El Papas

9152 W Van Buren St, Tolleson, AZ 85353
Mexican / Latin
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Feb 17, 2026
100
Score
Low Risk Grade: A

Inspectors have visited El Papas eight times, with records going back to 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 17, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near one violation per visit.

When inspectors have written things up, “ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, disposition” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

Compared to the broader Tolleson restaurant scene, this is about average. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 17, 2026
Routine
No violations found.
100
Nov 10, 2025
Food Advisory Inspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 6, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 19, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Hands not washed when required (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed employee that was preparing carne asada burritos at a prep unit. The employee was observed adjusting their glasses and then without removing their gloves after the adjustment, they went to go grab some tortillas. Discussed with employee that anytime we change tasks or contamination to the hands occurs, such as going from making burritos to adjusting glasses, the hands should be washed, and then clean gloves should be used prior to going back to handling the food. The employee removed their gloves, washed their hands and then grabbed a new set of clean gloves. Discussed the importance of proper hand washing and when hand washing is required with the person-in-charge (PIC). Hands must be washed at any time contamination occurs and when changing tasks
2-301.14
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a container of green salsa inside of a reach-in refrigerator with a date mark of 08/05/2025. Based on the date on the container and the date of inspection, the salsa should have been disposed of on 08/11/2025. The salsa was embargoed at time of inspection (see embargo form). RTE/TCS foods requiring date marking must be date marked within 24 hours and sold or discarded after 7 days (including the day it was made as day 1). ** 2nd CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION.**
3-501.18
74
Apr 30, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 22, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a plastic lidded container of cooked green chili salsa inside of a reach-in refrigerator with a date mark of 4/11/2025 and observed a plastic lidded container of nacho cheese inside of a reach-in refrigerator with a date mark of 3/7/2025. Based on the date of inspection (4/22/2025) and each of the date marks on the food, both of the time and temperature controlled for safety foods were embargoed at time of inspection (see embargo form). Discussed with person in charge that RTE/TCS foods requiring date marking must be date marked within 24 hours and sold or discarded after 7 days (including the day it was made as day 1)
3-501.18
Sanitizer test kit not available
Inspector notes: Observed no sanitizer testing strips available for the quat sanitizer solution at the 3-compartment sink. Inspector used personal testing strips to test the sanitizer solution, and the sanitizer solution was testing at approximately 300 parts per million, which is within the appropriate range of 150-400 parts per million for quat sanitizer. Discussed with person in charge that test strips are required for any sanitizers used with food contact surfaces. Provide sanitizer test strips prior to re-inspection. A re-inspection will occur within 10 days or no later than May 1st, 2025
4-302.14
78
Dec 4, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 28, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Please ensure that a person with a certified food protection manager certificate is present during all hours of operation. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Observed fryer basket with some damaged/missing wires. Recommend replacing damaged fryer basket with new basket. All food-contact surfaces must be smooth, non-absorbent, and easily cleanable
4-501.11
90

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Papas last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Papas on file is from Feb 17, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Papas?

Across the inspection record, “ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, disposition” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at El Papas.

How does El Papas compare to other restaurants in Tolleson?

El Papas most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is about the same as the Tolleson average of 98.

Has El Papas' inspection record improved over time?

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

What does a low risk rating mean?

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