California Taco Shop

981 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, RI 02904

Mexican / Latin

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: May 20, 2025

Score

High Risk

Public records currently show only two inspections for California Taco Shop. California Taco Shop was last inspected on May 20, 2025. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.

Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around four violations to closer to 11 violations per visit.

Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.

That's lower than the typical North Providence restaurant, which scores around 81. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

May 20, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.

View 11 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Raw animal foods were not stored properly to prevent cross-contamination. Except when combined as ingredients, different types of raw animal foods must be separated from each other during storage by using separate equipment or arranging each type of food in equipment so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented.

3-302.11

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)

Working containers of toxic materials not identified (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Working containers used for storing chemicals taken from bulk supplies were not marked with the common name of the chemical.

7-102.11

Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations

Inspector notes: No person in charge was present as needed at the time of inspection.

2-103.11

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: The floor in the kitchen and ware washing area is in poor repair, observed exposed tiles throughout. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean

Inspector notes: The ceiling in the ware washing area is in poor repair, observed missing ceiling tile with exposed installation. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-201.16

Light bulbs not shatter-resistant or protected

Inspector notes: Protective shielding is not provided for the lights in the ware washing area. Light bulbs must be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; or unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.

6-202.11

No designated area for employee eating or drinking (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Employees' clothing or other personal belongings were observed stored throughout kitchen. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be used for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and other possessions.

6-403.11

Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly

Inspector notes: Single service items are being stored on the floor in the dry storage area.

4-903.11(A)

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: The wall in the kitchen area is in poor repair, observed exposed wood. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Floor and wall junctures not properly coved or sealed

Inspector notes: The floor and wall junctures in the ware washing do not have coving. The floor and wall junctures must be coved and closed to no larger than 1/32nd of an inch.

6-201.13

Jan 31, 2025

Opening

4 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Ceiling tile in the dry storage area was observed with previous water damage. PIC informed.

4-602.13

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: The floor in the kitchen area is in poor repair, observed missing pieces throughout. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The floor and wall junctures in the following areas do not have coving. The floor and wall junctures must be coved and closed to no larger than 1/32nd of an inch. 1. Ware washing area (floor & walls) 2. Prep area (floor) 3. Doorway (floor)

6-501.12

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed missing ceiling tiles in the dry storage area. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was California Taco Shop last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at California Taco Shop on file is from May 20, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at California Taco Shop?

Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at California Taco Shop.

How does California Taco Shop compare to other restaurants in North Providence?

California Taco Shop most recently scored 45 out of 100, which is lower than the North Providence average of 81.

Has California Taco Shop's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at California Taco Shop have averaged around 11 violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at California Taco Shop means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

Nearby Restaurants

Shawarma Brothers

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Score: 100 — Low Risk

Best Taste

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Score: 61 — Medium Risk

Az Mart

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Score: 86 — Low Risk

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