El Jefe Tacos Mesa

Inspector notes: Observed two first aid kits containing medicines and medicated gels stored above the blast chiller. All medicines must be stored away from food, utensils, and single service items to prevent contamination. All medicines were relocated and properly stored by PIC at time of inspection

Inspector notes: Observed a tray of beans in the walk in cooler with 6+ inches of cooling food inside measuring 44-51*F when measured with a probe thermometer. PIC stated the beans had been prepared yesterday and was cooled in the blast chiller before moving to the walk in cooler. All TCS foods improperly cooled were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling

Inspector notes: Observed a sealed bag of beef machaca not bearing an mark of inspection seal. PIC stated the machaca was a sample from a supplier and is not a regular menu item. Observed the machaca stored above foods intended for service to customers. PIC stated a receipt was not available for the machaca since it was received as a sample. All food must be obtained from an approved source as defined by law. A true embargo was placed on the machaca at the time of inspection

Inspector notes: Observed sushi rice labeled with a timestamp from 9-4. PIC stated they mistakenly wrote their shift schedule instead of the proper discard time. PIC added the correct timestamp at the time of inspection. PIC was unable to provide a time as a control policy for employees to refer to. Must provide written time as a control procedures prior to re-inspection. All TCS foods being held under time as a control were properly time stamped at time of inspection. Time as a Public Health Control requires written procedures detailing process for Time as a Public Health Control and time-stamping for items actively held under Time as a Public Health Control

Inspector notes: Establishment is conducting food prep in the former walk in cooler that is being used as a dry storage area. Observed two meat slicers plugged in and dirty from use within the past four hours. No hand sink is present in this area and employees must pass through the walk in cooler/dry storage area door to wash hands. Advised PIC to apply for a minor remodel to add a hand sink or remove food processing equipment to another area with a hand sink present

Inspector notes: Observed a non-approved meat slicer stored as cleaned with visible food debris on the rotary blades. All food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch. PIC relocated all food-contact surfaces to warewashing area to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at the time of inspection

Inspector notes: Observed ROP sealed cooked meats sealed beyond 48 hours including beef birria from 9/27 and 9/24. PIC stated the birria from 9/24 sealed and frozen and removed from the freezer on 9/24. Storing ROP foods beyond 48 hours requires a variance. A variance/HACCP must be obtained prior to conducting any specialized processes. Variance/HACCP applications are available through the customer portal "Permit Center" at https://maricopacountyaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home. Additional resources can be found at https://www.maricopa.gov/3978/Food-Variances. Advised PIC apply for a variance or discontinue ROP sealing foods beyond 48 hours. A re-inspection will take place on 10/10/25 to ensure all foods are sealed for less than 48 hours

Inspector notes: Provide multiple coats of concrete sealer to the exposed concrete areas under the three sink area. Fill all pitted concrete areas at the three sink and front service area, as needed

Inspector notes: Lift all bottom shelving pieces to ensure a 6" minimum clearance is provided from the floor

Inspector notes: Observed drain lines stored below the flood rim of the serving floor sink at the 3 comp sink and soda fountain/ice machine area. Also observed the walk in freezer drain line submerged in water due to a plastic container being placed within the floor sink it drains into. PIC removed the container and the drain cleared normally and the air gap was restored. All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times. Must repair all plumbing to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection

Inspector notes: Provide small covered trash receptacles in all female and uni-sex restrooms for sanitary napkin waste removal

Inspector notes: Observed handwashing station located near the kitchen entrance completely blocked by unused equipment. PIC organized handwashing station area and removed any unnecessary items at time of inspection

Inspector notes: Observed accumulation of grease, dirt and food debri throughout kitchen area, specially located near a handwashing station. Equipment, walls and floors should always be clean with more frequency