El Pollo Loco

4102 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Apr 14, 2026

Score

Low Risk Grade: B

Across the available record, El Pollo Loco has six inspections on file, the first dated 2024. On Apr 14, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near two violations each time.

When inspectors have written things up, “equipment and utensils-durability and strength” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.

That's lower than the typical Phoenix restaurant, which scores around 97. Taken together, the history is a positive one.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 14, 2026

Routine

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

View 2 violations

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Three pans of salsa fresca-49-50F cooling in the walk in cooler. The PIC stated that the salsa was made and began cooling over seven hours prior and discarded-see embargo form. PHF/TCS foods prepared from ingredients at ambient temperature shall be cooled within 4 hours to 41°F or less

3-501.14

Equipment not durable or properly constructed

Inspector notes: *FOURTH CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION* Two door freezer missing the metal top portion of unit. Equipment and utensils designed and constructed to be durable and to retain their characteristic qualities under normal use conditions

4-201.11

Oct 6, 2025

Routine

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

No certified food protection manager

2-102.12(A)

Equipment not durable or properly constructed

Inspector notes: Observed two door freezer missing metal top portion of unit. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). === Equipment and utensils designed and constructed to be durable and to retain their characteristic qualities under normal use conditions

4-201.11

Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas

Inspector notes: Observed five burnt out lights inside front and back hood vents; one does not have protective shield around light. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). ===At least 540 lux (50 foot candles) at a surface where a food employee is working with food or working with utensils or equipment such as knives, slicers, grinders, or saws where employee safety is a factor

6-303.11

May 13, 2025

Routine

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas

Inspector notes: Observed three burnt out lights inside back hood vents; one does not have protective shield around light. Also observed on large light burnt out by cashier area. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). ===At least 540 lux (50 foot candles) at a surface where a food employee is working with food or working with utensils or equipment such as knives, slicers, grinders, or saws where employee safety is a factor

6-303.11

No certified food protection manager

2-102.12(A)

Equipment not durable or properly constructed

4-201.11

Feb 14, 2025

Routine

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

View 4 violations

Raw animal food not cooked to required temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed cooked chicken pulled from grill to be cut on cutting board. Internal temperature of cooked chicken was 140*F-144*F with inspector thermometer. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). PIC confirmed internal temperature. PIC had cook re-cook cooked chicken to above 165*F. PIC had employee sanitize all areas of cutting board. ===Cook chicken to 165*F for 15 seconds

3-401.11

Equipment not durable or properly constructed

4-201.11

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed main entrance door with missing parts in bottom section. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). ===Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues

4-602.13

Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas

6-303.11

Sep 30, 2024

Routine

No violations found.

100

Jun 26, 2024

Routine

No violations found.

100

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Pollo Loco last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Pollo Loco on file is from Apr 14, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Pollo Loco?

Across the inspection record, “equipment and utensils-durability and strength” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Pollo Loco.

How does El Pollo Loco compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

El Pollo Loco most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has El Pollo Loco's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Pollo Loco have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Pollo Loco 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 Pollo Loco inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Pollo Loco is inspected around three times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Chicago Hamburger Co

3749 E Indian School Rd

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Taste of Thai

3738 E Indian School Rd

Score: 78 — Low Risk

Arby's

3826 E Thomas Rd

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

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