Mercado Latino
Last inspected: Apr 6, 2026
43
Score
Going back to 2024, Mercado Latino has 11 inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 6, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near four violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “certified food protection manager”, showing up five times.
Compared to other Phoenix restaurants (averaging 97), there's room to close the gap. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
11
Inspections
2
Critical latest
3
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 6, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
Food is unsafe, adulterated, or misrepresented
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed fly standing on piece of fried chicharron at front hot food display unit. Discussed with operator to work with pest control to eliminate fly's. Operator proceeded to discard one piece of chicharrone at time of inspection
3-101.11
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: 2nd Consecutive violation: Internal temperature of 110*F for cooked marinated chicken located at hot holding unit. Internal temperature of 128*F for cooked adobada pork meat located in hot holding unit. Discussed with operator all Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items shall be hot held at minimum 135*F or above. Per operator food items had been placed in hot holding unit less than 2hours prior. Instructed operator to reheat food items to 165*F and ensure hot holding unit is keeping minimum 135*F or above. Per operator, extra tray had been placed under these food items and removed for better heat transfer
3-501.16(A)(1)
Time used as public health control not properly documented
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: 3rd consecutive violation: Observed chicharrones using Time as a Public Health Control with old date mark: 4/3/26. Per operator, current batch of chicharrones were made early today and were place under time as a public health control but time stamp was not changed accordingly. Instructed operator to apply new time stamp and ensure chicharrones are discarded after 4hours. Operator proceeded to apply new time stamp at time inspection
3-501.19(A1,B2,C2-3)
Handwashing done in improper location
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed employee washing hands in prep-sink at time of inspection. Educated operator on adequately washing hands at designated hand sink during time of inspection. Employees are to use designated hand sink and wash hands with soap and warm water for minimum 20 seconds at hand sink. Operator proceeded to used hand sink at time of inspection
2-301.15
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
Inspector notes: 2nd consecutive violation: Observed hand sink in rear kitchen area blocked by large container of oil. Ensure to keep hand sinks accessible during all hours of operation for adequate handwashing. Rear kitchen area was not in use at time of inspection. Ensure hand sink is clear from obstructions by time of Re-inspection
5-205.11
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: 2nd consecutive violation: Observed black debris, old food debris and bad odor in the following areas: -floors, walls and ceilings or rear kitchen area, inside both walk-in refrigeration units inside ice machine and at facility rear exterior exit. Discussed deep cleaning and removal of garbage. Discussed all food items including onions shall be stored inside food establishment and not at exterior of facility. Ensure regular deep cleaning and sanitizing of all kitchen and exterior areas
6-501.12
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: 3rd consecutive violation: At least one person shall have a valid Certified Food Protection Manager Certification during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Observed boxes of produce in floor of walk-in refrigeration unit. Observed boxes of frozen meat and seafood on floor of walk-in freezer. Discussed with operator to ensure all food items are stored at least 6inches above the floor to prevent contamination
3-305.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Observed walk-in refrigeration unit used for storage of whole produce and Non-TCS foods with ambient temperature of 74*F. Discussed with operator to make necessary repairs for refrigeration to reach 41*F or below prior to using as cold storage for TCS food items. A re-inspection will be conducted on4/16/26 to verify necessary repairs
4-501.11
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: 3rd consecutive violation: Observed leak at spray nozzle in rear prep-sink. Ensure to keep spray nozzle stored at least 1"above basin and repair any plumbing leaks
5-205.15(B)
43
Dec 18, 2025
Food AMC Trainings
No violations found.
