Senor Taco
Last inspected: Feb 24, 2026
74
Score
Senor Taco has been inspected seven times since 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 24, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near two violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “restriction-presence and use” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.
Senor Taco's latest score of 74 falls below the Fountain Hills average of 92. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
7
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 24, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: In walk in cooler, pan of cooked birria and pan of cooked beef with preparation dates of 2/17, one day past discard date. Pans of cooked birria and cooked beef were discarded. See embargo form. RTE/TCS foods requiring date marking are to be date marked within 24 hours and sold or discarded after 7 days (including the day it was made as day 1)
3-501.18
Hands not washed when required
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Employee handled hose at mop sink, discarded water bottle in trash can and touched trash with gloved hands, then began working on cook line with same gloved hands, without a handwash. Instructed employee to discard gloves, wash hands, and don new gloves to continue with task. Discussed the importance of proper hand washing and when hand washing is required with the person-in-charge (PIC). Hands are to be washed at any time contamination occurs and when changing tasks
2-301.14
74
Oct 21, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 7, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas
Inspector notes: No lighting available in restroom in the rear storage area. Provide lighting
6-303.11
95
Jul 1, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Food obtained from unapproved source
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: In kitchen reach-in refrigerator, observed portioned pieces of Tres Leches cake. When asked regarding this product, staff indicated that it was prepared by a spouse in a home kitchen. All food must be obtained from an approved source as defined by law. Serve foods originating from an approved, permitted food establishment. After discussion with the person in charge, it has been determined that the root cause of the violation was training staff which resulted in the violation. All food from unapproved source was discarded at time of inspection
3-201.11(A-B)
Prohibited toxic material present in facility
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: In rear toilet room, observed a container of Bug Max Home Pest Control, Ortho Indoor Insect Barrier, and Black Flag wasp and hornet spray (2 cans). All pest control for the establishment must be performed by a certified pest control specialist and chemicals for pest control must not be stored onsite. PIC removed pest control chemicals from premises at time of inspection
7-202.11
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: Observed one live, adult cockroach on wall in kitchen. Establishment must be maintained free of pests, and all pest control measures must be conducted by a licensed pest control specialist. Eliminate current pest control problem and obtain pest control from a certified and licensed pest control specialist. Email inspector proof of pest control service within about a week
6-501.111(C)
Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas
Inspector notes: No lighting available in restroom in the rear storage area. Provide lighting
6-303.11
67
Mar 5, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: In the walk-in cooler, observed a plastic bucket (over 12 inches deep) of chicken broth/56F that had been prepared the evening before. Cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling. After discussion with the person in charge, it has been determined that the root cause of the violation was training staff and a verification breakdown which resulted in the violation. The improperly cooled broth was voluntarily discarded by PIC at time of inspection
3-501.14
Food thawed using improper method
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed frozen french fries being maintained at room temperature. All TCS foods being thawed from frozen must be thawed in an approved manner. Foods must be thawed under refrigeration, under cold running water, or as part of the cooking process. PIC returned the potatoes to a refrigerator
3-501.13
82
Nov 4, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 16, 2024
Routine
3 major violations. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Prohibited toxic material present in facility
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Near the water heater, observed a container of Bug Max insecticide. All pest control for the establishment must be performed by a certified pest control specialist and chemicals for pest control must not be stored onsite. PIC removed pest control chemicals from premises at time of inspection
7-202.11
Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food
Inspector notes: Observed no consumer advisory for eggs (huevos rancheros) which may be, per PIC, be served undercooked. Offering and serving undercooked proteins requires an approved consumer advisory at all points of sale, and must contain an approved disclosure method and reminder statement. Provide approved consumer advisory. Email corrective action to inspector within about a week
3-603.11
Handwashing sink water not at required temperature
Inspector notes: In the three restrooms, observed maximum water temperature of 86F at the handwash sinks. 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. Email repair receipt or some sort of proof of corrective action to inspector within about a week
5-202.12(A)
Closing Toilet Room Doors
Inspector notes: Observed employee restroom door open due to broken self-closing device. Repair/replace the self-closing device as needed
6-501.19
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Senor Taco last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Senor Taco on file is from Feb 24, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Senor Taco?
Across the inspection record, “restriction-presence and use” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Senor Taco.
How does Senor Taco compare to other restaurants in Fountain Hills?
Senor Taco most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Fountain Hills average of 92.
Has Senor Taco's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Senor Taco have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Senor Taco means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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