California Taco Shop
Last inspected: Feb 11, 2026
90
Score
Public records show seven inspections at California Taco Shop stretching back to 2023. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 11, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around seven violations per visit lately, up from roughly three violations before.
“Insects, rodents & animals not present” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
Among Warwick restaurants, the typical score is 86; California Taco Shop is comfortably above that bar. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 11, 2026
Re-Inspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: The door to the employee toilet room is not self-closing. Except during cleaning and maintenance operations, toilet room doors shall be kept closed.
6-501.19
Refuse receptacles not suitable or in poor condition
Inspector notes: The dumpster outside is located on gravel. The outdoor storage surface for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must be constructed of nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt and must be smooth, durable, and sloped to drain.
5-501.13
90
Jan 29, 2026
Re-Inspection
2 major violations. 6 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was lacking paper towels. Staff provided paper towels during this inspection.
6-301.12
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of (rodents) is not controlled as evidenced by live rodent observed in kitchen area and droppings observed in the kitchen. 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. -Establishment must contact pest control to perform a full evaluation/assessment of facility. A plan of action must be provided to inspector detailing treatment methods and target date to eliminate pests. -Establishment must monitor for pest activity and notify pest control of activity. -Establishment must create a daily cleaning checklist before opening and after closing to monitor pest activity.
6-501.111
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The doors to the outside, located in the back near the mop sink room and back storage area are not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.
6-202.15
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces underneath the hot holding area and cook line area have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-602.13
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: The door to the employee toilet room is not self-closing. Except during cleaning and maintenance operations, toilet room doors shall be kept closed.
6-501.19
Refuse receptacles not suitable or in poor condition
Inspector notes: The dumpster outside is located on gravel. The outdoor storage surface for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must be constructed of nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt and must be smooth, durable, and sloped to drain.
5-501.13
Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable
Inspector notes: The walls in the mop sink area are constructed of wood and is not durable, easily cleanable, or non-absorbent. The materials for indoor floors, walls, and ceiling must be durable, easily cleanable and nonabsorbent for areas subject to moisture such as food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, ware-washing areas, toilet rooms, etc. Proper material guidance reviewed.
6-101.11
Floor and wall junctures not properly coved or sealed
Inspector notes: Holes were observed in the mop sink area, underneath 3-bay sink, on the side of cooler located in front of establishment, and in kitchen area. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-201.13
61
Jan 12, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 8 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Various foods were observed held at (46-63) degrees Fahrenheit in prep unit located in kitchen. Per PIC foods were placed in bottom of the unit on 1/11/26. Other TCS foods in the unit were observed at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below and relocated to the refrigerator. Person-in-charge voluntarily disposed of raw shrimp, ground beef, diced pork, and diced steak. Prep unit temperature was adjusted, and temperature was retested (35) degree Fahrenheit at time of inspection. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling.
3-501.16(A)
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency
(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. PIC moved can opener to 3-bay sink to be washed, rinsed and sanitized at the time of inspection.
4-602.11
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly
Inspector notes: Single service to-go containers were observed not being stored properly in their original protective package located on a shelf above prep unit. Proper storage of single-service items reviewed.
4-903.11(A)
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the front shelving located across from prep area have an accumulation residue. A few rodent droppings were observed on shelving next to register. NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.
4-602.13
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: The door to the employee toilet room is not self-closing. Except during cleaning and maintenance operations, toilet room doors shall be kept closed.
6-501.19
Refuse receptacles not suitable or in poor condition
Inspector notes: The dumpster outside is located on gravel. The outdoor storage surface for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must be constructed of nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt and must be smooth, durable, and sloped to drain.
5-501.13
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Floors located in the following areas: -dry storage closet -next to front cooler -back of kitchen were observed with some rodent droppings. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable
Inspector notes: The walls in the mop sink area are constructed of wood and is not durable, easily cleanable, or non-absorbent. The materials for indoor floors, walls, and ceiling must be durable, easily cleanable and nonabsorbent for areas subject to moisture such as food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, ware-washing areas, toilet rooms, etc. Proper material guidance reviewed.
6-101.11
Floor and wall junctures not properly coved or sealed
Inspector notes: Holes were observed in the mop sink area, on the side of cooler located in front of establishment, and in kitchen area. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-201.13
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the back near the mop sink room, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.
6-202.15
50
May 22, 2024
Re-Inspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety that is licensed/registered with the RIDOH Center for Food Protection. Current Food Safety Manager License associated with the establishment is expired. Per the owner, will reinstate as soon as possible.
2-102.12
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the back near the mop sink room, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.
6-202.15
90
May 7, 2024
Environmental Complaint
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods were not stored properly to prevent cross-contamination in the walk-in cooler. Raw animal foods were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food during storage.
3-302.11
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
Inspector notes: No person in charge certified in Food Safety was present as needed at the time of inspection. Establishments are to employ an individual certified in Food Safety at all times when time temperature control for safety (TCS) food is being prepared, handled, and/or served.
2-103.11
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Several food items were observed not properly marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation. Per interview with employees, food items were prepared within 7 days of inspection. Food items were properly dated at the time of inspection.
3-501.17
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety that is licensed/registered with the RIDOH Center for Food Protection. Current Food Safety Manager License associated with the establishment is expired. PIC is to submit application for Food Safety Manager License as soon as possible. (Application printed for PIC at the time of inspection.)
2-102.12
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the back near the mop sink room, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.
6-202.15
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The following areas of the Physical Facilities were observed to be in poor repair... - The wall-to-floor junctions in areas throughout then kitchen area were observed to be lacking coving - The walls behind the dish area were observed to have gaps/missing covering exposing the inner wall structure - The tile wall in the mop room area is in poor repair (Tiles missing). The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
61
Nov 16, 2023
Re-Inspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety at all times when time temperature control for safety (TCS) food is being prepared, handled, and/or served.
2-102.12
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The 3 bay sink was lacking adequate stoppers.
6-501.11
90
Oct 31, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
Inspector notes: Various foods were observed held above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Food was recently stocked and moved to colder refrigeration.
3-501.16(A)
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of flying insects is not controlled as evidenced by accumulation of flying insects. 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.
6-501.111
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety at ALL times when time temperature control for safety (TCS) food is being prepared, handled, and/or served. Per PIC, morning manager to take test to get certified.
2-102.12
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
Inspector notes: Utensils were observed stored in stagnant water between uses. Proper utensil storage procedures reviewed with PIC.
3-304.12
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The prep unit was observed with an ambient temperature of 44 degrees. Unit was observed iced over and was taken out of service. Unit to be serviced later today.
4-501.11
Mops not properly air-dried after use
Inspector notes: Mops must be allowed to air dry after use.
6-501.16
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The floors in the dry storage area and next to the walk-in have an accumulation of mouse droppings. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The 3-bay sink is lacking adequate stoppers.
6-501.11
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was California Taco Shop last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at California Taco Shop on file is from Feb 11, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at California Taco Shop?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents & animals not present” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at California Taco Shop.
How does California Taco Shop compare to other restaurants in Warwick?
California Taco Shop most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is higher than the Warwick average of 86.
Has California Taco Shop's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at California Taco Shop have averaged around seven violations per visit, up 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.
How often is California Taco Shop inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, California Taco Shop is inspected around three times per year on average.
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