Carniceria Ponderosa

2340 E Union Hills Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85024

Grocery / Market

License: Food Establishment - Meat Market

Last inspected: Jan 12, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Across the available record, Carniceria Ponderosa has six inspections on file, the first dated 2024. On Jan 12, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around three violations to closer to one violation per visit over the last few inspections.

“Certified food protection manager” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

Restaurants in Phoenix average 97, so Carniceria Ponderosa trails the local norm. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 12, 2026

Routine

1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

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

Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels or other hand drying provision at the handwash sink between the 3 comp and meat saw table

6-301.12

Sep 26, 2025

Reinspection

No violations found.

100

Sep 18, 2025

Routine

1 major violation.

View 1 violation

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

Inspector notes: Observed establishment prepare raw marinated shrimp ceviche but have no parasite destruction letters from sea food provider

3-402.12

Jul 17, 2025

Routine

1 major violation. 4 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: Observed vegetable cutter with food debris covering the food contact surface stored under prep table. Discussed equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. The person in charge removed the vegetable cutter for warewashing at the time of inspection

4-601.11(A)

Wiping cloths used or stored improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed wiping cloths stored in chlorine sanitizer solution with less than 50ppm chlorine. The person in charge made a new sanitizer solution with 50-100ppm chlorine

3-304.14

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Observed no certified food protection manager onsite at the time of operation

2-102.12(A)

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed raw whole fish thawing in standing water at ambient temperature in a plastic bucket stored directly on the floor next to a prep table behind the meat counter

3-501.13

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed open container of raw ground meat stored directly on the floor under the meat grinder machine. Observed various colored liquids, food debris, and other organic matter on the floor around the container of ground meat. Discussed protecting from contamination in clean, dry location 6 inches above floor. The person in charge moved the container off the floor at the time of inspection

3-305.11

Mar 27, 2025

Routine

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

View 4 violations

Protection from Unapproved Additives (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed nitrous salt stored with spices by the grilling area. Per employee item is added to pork meat. Person in charge removed nitrates from establishment. Food must be protected from contamination that may result from the addition of unsafe or unapproved food or color additives

3-302.14

Plumbing not installed to prevent backflow (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed long hose with attached spray nozzle in-use without proper back flow prevention on mop sink faucet (mop faucet has broken AVB). Employee removed hose and will only use sink faucet without hose or nozzle. Discussed ensuring proper backflow is installed if spray hose will be used

5-203.14

No soap available at handwashing sink (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: No handsoap available at main handwashing sink in back shared kitchen and meat market area. Person in charge provided soap from retail area

6-301.11

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Person in charge could not provide certificate for certified food manager certification at time of inspection. The person in charge must be a certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Correct prior to next routine inspection

2-102.12(A)

Oct 14, 2024

Routine

No violations found.

100

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Carniceria Ponderosa last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Carniceria Ponderosa on file is from Jan 12, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Carniceria Ponderosa?

Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Carniceria Ponderosa.

How does Carniceria Ponderosa compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Carniceria Ponderosa most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Carniceria Ponderosa's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Carniceria Ponderosa have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

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

Nearby Restaurants

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Score: 100 — Low Risk

Canteen

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Score: 100 — Low Risk

Taiwan Mama

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Score: 74 — Medium Risk

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