Salsitas
Last inspected: Mar 25, 2026
64
Score
Going back to 2024, Salsitas has seven inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 25, 2026. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around one violation to closer to three violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.
Restaurants in Mesa average 95, so Salsitas trails the local norm. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
7
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 25, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed raw bacon stored above various ready to eat foods including beans and various preparations of cooked meat. 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
3-302.11(A1-2)
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a wire scrub brush stored in the hand sink near the service line. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. PIC will ensure establishment discontinues use of handwash sink for all activities that are not for handwashing. PIC relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection
5-205.11
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed various containers in use as scoops in the walk in cooler and dry storage area without the aid of a dedicated handle. 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. Advised PIC to use scoops, ladles and spoons with dedicated handles to help prevent contamination
3-304.12
Light bulbs not shatter-resistant or protected
Inspector notes: No shielded lighting in the back kitchen on fluorescent lighting. Advised PIC shielded lighting is required to help prevent physical contamination in the event of a broken bulb. Replace diffuser cover or utilize a plastic tube shield or replace with a plastic LED bulb to properly shield lighting
6-202.11
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: Observed a large light gap under the back door due to weather stripping in disrepair. Repair/replace weather stripping to help eliminate pest entry points
6-202.15
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: No CFPM onsite at the time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
64
Nov 19, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
Inspector notes: Observed pulled pork hot holding on preparation line at internal temperature of 116 deg F. Cook reheated pork to >165 deg F during inspection
3-501.16(A)(1)
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed flan prepared at establishment without a datemark. PIC informed flan had been prepared >48 hours prior and datemarked case with date prepared on case
3-501.17
78
Jul 22, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed the reach in unit across from grill holding temperature at 46.9 deg F (according to the min/max thermometer) TCS food items cold holding in unit was discarded or redirected to walk in. Currently there is no TCS holding in unit. Manager will call for repair
4-301.11
90
Jan 27, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed carne asada hot holding at internal temperature of 122 deg F in a double pan on steam table. Cook reheated to >165 deg F. during inspection
3-501.16(A)(1)
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed the inside food contact surface of the slicer stored along with clean food storage bins in the kitchen area. Manager placed slicer in dishwashing area
4-601.11(A)
78
Nov 26, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Toxic materials not used according to law or manufacturer instructions
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed the chlorine chemical sanitizer in a sanitizer bucket that employee informed is for sanitizing food and nonfood contact surfaces at a concentration of >200 ppm. Employee adjusted concentration to within required concentration during inspection
7-202.12(A-B)
86
Aug 8, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 31, 2024
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures
Inspector notes: Observed front reach in unit on front food service area holding temperature at 45.5 deg F TCS food items were placed on ice for dinner service, observed reach in unit across from grill area holding at 44.4 deg F TCS were removed from this unit and observed back reach in unit holding temperature at 45.5 deg F food items were removed. Owner will call for repair or unit replacement
4-301.11
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
Inspector notes: Observed hand sink for the outdoor cooking operation not properly operational. PIC informed they will be outdoor cooking this evening. Employee set up temporary water jug with pour spout and soap and paper towels until sink is repaired
5-205.11
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Salsitas last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Salsitas on file is from Mar 25, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Salsitas?
Across the inspection record, “using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Salsitas.
How does Salsitas compare to other restaurants in Mesa?
Salsitas most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the Mesa average of 95.
Has Salsitas' inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Salsitas have averaged around three violations per visit, up from roughly one earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Salsitas means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Salsitas inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Salsitas is inspected around four times per year on average.
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