Carniceria Sonora

3135 S 48th St, Tempe, AZ 85282

Grocery / Market

License: Food Establishment - Meat Market

Last inspected: Jan 14, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Across the available record, Carniceria Sonora has five inspections on file, the first dated 2024. Carniceria Sonora was last inspected on Jan 14, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around one violation each.

That falls roughly in the middle of the pack for Tempe restaurants. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 14, 2026

Routine

1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed tilapia portions being sold in meat case for retail sale while fully thawed in manufacturer's reduced oxygen packaging (ROP). ROP fish should be thawed under cold running water immediately before use or fully removed from ROP prior to thawing under refrigeration. Person in charge (PIC) removed fish from packaging to correct

3-501.13

Aug 28, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed sliding door on the meat display cooler to be broken, detached, or otherwise in disrepair. Per PIC, they use the sliding door on the opposite side to fill the cooler. Discussed the importance of maintaining all refrigerator doors in good repair with PIC. Physical facility must be maintained in good repair at all times. Repair physical facility prior to next routine inspection

6-501.11

May 23, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Jan 13, 2025

Routine

1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

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

Inspector notes: Observed no available hand soap in the employee restroom near the dry storage area in the back corner. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. PIC provided soap for handwash sink at time of inspection

6-301.12

Equipment material allows contamination or unsafe migration

Inspector notes: Observed make-shift scooper made from a repurposed bottle being used to handle dry ingredients such as chili powder and oregano. The scooper was observed to have jagged edges, rendering the utensils neither smooth, nor easily cleanable. Discussed replacing utensils with durable metal scoopers with PIC. All food-contact surfaces must be smooth, non-absorbent, and easily cleanable

4-101.11(B-E)

Sep 25, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed ROP white fish being thawed directly in the meat display case with the packaging still intact. Discussed proper thawing methods with PIC. All ROP fish labeled "Keep Frozen" must be removed completely from reduced oxygen packaging (ROP) prior to thawing under refrigeration or immediately after thawing under cold running water. All ROP fish was removed from ROP packaging at time of inspection

3-501.13

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Carniceria Sonora last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Carniceria Sonora on file is from Jan 14, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

How does Carniceria Sonora compare to other restaurants in Tempe?

Carniceria Sonora most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Tempe average of 95.

Has Carniceria Sonora's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Carniceria Sonora have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Carniceria Sonora 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

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Tempe → Grocery / Market restaurants in Maricopa → Grocery / Market restaurants in Tempe