California Taco Shop

94 Plain St, Providence, RI 02903

Mexican / Latin

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Dec 5, 2024

Score

Low Risk

California Taco Shop has been inspected five times since 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 5, 2024. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around one violation across recent inspections versus roughly three violations before.

Across the inspection history, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.

The city-wide average for Providence sits at 80, putting California Taco Shop on the better side of that line. The record reflects steady performance over time.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Dec 5, 2024

Re-Inspection

1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

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

Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (onions) in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage. Staff moved eggs during inspection.

3-302.11

Nov 21, 2024

Re-Inspection

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time

Inspector notes: According to cooling log (attached), beans and carnitas, which was prepared in advance, were not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours. Inspector reviewed logs and potential corrective action with PIC. PIC reviewed the logs with staff during inspection.

3-501.14

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Refrigerator located in the rear of the kitchen was not in good repair. Inspector observed ambient temperature of 43-44 degrees. PIC informed inspector that service is scheduled for today when gasket arrives.

4-501.11

Jan 2, 2024

Re-Inspection

4 minor violations.

View 4 violations

No designated area for employee eating or drinking

Inspector notes: Employees' phone was observed stored on top of the gloves in the kitchen. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be used for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and other possessions.

6-403.11

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination

Inspector notes: Onions were observed stored on the floor in the kitchen. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.

3-305.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Prep unit door gaskets were observed in poor repair.

4-501.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Prep unit was observed to be leaking.

4-501.11

Dec 13, 2023

Reinspection for Opening

No violations found.

100

Dec 11, 2023

Routine

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

View 11 violations

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed mop sink to have a leak from the faucet. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair. PIC informed.

5-205.15

Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate

Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by droppings. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies. PIC informed.

6-501.111

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

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (prep unit, cutting boards ) were observed with rodent droppings. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. PIC informed.

4-601.11(A)

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The floors in the kitchen area has an accumulation of rodent droppings. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

No designated area for employee eating or drinking

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

6-403.11

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

Inspector notes: Knives were stored on an unclean surface (in between prep unit) between uses. During pauses in food preparation, utensils must be stored on a clean surface or in a clean, protected location. PIC informed.

3-304.12

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Prep unit was observed to be leaking. PIC informed.

4-501.11

Nonfood-contact surfaces have cracks, ledges, or crevices

Inspector notes: Prep unit door gaskets were observed in poor repair.

4-202.16

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the shelving and prep unit have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. PIC informed.

4-602.13

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: Hole was observed in floor (food preparation). The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair. PIC informed.

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 Dec 5, 2024. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at California Taco Shop?

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

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

California Taco Shop most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is higher than the Providence average of 80.

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

Yes. Recent inspections at California Taco Shop have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at California 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.

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