The Taco Spot III

542 W Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85210

Mexican / Latin

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Feb 11, 2026

Score

Low Risk Grade: A

The Taco Spot III has been inspected five times since 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 11, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around four violations to closer to two violations per visit over the last few inspections.

Across the inspection history, “certified food protection manager” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.

Compared to other Mesa restaurants (averaging 95), there's room to close the gap. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 11, 2026

Routine

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) was not present 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)

Unnecessary items or litter present on premises

Inspector notes: Observed a tortilla maker with no NSF or (equivalent certification) stamp being present at the establishment. Person in charge was not able to provide documentation showing the tortilla maker is an approved piece of equipment. Please only use NSF or equivalent certified equipment which are designed to be properly disassembled and cleaned. Please provide documentation or remove this piece of equipment from the establishment

6-501.114

Oct 28, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 6 violations

Medicines stored or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed a bottle of ibuprofen stored in a plastic container above the prep cooler on the cook line. All medicines must be stored away from food, utensils, and single service items to prevent contamination. All medicines were relocated and properly stored by PIC at time of inspection

7-207.11(B)

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed food debris on the inside of a metal pan and 2 food dicers stored as clean. All food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch. PIC relocated all food-contact surfaces to warewashing area to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at the time of inspection

4-601.11(A)

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Observed no CFPM on site at the time of inspection, PIC is in the process of obtaining a CFPM. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation

2-102.12(A)

Outer openings not protected against pests (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed the back door to the establishment ajar at the time of inspection. Observed the door in disrepair so that the door does not self-close easily. Advised PIC to repair door to easily close and tightly seal when not in use. Advised PIC propping door open may allow for pest entry

6-202.15

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed multiple drain lines stored below the flood rim of the floor sink servicing the drain lines. Indirectly plumbed drain lines must be stored 1 inch above the flood rim. Must repair all plumbing to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection

5-205.15(B)

Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures

Inspector notes: Observed debris and oil spilled around the trash and grease receptacles in the outdoor trash area. PIC stated the same trash is use by two other food establishments. Advised PIC to have the area cleaned to ensure the trash area does not attract pests or become a nuisance

5-501.115

Jun 9, 2025

Routine

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

No certified food protection manager

2-102.12(A)

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed multiple drain lines stored below the flood rim of the floor sink servicing the drain lines. Indirectly plumbed drain lines must be stored 1 inch above the flood rim

5-205.15(B)

Jan 8, 2025

Routine

3 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 3 violations

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: No CFPM onsite at the time of inspection. PIC stated they are taking the exam 1/15/25. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation

2-102.12(A)

Equipment or utensils not air-dried before storage (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed 10+ wet stacked dishes drying on the wire rack near the ice machine. All equipment and food contact surfaces must be air-dried after properly cleaning and sanitizing. PIC separated the dishes to properly air dry at the time of inspection

4-901.11

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

5-205.15(B)

Aug 12, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

2-102.12(A)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Taco Spot III last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Taco Spot III on file is from Feb 11, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at The Taco Spot III?

Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at The Taco Spot III.

How does The Taco Spot III compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

The Taco Spot III most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is lower than the Mesa average of 95.

Has The Taco Spot III's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at The Taco Spot III have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at The Taco Spot III 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 The Taco Spot III inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, The Taco Spot III is inspected around three times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Panda Express

1130 S Alma School Rd

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