Filiberto's Mexican Food
Last inspected: Jan 7, 2026
95
Score
Filiberto's Mexican Food appears in inspection records five times, starting in 2024. The most recent report on file is from Jan 7, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around four violations to closer to one violation per visit.
Looking across the full record, “wiping cloths, use limitation” is the recurring theme, flagged two times.
The city-wide average is 95, putting Filiberto's Mexican Food squarely in typical territory. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 7, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Precleaning
Inspector notes: Observed previous date-marking labels left on clean containers, stored in the back on storage racks. Please ensure date-mark labels are removed prior to washing, rinsing, and sanitizing
4-603.12
95
Aug 18, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Improper cooling methods used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a 5 gallon stainless steel container of salsa at a temperature of 90 F. PIC stated that the salsa was prepared 30 minutes prior. TCS foods must be cooled in: uncovered/loosely covered, shallow containers less than 4 inches deep, in equipment designed to rapidly cool, by using an ice bath, by using ice as an ingredient, or another effective means. Salsa was transferred to two shallow containers and placed back in the walk in fridge to allow for rapid cooling
3-501.15(A)
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed containers of pineapple, lettuce and cilantro stacked on top of one another in the reach in cooler at the time of inspection. PIC was informed that lids should be placed on top of each individual container rather than stacking them to prevent contamination. PIC properly covered containers in the reach in cooler
3-302.11(A3-8)
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a sanitizing bucket at the cook line holding wiping cloths in a solution of 25 ppm chlorine. Per Person in Charge (PIC), wiping cloth buckets were prepared multiple hours ago. All wet wiping cloths must be stored in sanitizer buckets with approved sanitizer concentrations. Wiping cloths were placed in sanitizer buckets with approved sanitizer concentrations at time of inspection
3-304.14
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed utensils stored in containers of meat and lettuce that are located in the reach in cooler with the handle in contact with the food items. In-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food. All in-use utensils were properly stored at time of inspection by the PIC
3-304.12
78
Apr 22, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed accumulation of black and yellow organic matter inside the interior food contact surface of the ice machine. Establishment must clean non-tcs food contact surfaces like the inside of the ice machine at a frequency to preclude the accumulation of dirt, dust, soiling or debris. Establishment must clean. Discussed proper cleaning process for the ice machine. Correct by next routine inspection
4-602.11(E)
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly
Inspector notes: Observed two different wiping cloth buckets on the cook line holding wiping cloths in a solution of 25 ppm chlorine. Per Person in Charge (PIC), wiping cloth buckets were prepared multiple hours ago. Buckets were changed and replaced at time of inspection. Wiping cloth buckets with solution of 100 ppm were observed after corrections
3-304.14
Single-use articles reused
Inspector notes: Observed wide spread use of single-use sour cream buckets across the establishment to hold sanitizer bottles, hold cut lettuce, and sugar. Also observed single use sour cream buckets stacked and stored on the floor to hold wiping cloth buckets of sanitizer solution. Establishment must use food contact surfaces that are designed for multiple uses to hold food items. Discussed cleaning difficulties when stacking sour cream containers on top of each other and chemical contamination risk when sour cream buckets are used to store chemicals and food. Instructed establishment to stop using re-using single-use sour cream buckets at time of inspection. Correct by next inspection
4-502.13(A)
Precleaning
Inspector notes: Observed clean container and in-use containers across the establishment with multiple, old day dot stickers that were not removed from previous uses. Establishment must remove day dot stickers before cleaning at the three compartment sink. Instructed PIC to clean all containers and remove all previous day dots before next use. Correct by next routine inspection
4-603.12
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Establishment has large amounts of equipment (food contact surfaces - pans, containers, food processors, open top prep table, etc.) both inside the kitchen and in the dining area that (per PIC) are no longer used. Instructed PIC that items that are not in use in the establishment must be removed from the kitchen. Correct by next routine inspection
6-501.114
78
Jan 3, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed facility without a certified food manager
2-102.12(A)
95
Sep 13, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Filiberto's Mexican Food last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Filiberto's Mexican Food on file is from Jan 7, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Filiberto's Mexican Food?
Across the inspection record, “wiping cloths, use limitation” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Filiberto's Mexican Food.
How does Filiberto's Mexican Food compare to other restaurants in Tempe?
Filiberto's Mexican Food most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Tempe average of 95.
Has Filiberto's Mexican Food's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Filiberto's Mexican Food have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Filiberto's Mexican Food 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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