Ponderosa 3 compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Carniceria Ponderosa 3 most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Carniceria Ponderosa 3's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Carniceria Ponderosa 3 have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Carniceria Ponderosa 3 means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

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