100
Nov 4, 2025
Reinspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insufficient number of handwashing sinks
Inspector notes: Observed outdoor grill hand sink with leak at plumbing line. Outdoor grill is required to have a hand sink properly installed and in good working conditions for adequate hand washing during time of operations. Discussed replacing bricks under hand sink with a more permanent solution for elevating hand sink. Ensure to repair plumbing issues at hand sink for adequate hand washing
5-203.11
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: 2nd consecutive violation: Observed spray nozzle with leak at three compartment sink. Ensure to repair leak and keep spray nozzle stored at least 1"above basin of three compartment sinks to provide air gap
5-205.15(B)
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed organic black matter in floors, walls and ceilings of walk-in refrigeration unit. Ensure to detail clean and sanitize all areas
6-501.12
82
Oct 20, 2025
Routine
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
Conveying Sewage
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: At initial time of inspection outdoor hand sink was not properly set up and water source was turned off . Operator proceeded to turning on water for hand washing. Observed hand sink conveying sewage onto ground at outdoor enclosure grill area. Hand sink is required to have capacities to prevent sewage from conveying onto outside grounds. Operator is instructed to discontinue usage of outdoor grill until approval for use of grill and granted by Environmental Services and hand sink is adequately plumbed
5-402.13
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: 2nd consecutive violation: 46*F internal temperature for large pot of beans stored in walk-in refrigeration unit. Ensure to use proper cooling methods to cool TCS food items from 135*F to 70*F within 2 hours and from 70*F to 41*F within 4hours. Per operator, beans were cooled overnight. Discussed with operator beans are no longer safe for human consumption. Operator removed beans from walk-in cooler and will no longer be served to the public
3-501.14
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: One Hot holding unit was not functioning at time of inspection. Per operator unit is not functional and awaiting to be repaired. The following items were found out of temperature in hot holding unit. Pinto beans-107*F Rice-100*F Pork rib-100*F Barbacoa-100*F Ensure to keep TCS food items out of the danger zone and hot held at 135*F minimum. Operator proceeded to reheat some items and discard others
3-501.16(A)(1)
Insufficient number of handwashing sinks
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed outdoor grill hand sink not functioning properly and conveying sewage. Outdoor grill is required to have a hand sink properly installed and in good working conditions for adequate hand washing during time of operations. Ensure to repair plumbing issues at hand sink for adequate hand washing. Operator was instructed to discontinue outdoor grill operations due to lack of adequate hand washing. Outdoor grill will not be utilized until RM-10716 is approved
5-203.11
Time used as public health control not properly documented
Inspector notes: 2nd consecutive violation:Per operator, Time as a Public Health Control is used for Chicharrones stored at room temperature. A policy must be submitted to this department prior to use of Time as a Public Health Control. With approved policy chicharrones shall be held for no longer that 4hours and must be time stamped. Ensure to submit a Time as a Public Health Control policy for approval prior to re-inspection. A re-inspection will be conducted on 11/4/25
3-501.19(A1,B2,C2-3)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: 2nd consecutive violation: At least one person shall have a valid Certified Food Protection Manager Certification during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: 2nd consecutive violation: Observed spray nozzle sitting in basin of three compartment sink and rear prep-sink. Ensure to keep spray nozzle stored at least 1"above basin of three compartment sinks to provide air gap. Operator proceeded to properly store nozzles above sink basin
5-205.15(B)
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed organic black matter in floors, walls and ceilings of walk-in refrigeration unit. Ensure to detail clean and sanitize all areas
6-501.12
45
Jul 2, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: At least one person in charge at all times shall have a valid Food Protection Manager Certification during all times of operation. Ensure to provide a Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate
2-102.12(A)
95
Jun 24, 2025
Food Advisory Inspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 2, 2025
Reinspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: Observed live German roach in floor sink in rear kitchen. A re-inspection will be conducted to verify ongoing treatment for German roaches. Recommend additional pest control visits, as needed, by reinspection. Discussed with operator to address 12 active pending items as stated on last pest control invoice dated: 5/13/25. Ensure to repair holes and address cleanliness issues throughout facility. Detail clean and sanitize large display refrigeration equipment in meat department including in and around the food equipment, floors, walls, and ceilings. Detail clean and sanitize plumbing areas in meat department including floor sinks, plumbing lines and components. Ensure to protect all food items prior to detail clean and sanitization. Second consecutive violation
