El Taco Tote
Last inspected: Jan 13, 2026
95
Score
El Taco Tote has been inspected five times since 2024. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 13, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near two violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “maintaining refuse areas and enclosures” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.
El Taco Tote's latest score is in line with the Phoenix average of 97. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 13, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures
Inspector notes: Observed debris and trash around outdoor refuse dumpster. Observed outdoor refuse dumpster with top lid propped open. Receptacles shall be kept covered. Outside receptacles shall be closed with tight fitting lids or doors. Storage area and enclosure shall be maintained free of unnecessary items and clean
5-501.115
95
Sep 16, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
May 7, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Prohibited toxic material present in facility
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed one can of Hotshot insecticide spray in water heater room of establishment and one can of Raid roach spray in establishment office. All pest control for the establishment must be performed by a certified pest control specialist and chemicals for pest control must not be stored onsite. Discussed risk of toxic contamination with person in charge (PIC). PIC removed pest control chemicals from premises at time of inspection
7-202.11
Improper cooling methods used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed 69°F internal temperature of cut lettuce, per probe thermometer, inside prep cooler next to cookline steam table. PIC stated lettuce was cut at room temperature 10 minutes prior to inspection and placed into prep cooler. TCS foods must be cooled to 41°F or below in equipment designed to rapidly cool. PIC removed cut lettuce from prep cooler and placed container into walk-in cooler to rapidly cool to 41°F. Discussed cooling methods and equipment cooling abilities with PIC
3-501.15(A)
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed accumulation of food debris along floor behind ice machine, along floor underneath dry storage shelving units, and along floor behind food storage bins next to front end registers. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection
6-501.12
Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures
Inspector notes: Observed excess buildup of refuse surrounding dumpster. Per PIC, area around dumpster is cleaned once per week. Storage area and enclosure shall be maintained free of unnecessary items and clean. Recommended increasing cleaning frequency of dumpster enclosure and limiting pest attractants to PIC
5-501.115
74
Feb 12, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Prohibited toxic material present in facility
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed two cans of Hotshot insecticide spray in water heater room of establishment. All pest control for the establishment must be performed by a certified pest control specialist and chemicals for pest control must not be stored onsite. Discussed risk of toxic contamination with Person in Charge (PIC). PIC removed pest control chemicals from premises at time of inspection
7-202.11
Improper cooling methods used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed internal temperature of shredded Muenster cheese at 54°F, per probe thermometer, inside prep cooler next to cookline. PIC stated that the cheese was shredded 30 minutes prior to inspection and placed into walk-in cooler. Per PIC, some cheese was then separated into smaller container and placed into prep cooler. TCS foods must be cooled to 41°F or below in equipment designed to rapidly cool. PIC removed cheese from prep cooler and placed container into walk-in cooler to rapidly cool to 41°F. Discussed cooling methods with PIC
3-501.15(A)
Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures
Inspector notes: Observed excess buildup of refuse surrounding dumpster. Storage area and enclosure shall be maintained free of unnecessary items and clean. Discussed with PIC increasing cleaning frequency of dumpster enclosure and limiting pest attractants
5-501.115
78
Aug 14, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Prep unit near front of kitchen had an internal temperature measuring 53F. Per PIC, all TCS food was only in the cooler for 2 hours. All TCS foods were moved to a functional walk in refrigeration unit to rapidly cool the food. Establishment will not use the equipment until the unit has been serviced. Establishment shall use a nearby functional prep unit. Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 41°F or below. Must repair cold holding equipment such that it maintains TCS foods at 41°F or below. Corrected at time of inspection
4-301.11
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Taco Tote last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Taco Tote on file is from Jan 13, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Taco Tote?
Across the inspection record, “maintaining refuse areas and enclosures” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at El Taco Tote.
How does El Taco Tote compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?
El Taco Tote most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Phoenix average of 97.
Has El Taco Tote's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Taco Tote have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Taco Tote means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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