Primitivo Mexican Food
Last inspected: Feb 3, 2026
86
Score
The health department has logged six inspections at Primitivo Mexican Food, the earliest from 2024. The most recent visit was on Feb 3, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.
Looking across the full record, “certified food protection manager” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.
Restaurants in Phoenix average 97, so Primitivo Mexican Food trails the local norm. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
6
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 3, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Plumbing system not approved or fixtures not cleanable
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed an additional shut off valve connected directly to the hose bib at the mop sink, pressurized with water at time of inspection. Hot water handle is unable to be closed, and PIC stated that they have used the shut off valve to keep the water off. The shutoff valve is connected downstream from the Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB). Discussed that, unless disconnected after every use, no downstream shutoffs are to be installed downstream from the AVB. Discussed with the PIC that AVBs are not designed to withstand constant pressure and may fail to prevent backflow in as little as 12 hours. The PIC disconnected the shutoff valve and put in a work order for the mop sink at the time of inspection
5-202.11(A)
86
Sep 9, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency
Inspector notes: The ice machine's interior ice baffle had a slight buildup of organic residue. Have the ice machine properly cleaned and maintain clean at all times
4-602.11(E)
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: The splashguard for the kitchen handwashing sink is cracked off and must be replaced
3-305.11
Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered
Inspector notes: There is no covered trashcan in the employee restroom. Provide a covered trashcan
5-501.17
Outdoor Enclosure
Inspector notes: The dumpster enclosure has an accumulation of trash and debris on the ground behind the dumpster. Clean and maintain clean at all times
5-501.12
Ventilation Hood Systems, Filters
Inspector notes: Some of the hood filters for the North hood are separated and missing pieces. Install hood filters that are in good shape and functional
4-202.18
78
Jun 20, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Closing Toilet Room Doors
Inspector notes: The restroom door is not self-closing. Install a self-closing device for the restroom door
6-501.19
Covering Receptacles
Inspector notes: The dumpster lids were left open. Maintain lids closed at all times
5-501.113
Light bulbs not shatter-resistant or protected
Inspector notes: One of the ceiling lights was not shielded. Provide light shields for all lights
6-202.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The certified food-service manager was not present during the inspection. Provide a certified food-service manager during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
82
Mar 5, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Plumbing system not approved or fixtures not cleanable
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed sprayer nozzle not currently in use attached directly to a hose connected to the faucet at the mop sink with an approved Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB). PIC disconnected the hose from the faucet at time of inspection. Shut-offs, including chemical dispensers and sprayer nozzles, are not approved for continuous installation downstream from atmospheric vacuum breakers. Non-testable Anti-siphon Vacuum Breaker devices are designed to protect potable water supplies from the back siphonage of non-health hazard cross-connections and low flow, non-continuous pressure installations. Discussed with PIC removing nozzle from the hose when not in use to ensure water is turned off and does not create additional pressure on the AVB
5-202.11(A)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed no Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) onsite at time of inspection. A CFPM is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. 3RD CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION
2-102.12(A)
Storage-Other Personal Care Items
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed closed employee beverage stored on shelf next to customer beverages for purchase located in standing reach-in at front register area. Person-in-charge (PIC) relocated beverage to a designated area at time of inspection. Employee belongings must be stored on a non-food-contact surface and kept separate from exposed food, clean equipment, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles. Employee belongings must be stored in a manner that prevents contamination
7-209.11
78
Nov 21, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed house-made enchilada salsa (125°F) sitting in a hot well below 135°F. Staff stated the enchilada salsa had been in the well for less than 2 hours and reheated the enchilada salsa at time of inspection. The hot well was also adjusted to a hotter setting. Discussed hot holding requirements with staff
3-501.16(A)(1)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Second consecutive. No certified Food Manager was present at the time of inspection. In Compliance with the Food Code, Maricopa County requires a Food Manager present during operating hours. Emailed Maricopa Policy changes and additional resources on where to acquire a Food Manager Certification
2-102.12(A)
82
Jul 31, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed raw shelled eggs stored directly above RTE sausages and roasted bacon in walk-in unit. Observed packaged raw chicken stored directly above packaged raw beef in walk-in unit at time of inspection. All raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code. Provided proper food storage chart via email
3-302.11(A1-2)
Food not reheated to required temperature for hot holding
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cooked red salsa with tomatoes made in-house at 131'F in steam unit located beside cooking stove. Chef stated salsa was brought out from walk-in about 30 minutes prior and is being reheated in steam unit. Steam unit water measured at 148'F. TCS food items prepared onsite and reheated for hot holding must be rapidly reheated to 165°F within 2 hours prior to hot holding. PIC reheated salsa on cooking stove to 165'F at time of inspection
3-403.11
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed water bottle and tools stored in handwashing sink at time of inspection. PIC will ensure establishment discontinues use of handwash sink for all activities that are not for handwashing. PIC removed items from handwashing sink at time of inspection. Handwashing sinks shall be used only for handwashing
5-205.11
Working containers of toxic materials not identified
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed working container of degreaser, identified by PIC, with no labelling. Working containers shall be labeled to ensure chemicals at the food establishment can be easily and properly identified. PIC labeled bottle at time of inspection
7-102.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed no Certified Food Protection Manager present on-site at time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. 5TH CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION
2-102.12(A)
Prohibitions; Utensils, Equipment and Linens
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed white napkin linen mixed in with rolled tacos in tabletop prep cooler drawer located across from stovetop. Ensure that any linens/napkins are kept away from direct contact with food to avoid any possible cross contamination. PIC removed linen at time of inspection
4-903.12
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Primitivo Mexican Food last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Primitivo Mexican Food on file is from Feb 3, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Primitivo Mexican Food?
Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Primitivo Mexican Food.
How does Primitivo Mexican Food compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?
Primitivo Mexican Food most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.
Has Primitivo Mexican Food's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Primitivo Mexican Food have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Primitivo 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.
How often is Primitivo Mexican Food inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Primitivo Mexican Food is inspected around four times per year on average.
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