Santa Madre Taco Shop
Last inspected: Apr 20, 2026
90
Score
Going back to 2024, Santa Madre Taco Shop has five inspections in the public record. On Apr 20, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “cleaning ventilation systems, nuisance and discharge prohibition”, showing up three times.
Restaurants in Tempe average 95, so Santa Madre Taco Shop trails the local norm. The record reflects steady performance over time.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 20, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Time used as public health control not properly documented
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Establishment is using Time as a Public Health Control for their salsa bar but did not have written procedures for it. Establishment is using a 4 hour time control and had a 10:00 time stamp while TCS foods such as salsa and pico de gallo (diced tomatoes) had an internal temperature of 49-60*F. Time as a Public Health Control requires written procedures detailing process for Time as a Public Health Control and time-stamping for items actively held under Time as a Public Health Control. Establishment was able to create written procedures at the time of inspection
3-501.19(A1,B2,C2-3)
90
Nov 7, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Ventilation system not cleaned properly
Inspector notes: Observed heavy black grease buildup, dust and there are signs of drippage on the ventilation system. Discussed with PIC to clean at a frequency that prevents accumulation of dust, grease and grease drippage. Also observed missing/ separated and dangling high temperature caulking of the ventilation system. Discussed to replace the high temperature caulking on all fixed parts of the ventilation system to prevent accumulation of grease build up and drippage
6-501.14
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed no Certified Food Protection Manager (CFM) present at time of inspection. A CFM is required at all times of operation. Please obtain CFM prior to next routine inspection
2-102.12(A)
Fixed equipment not properly spaced or sealed
Inspector notes: Observed separated/missing caulking or black organic matter on existing caulking along the fixed equipment: men's bathroom, front and back hand wash sinks including splash guards, three-compartment sink, and prep sink. Discussed with PIC all fixed equipment shall be sealed with caulking to create a smooth and easily cleanable surface to prevent accumulation of contaminants
4-402.11
86
Aug 6, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Fixed equipment not properly spaced or sealed
Inspector notes: Observed separated/missing caulking or black organic matter on existing caulking along the fixed equipment: men's bathroom, front and back hand wash sinks including splash guards, three-compartment sink, and prep sink. Discussed with Person in Charge (PIC) all fixed equipment shall be sealed with caulking to create a smooth and easily cleanable surface to prevent accumulation of contaminants
4-402.11
Ventilation system not cleaned properly
Inspector notes: Observed heavy black grease buildup, dust and there are signs of drippage on the ventilation system, Per PIC the system was cleaned approximately 3 months prior to inspection. Discussed with PIC to clean at a frequency that prevents accumulation of dust, grease and grease drippage. Also observed missing/ separated and dangling high temperature caulking of the ventilation system. Discussed to replace the high temperature caulking on all fixed parts of the ventilation system to prevent accumulation of grease build up and drippage
6-501.14
90
Apr 18, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation system not cleaned properly
Inspector notes: Observed heavy black grease buildup and drippage on the ventilation system, the wall behind the fryer and grill and on the wall around the ventilation system. Per PIC the system was cleaned approximately 3 months prior to inspection. Discussed with PIC to clean at a frequency that prevents accumulation of dust, grease and grease drippage. Also observed missing/ separated and dangling high temperature caulking of the ventilation system. Discussed to replace the high temperature caulking on all fixed parts of the ventilation system to prevent accumulation of grease build up and drippage
6-501.14
Fixed equipment not properly spaced or sealed
Inspector notes: Observed separated/missing caulking or black organic matter on existing caulking along the fixed equipment: men's bathroom, front and back hand wash sinks, three-compartment sink, and prep sink. Discussed with Person in Charge (PIC) all fixed equipment shall be sealed with caulking to create a smooth and easily cleanable surface to prevent accumulation of contaminants
4-402.11
90
Sep 6, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Working containers of toxic materials not identified
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed several spray bottles without labels hanging on the shelf storing cutting boards. Discussed with PIC that all chemicals must be labeled with common name and stored away from food, utensils, and single service items at all times to prevent contamination. All chemicals were labeled and relocated and properly stored by PIC at time of inspection
7-102.11
Improper cooling methods used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed at the salsa bar with a sneeze guard to have several TCS items at a temperature of 46*F to 49*F. Per PIC the items were prepped and then placed in the 1 hour prior to inspection. Discussed with PIC all 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. Cooling TCS items shall not occur in the salsa bar, but in a reach-in refrigerator or freezer and once down to 41*F shall be placed in the salsa bar. Also discussed to use metal containers to help with more rapid temperature changes. PIC swapped out TCS items to rapidly cool and replaced with TCS items that were at 41*F or less. The TCS items were: cut cabbage, red and green salsa, pico de gallo, roasted peppers and a cream sauce
3-501.15(A)
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Santa Madre Taco Shop last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Santa Madre Taco Shop on file is from Apr 20, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Santa Madre Taco Shop?
Across the inspection record, “cleaning ventilation systems, nuisance and discharge prohibition” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Santa Madre Taco Shop.
How does Santa Madre Taco Shop compare to other restaurants in Tempe?
Santa Madre Taco Shop most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is lower than the Tempe average of 95.
Has Santa Madre Taco Shop's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Santa Madre Taco Shop have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Santa Madre Taco Shop 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 Santa Madre Taco Shop inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Santa Madre Taco Shop is inspected around three times per year on average.
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