California Taco

877 Central Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02861

Mexican / Latin

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: May 22, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

Public records currently show only two inspections for California Taco. The newest entry in the record is dated May 22, 2025. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.

Compared to the prior visit, inspectors found more to write up: five violations versus four before.

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

That's lower than the typical Pawtucket restaurant, which scores around 87. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

May 22, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

Food-contact surfaces; cleaned & sanitized (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The chlorine concentration in the sanitizing solution of the 3-bay sink was observed exceeding 200 parts per million (ppm). The concentration of chlorine in the sanitizing solution must be between 50-100 ppm. Sanitizer was drained and corrected to 50 ppm at the time of inspection.

4-501.114

Sanitizer test kit not available

Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the chlorine sanitizing solution for the 3-bay sink. Establishment is to obtain test strips.

4-302.14

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: The prep unit gasket was observed in poor repair. Gaskets must be maintained in good repair.

4-501.11

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Bowls are being used as scoops in containers of dry ingredients. Utensils used to dispense non-time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods such as sugar and flour must be stored in the food item with their handles above the top of the food within the container.

3-304.12

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

Inspector notes: The door to the kitchen toilet room is not self-closing. Toilet room doors must be self-closing.

6-501.19

May 22, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 4 violations

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time

Inspector notes: Beef and Pork, which was prepared in advance, was not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Beef and Pork was voluntarily disposed of.

3-501.14

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (can opener) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.

4-601.11(A)

Sewage & waste water properly disposed

Inspector notes: The condensate from the prep unit refrigeration unit is draining into a container. Condensate drainage and other nonsewage liquids must drain into a drain.

5-403.12

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Refrigerator door gaskets were observed in poor repair on the walk in prep unit. Gaskets must be maintained in good repair.

4-501.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was California Taco last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at California Taco on file is from May 22, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at California Taco?

Across the inspection record, food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable has been cited two times, more than any other issue at California Taco.

How does California Taco compare to other restaurants in Pawtucket?

California Taco most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Pawtucket average of 87.

Has California Taco's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at California Taco have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about four per visit to around five more recently.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at California Taco means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

Nearby Restaurants

Latin Grill

881 Central Avenue

Score: 67 — Medium Risk

Joes Central Ave Bar & Grill

836 Central Avenue

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

579 Benefit St Restaurant

579 Benefit Street

Score: 82 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Pawtucket → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Rhode Island → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Pawtucket