Los Toritos Mexican Food

3218 E Mcdowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Feb 19, 2026

Score

Low Risk Grade: B

Going back to 2024, Los Toritos Mexican Food has five inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 19, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around four violations to closer to two violations per visit over the last few inspections.

“In-use utensils, between-use storage” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

By comparison, the average Phoenix facility scores 97, putting Los Toritos Mexican Food on the weaker side. The record reflects steady performance over time.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 19, 2026

Routine

2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed at two soda dispensers with 7 nozzles having white, brown and orange organic matter growth. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). PIC will have employees wash, rinse, and sanitize. ====In equipment such as ice bins and beverage dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, beverage and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending equipment: o At a frequency specified by the manufacturer, or absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold

4-602.11(E)

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: ***2nd Consecutive Violation*** Observed ice scoop handle directly touching ice inside soda ice bin. Notified Person IN Charge (PIC). PIC directed employee to move handle upward to not touch ice

3-304.12

Aug 5, 2025

Routine

1 major violation. 4 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

No soap available at handwashing sink (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: No handsoap available at one of the kitchen handwashing sinks. The battery was dead. Corrected by owner

6-301.11

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Raw shrimp was thawing in a bucket of cold water in the food-prep sink. The water was not running. The owner then put the shrimp in a strainer basket and turned on the cold water

3-501.13

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The ice scoop at the soda fountain was laying down, with the handle touching the ice. Corrected by manager

3-304.12

Area, Enclosures and Receptacles, Good Repair

Inspector notes: One of the dumpster lids has been burned off and must be replaced. 5-501.113 - Core: Covering Receptacles Addl Notes: The grease-bin lid was left open. Maintain closed at all times

5-501.111

Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas

Inspector notes: The interior of the walk-in cooler is very dimly lit. It was difficult to see the food without a flashlight. Install a brighter light bulb, or install more lights

6-303.11

May 22, 2025

Routine

1 major violation. 2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 3 violations

Medicines stored or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: A bottle of rubbing alcohol was stored above french-fry trays in the dry storage area. The manager then moved the rubbing alcohol to its designated storage area

7-207.11(A)

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination

Inspector notes: Observed open bags of salt, sugar, and flour stored on the shelves in the rear storage area. Close up food items when not in use

3-305.11

Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas

Inspector notes: The lighting in the walk-in cooler is extremely low. A flashlight was needed for the inspector to check temperatures and date marks. Increase the intensity of lighting in the walk-in cooler to ensure adequate cleaning, organization and operation

6-303.11

Jan 22, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Improper cooling methods used

Inspector notes: Observed soup in large 15 gallon pots that do not allow proper cooling. Observed other food items in deep containers cold held. 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. Discussed cold holding methods with staff members

3-501.15(B)

Sep 18, 2024

Routine

No violations found.

100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Los Toritos Mexican Food last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Los Toritos Mexican Food on file is from Feb 19, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Los Toritos Mexican Food?

Across the inspection record, “in-use utensils, between-use storage” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Los Toritos Mexican Food.

How does Los Toritos Mexican Food compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Los Toritos Mexican Food most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Los Toritos Mexican Food's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Los Toritos Mexican Food have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Los Toritos 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.

Nearby Restaurants

Score: 74 — Medium Risk

Outlier Cafe

668 N 44th St

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Phoenix → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Maricopa → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Phoenix