6-501.111(C)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: At least one person in charge at all times shall have a valid Food Protection Manager Certification during all times of operation. Ensure to provide a Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate
2-102.12(A)
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: Observed faucet at prep sink broken/damaged and causing leak. Ensure to repair damaged faucet to prevent leaks. Discussed condensation line from ice machine that is not properly draining into floor sink. Ensure to make necessary repairs to prevent pooling water on floor. All plumbing components must be properly cleaned and sanitized no holes shall be present
5-205.15(B)
82
May 12, 2025
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: 51*F internal temperature for large pot of beans stored in walk-in produce refrigeration unit in kitchen area. Per operator, beans were placed in walk-in unit for cooling the night before at around 6pm. Discussed with operator to ensure Time/temperature control for safety foods (TCS) shall be cooled from 135*F to 70*F within 2hours and then from 70*F to 41*F within 4hours. Discussed with operator beans are no longer safe for consumption and shall be embargoed. Operator proceeded to discard ~15lbs of cooked beans at time of inspection
3-501.14
Time used as public health control not properly documented
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cooked chicharrones with pieces of meat internal temperature of 70*F at hot holding area. Per operator, chicharrones were palced in hot holding unit at 6pm the day before and stored there overnight. Discussed that when temperature (135*F or above and 41*F or below) is not in use for control of TCS food items then time as a public health control must be in place. Food items held at room temperature shall be discarded after 4hours and properly marked with date and time. Discussed with operator that ~20lbs of Chicharrones shall be in embargoed and no longer safe for human consumption. Operator processed to set chicharrones a side for discontinued use
3-501.19(B1,3-4;C1,4-5)
Food is unsafe, adulterated, or misrepresented
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed dead fly in large container of raw pork meat stored in walk-in cooler. Product is contaminated and not honestly present and no longer safe for consumption. Operator proceeded to discard ~50lbs of pork meat at time of inspection
3-101.11
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed most TCS food items with adequate date marking not exceeding the 7day maximum time. Observed three containers with no date marked on container operator stated that food items were made approximately two days ago and not marked adequately. Discussed to ensure adequate date marking system in place for TCS food items stored in walk-in refrigeration unit. Operator proceeded to add date marks
3-501.17
Person in charge not present
Inspector notes: No person in charge was available at time of inspection. Employee was asked to contact person in charge at beginning of inspection. No person in charge arrived at time of inspection. A person shall be designated as in charge during hours of operation
2-101.11
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: Observed live german roaches, one in exterior of meat deli display refrigeration and another in prep-sink basin located in rear kitchen. Ensure contact pest control company to properly treat for german roaches and detail clean and sanitize areas as necessary. A re-inspection will be conducted to verify ongoing treatment for german roaches. A pest control with today's date or later must be presented prior to re-inspection
6-501.111(C)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: At least one person in charge at all times shall have a valid Food Protection Manager Certification during all times of operation. Ensure to provide a Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate
2-102.12(A)
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: Observed faucet at prep sink broken/damaged and causing leak. Ensure to repair damaged faucet to prevent leaks. Discussed condensation line from ice machine that is not properly draining into floor sink. Ensure to make necessary repairs to prevent pooling water on floor
5-205.15(B)
43
Feb 3, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Nov 4, 2024
Food Advisory Inspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 24, 2024
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures
Inspector notes: Observed that the walk in cooler near cooking equipment for produce storage and other items with an ambient temperature of 60*F. Cold hold equipment must keep food at 41*F or lower. Repair company was contacted and on site at time of inspection. Observed self service buffet for deli area nearest walk in cooler with an ambient temperature of 50*F. Cold hold equipment must keep cool foods at 41*F or lower. Repair company was contacted. Reinspection to verify refrigeration is in good working order to be completed on or before Monday, November 4, 2024
4-301.11
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mercado Latino last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mercado Latino on file is from Apr 6, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mercado Latino?
Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Mercado Latino.
How does Mercado Latino compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?
Mercado Latino most recently scored 43 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.
Has Mercado Latino's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Mercado Latino have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Mercado Latino means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
Nearby Restaurants