El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant

10839 E Main St Apache, Apache Junction, AZ 85120

Grocery / Market

License: Food Establishment - Meat Market

Last inspected: Feb 26, 2026

Score

Low Risk Grade: B

Public records show six inspections at El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant stretching back to 2024. The most recent visit was on Feb 26, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.

The pattern that stands out is “hand drying provision”, which has been cited three times.

The city-wide average sits at 94, which El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant's 78 doesn't quite reach. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 26, 2026

Routine

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

View 3 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed bags of raw pork stored above packages of queso fresco. All raw meat must be stored below ready-to-eat food to prevent cross contamination. Pork was moved below cheese at time of inspection

3-302.11(A1-2)

Floors, walls, or ceilings not easily cleanable

Inspector notes: Observed two holes in the wall in the meat cutting area. Walls in food preparation areas must be smooth and easily cleanable. Please repair holes so that wall is smooth prior to the next routine inspection

6-201.11

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed racks in the meat walk-in cooler with accumulated food debris. Discussed regularly wiping racks down to keep them clean. Please keep racks clean prior to the next routine inspection. Observed food debris on the outside of the meat grinder. Discussed wiping the outside of the meat grinder to keep it clean

4-602.13

Oct 7, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed racks used to season raw meats with dried up food debris. Please maintain a regular cleaning schedule to prevent accumulation of food debris

4-602.11(A-D)

No hand drying provision at handwashing sink

Inspector notes: Paper towels were not available at handwashing sink in meat room

6-301.12

Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area

Inspector notes: Observed opened water bottle in meat room

2-401.11

Jun 24, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Feb 25, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Nov 8, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed raw meat particles on food contact surface of saw blade in meat room and food contact surface of deli slicer. Discussed importance of all food contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch

4-602.11(A-D)

No hand drying provision at handwashing sink

Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels at hand washing sink in meat room. PIC restocked at time of inspection

6-301.12

Toilet Rooms, Enclosed

Inspector notes: Enclosed Observed broken hinge in employee restroom in employee restroom, prohibiting door from self closing. Please make repairs prior to next routine inspection

6-202.14

Jul 10, 2024

Routine

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

View 3 violations

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed racks in back of establishment with accumulation of raw meat debris and blood on food contact surfaces. PIC stated the butcher was done for the day and would not be using the racks. Discussed importance of all food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch

4-601.11(A)

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

Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels in handwashing sink in meat room and in employee restroom. PIC restocked at time of inspection. All handwashing sinks must have soap and paper towels at all times for proper handwashing

6-301.12

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation

2-102.12(A)

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant on file is from Feb 26, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant?

Across the inspection record, “hand drying provision” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant.

How does El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Apache Junction?

El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is lower than the Apache Junction average of 94.

Has El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Herradero Carniceria and 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 El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Herradero Carniceria and Restaurant is inspected around four times per year on average.

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